Plizio Visual Lab

Supa Ngwao Museum

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Supa Ngwao Museum in Francistown is the most important cultural institution in northeastern Botswana. It was established to preserve the rich history and heritage of the Kalanga people and other ethnic groups in the region. The museum is housed in the buildings of the former colonial police station and prison, providing a unique historical backdrop for the exhibits. The displays cover a wide range of topics, from the early gold rush era in Francistown to traditional crafts and musical instruments. A major highlight is the museum's commitment to keeping intangible cultural heritage alive through oral traditions and local art projects. An on-site shop sells authentic crafts from local producers, contributing to the community's economic support. The Supa Ngwao Museum also functions as a tourist information center, offering guided city tours that highlight the colonial past of Botswana's second-largest city.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Kenneth Nkhwa Interchange · Tebo House · Francistown Records Centre

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	25	24	22	19	16	15	19	23	26	26	26
Rain mm	100	89	61	23	4	4	1	0	8	25	68	102

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Supa Ngwao Museum in Francistown is open to the public and can be visited inside its dedicated building. Its exhibits cover the cultural history and traditions of northern Botswana's diverse peoples, making it a key landmark.

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Typical hours

The museum typically opens during late morning on weekdays and closes in the late afternoon. Weekend hours are often shorter; it is wise to check locally or call ahead for exact timings.

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Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside the museum, but using flash near sensitive artifacts should be avoided. For special exhibitions, it is advisable to ask staff for permission beforehand.

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Time needed

A thorough visit of the museum takes around one and a half to two hours. Those wishing to read all information panels should budget an additional half hour.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with other Francistown landmarks, such as the Anglican Church or the old railway station building. The museum makes a great starting point for a historical walking tour.

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Getting there

The museum is centrally located in Francistown and easily reachable by car, taxi, or local minibuses. Ample street parking is available in the vicinity.

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Insider tip

Ask about guided tours, as local guides often share fascinating stories not found on the panels. Check in advance if the museum is hosting a special temporary exhibition.