Plizio Visual Lab

Orapa House

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Orapa House in Gaborone is one of the most significant architectural landmarks in the capital of Botswana, serving as a primary facility for the sorting and valuation of diamonds produced in the country. Constructed in the late 1970s and officially opened in 1982, the building is a prime example of functionalist architecture, characterized by its distinctive windowless facade and heavy security measures designed to protect the valuable gemstones handled within. The facility is operated by the Diamond Trading Company Botswana, a joint venture between the government of Botswana and the De Beers Group. Its location at the intersection of Khama Crescent and Nelson Mandela Drive makes it a prominent feature of the city's skyline. Beyond its economic function, Orapa House symbolizes Botswana's transformation into a leading global diamond producer. The interior houses advanced technology for automated sorting, ensuring that Botswana's natural resources are processed with the highest efficiency and precision. It remains a high-security zone, reflecting the critical importance of the diamond industry to the national economy.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Philatelic Museum · Stone Monument · Three Dikgosi Monument

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	25	21	18	14	14	17	22	25	26	27
Rain mm	90	77	69	40	8	7	1	1	11	34	68	96

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Orapa House is a historic building in Gaborone that once served as a diamond sorting and valuation centre. Today it can be viewed only from the outside; the interior is not open to the public.

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Typical hours

Being an office building, the exterior areas are accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific visiting times; the best time to visit is on weekdays between 9 AM and 5 PM.

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Photography

Photography of the Orapa House façade is allowed from the street. Please avoid photographing people or security areas.

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Time needed

A quick photo stop in front of the building takes about five to ten minutes. Allow 15 minutes total for a brief look at the surroundings.

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Combine with

Orapa House is in the CBD, a short walk from Masa Square and the National Museum. Well-suited to combine with other central attractions.

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Getting there

The building is on the main street in the business district, easily reached on foot or by taxi. Parking in the area is limited, use public transport.

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Insider tip

Orapa House plays an important role in Botswana's diamond history - read the commemorative plaque in front. The visit is quick, combine it with the National Assembly.

Geography

Coordinates

-24.65480, 25.90690

Facts

The building was officially opened in 1982 by President Quett Masire.
It is located at the major intersection of Khama Crescent and Nelson Mandela Drive.
The windowless design is primarily for high-level security and climate control.
Billions of dollars worth of diamonds are valued and sorted here every year.
It serves as the headquarters for the Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB).
It is regarded as one of the most secure civilian buildings in Southern Africa.