Often described as the ‘capital of the north’, Francistown is the second largest city in Botswana. The city holds a population of about 150,800 people, magnificently diversified for its tribes and cultures. The people of Francistown are friendly and sociable. Enthralling main attractions around the city are the Tachila Nature Reserve and the Domboshaba.
Cheap flights to Francistown are now available for a limited period of time, so get ready to be captivated by this beautiful city. Francistown is home to Francistown International Airport (FRW), which is approximately a 15-minute drive from the city center.
Popular flights to Francistown
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* Please note that the prices are subject to availability and block out dates do apply over peak season.
Why visit Francistown
Sightseeing
The heart of Botswana, and the second largest hatchling of this gold enlivened mother city. At the centre of its heart beats attractions such as Tachila Nature Reserve, and Domboshaba.
Arts & Culture
Richly diversified and respected for their ancient, modern day culture. The city lives with its heart on its sleeves. Engage in some traditional dancing, or explore a guided Bushman tour.
Cuisine
Surprisingly, Francistown boast Indian as well as European, Western European and Portuguese cuisine. Don’t leave Francistown without trying some delectable treats such as kati roll, rajma and spiced curry chick-peas.
General information
Essential details you need to know before your trip
Country
Botswana
Currency
Botswana Pula
Language
English, Setswana
Hub Airport
Francistown International Airport FRW
Airline
Air Botswana
Time Zone
UTC + 2 hours
Travel Adaptor
Type C
Best time to visit Francistown
On average the weather is good all year round in Francistown. The hot seasons are from September – December. During this time, there is generally an increase in tourism and there is a slight hike in the rates of hotel accommodation everywhere. The annual school holiday is also during this period so shops, restaurants and public spaces are normally overcrowded.
The dry periods during May – August hold a possibility of thinner crowds travelling through the streets of Francistown.
During the January – February months, is the wettest in Francistown, so local folks tend to stay indoors. This causes less traffic on the roads, and less condensed public spaces as fewer crowds pull into the city.
Weather & Climate in Francistown
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Low (°C)
31°C
31°C
30°C
29°C
26°C
23°C
24°C
26°C
30°C
32°C
32°C
31°C
High (°C)
25°C
25°C
24°C
22°C
18°C
15°C
15°C
17°C
22°C
24°C
25°C
25°C
Rainfall (mm)
85
80
50
23
7
3
1
1
3
23
51
88
Often described as the ‘capital of the north’, Francistown is the second largest city in Botswana. The city holds a population of about 150 800, magnificently diversified in its tribes and cultures. The people of Francistown are friendly and sociable. Enthralling main attractions around the city are the Tachila Nature Reserve and the Domboshaba. Recently resuscitated gold mines, have brought an obsession to the city, propelling it in its economic growth. Francistown offers a more optimistic glance into the future. Road works, and public areas have already had a face-lift and seen improvement from the increase and expansion in economic growth.
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Francistown online at Travelstart.
• Francistown requires no vaccinations to enter the country, it is however recommended to be vaccinated for yellow fever if you have travelled through a city which is experiencing an outbreak.
• Local taxis, bus services and trains are used as a general means of getting around.
• Over the counter drugs are available from local pharmacies.
• If you are keeping very valuable items with you, best to keep it in a safe.
• Do not wander about the streets late at night, but if you do, make sure you are always accompanied.
• Generally, any secluded areas pose a risk for muggings, pickpocketing or purse snatching.
Francistown, one of the oldest towns in Botswana, is tactfully placed in the north of the country. The town is a crossroads of routes between Gaborone and Bulawayo, and will serve perfectly if you’re residing within any one of these areas.
If you have fallen in love with the city centre, there are fantastic hotels which will meet your travel requirements. These hotels offer well-spaced rooms, and pose facilities such as laundry, air-conditioning, Dstv and Wi-Fi.
Just a ten-minute drive away from the city centre, in the Ntshe residential area, you will find great lodging with excellent pool facilities. This accommodation is great considering the hot and dry seasons of the city.
And finally, if you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of the noisy city, the Woodlands area makes for a tranquil destination to get some well-needed rest.
Besides aircraft, Francistown has a good transportation system. The train service has been re-instated since March 2016, with more luxury refurbished trains.
• The train departs from Francistown on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays, en-route to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe.
• By bus, Francistown is a transportation hub for most areas in the Northern part of the country. Bus services leave every hour for Gaborone, and the trips are 5 – 7 hours long.
• By car and taxi.
Main attractions in Francistown
Tachila Nature Reserve
Supa Ngwao Museum
Domboshaba Ruins
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