Things to Do in Francistown

Francistown sits in northeastern Botswana as the country's second-largest city, though it maintains a surprisingly intimate feel despite its commercial importance. The city serves as a gateway to the northern regions and has long been a trading hub, which gives it a practical, lived-in character that's quite different from the safari-focused destinations most visitors associate with Botswana. You'll find a mix of modern shopping centers alongside traditional markets, and the surrounding landscape offers glimpses of both urban development and the wild spaces that make this country famous. What's particularly interesting about Francistown is how it balances its role as a regional business center with genuine local culture. The city has a substantial population that actually lives and works here year-round, rather than existing primarily for tourism, which means you get a more authentic sense of contemporary Botswanan life. The nearby Tachila Nature Reserve and various cultural sites provide outdoor activities, while the city itself offers decent dining and shopping options that serve both locals and the steady stream of travelers heading north toward the Okavango Delta or south toward Gaborone.

The dining scene reflects the city's practical character - you'll find plenty of places serving hearty local food alongside international options that cater to business travelers and tourists. Traditional Botswanan dishes like seswaa (shredded beef) and morogo (wild spinach) appear on many menus, often alongside South African-influenced cuisine. The shopping centers house several decent restaurants, while local spots around the market areas offer more authentic and affordable meals. Fast food chains have a presence here, but the local establishments generally offer better value and more interesting food. Indian cuisine is surprisingly well-represented, reflecting historical trading connections.

The dry season from May to September offers the most comfortable weather, with warm days and cool nights, plus minimal rainfall. This is peak tourist season throughout Botswana, so expect higher prices and more crowds at popular attractions. The wet season from November to March brings afternoon thunderstorms and higher humidity, but also lush landscapes and excellent bird watching. Temperatures can get quite hot from October to February. April and May are particularly pleasant - the rains have usually ended but the landscape is still green, and it's not yet peak tourist season.