Palapye is probably one of the most fastest growing placed in Botswana. This tiny village is transforming itself into a versatile little town. And it is fascinating to watch it grow! When I moved to Palapye in August 2014 I just saw it is a small village but it was not lost on me that it is located in the perfect place that would be beneficial for growth.
Palapye has seen a lot of growth in malls, eatery places but there is still one gaping hole. There is no park to take kids to play at, or to have a picnic or even to take a book and just spend time there reading. So there are not many things to do as a family in Palapye that would not require a restaurant or a fast food visit.
Nevertheless I believe that fun is what you make it and my little family and I have found a few fun places to go sightsee and picnic surrounding Palapye.
1. Old Palapye & Phothophotho
This place is located about 30 minutes away from Palapye and with it comes amazing views and a look into the history of Palapye. This quaint little place is where Palapye used to be located. You can see the numerous ruins of places of settlers called home. But what stands out is the beautiful ruins of the Old Church built by the London Missionary Society in January 2019. You need to see the beauty to understand it. Then one would take a steep walk to the Phothophotho gorge where there is a beautiful waterfall. The water trickles down from a high cliff. It is so serene and peaceful. And the palace photographs beautifully.
So pack your hiking boots, a bottle of water and snacks in a backpack. It is a long-ish walk. It was free to go there last time I was there but they were putting up a fence and other steps to make sure the public starts paying to enter this place.
2. Goo-Moremi Gorge
Located in the Moremi village about 70km from Palapye lies the picturesque Goo-Moremi Gorge Resort.
The bonus is that they also have quaint chalets and spacious campsites. We have been to this place twice and were there most recently in December 2019 and went camping for the first time. And what stood out the most was that each campsite had its own ablution block. So basically you do NOT share your toilets and showers, YAY! They also have restaurant on site, which has a small pool which has a view to die for! The pool is only available to residents. If you are feeling adventurous you can also climb up to the gorge. The view is absolutely phenomenal, and the waterfall is amazing. There is even a little lookout at the top.
3. Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Affectionately known as KRS and it is located just after Paje. KRS offers a little bit of everything, chalets, huge campsites and shared ablution sites. A restaurant on site, along with a medium sized pool. But the icing on the cake is the wildlife. If you have a 4×4 that is even more wonderful as you do your own game drives and you pay less. But if you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle, KRS offers AM & PM game drives at a fee. Among the diverse wildlife you will see is giraffes, impalas, kudus, springboks, zebras and of course the majestic and dangerous rhino.
In December 2017 we saw a rhino with a unicorn horn. We were so fascinated.
4.Bonwakathako Dam
This dam is located in Palapye. My husband and took me there when I moved to Palapye in 2014 and we have been there many times after. It is especially stunning after it rains because the dam would be filled up and there would be a lot more birdlife. People in Palapye go there relax, braai, fish and just be.
There is a peace that comes out by packing up your kids, camp chairs, a mat and a picnic and sitting there by the side of the dam watching the water flow. It is truly remarkable.
But the public will soon have to pay for enjoying this dam. They are currently building a security guard office at the entrance.
Being in the outdoors is extremely therapeutic and healing. So if you want to relax, chill, take the kids out or just be away from people for a while, pack up and visit one, two or even all of these places. You will definitely have a story to tell when you get back home and have made lots of memories in the process.
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1 Comment
Thanks Shaz for a nice article.
I think there might be room for another one. Palapye also has the Toutswemogala Hill arch and fossil beds. The opportunity to eat some very exotic seswaa from warthog, eland etc at CNS farm, which also has a nice swimming pool suitable for children. The swimming pool at Little Paws has to be worth a mention. There are outdoor movies for kids on Saturday evenings at Segaigai Farm; and then there is the track across the Tswapong Hills from Modutela to Lecheng. Lemone Pan and Lecheng Pan are popular with children too, and they are free.
Can I encourage you to write a follow-up ? Graeme