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Description and history
Palapye is a large village, but in many ways is like a town, with 'suburbs' rapidly growing up. It originally served as a railway siding, and takes its name from the Impala antelope which was abundant in the area.
Location
Palapye is located in eastern Botswana (see map), near the Lotsane river. It is the busiest intersection on the main Gaborone - Francistown road, and in 1993 a new shopping centre with petrol filling stations was built at the intersection between Palapye, the A1 Gaborone - Francistown highway and Serowe. The Cresta Botsalo Hotel is located here as well.
Population
Palapye has a population of 26,000 (2001 census), but is growing rapidly, mostly in the northern direction. It has grown chiefly due to its location, and to a limited extent, due to the Morupule coal mine and power station, 5km to the east on the Palapye - Serowe road. This provides electricity to most of Botswana, and Palapye has become known as 'Botswana's powerhouse'.
Features
There is a railway station, an airstrip,
several primary and secondary schools, banks, various shops and supermarkets,
2 post offices, a police station, several district offices, a hospital
and numerous small industries.
More Photos
Palapye railway
station
Modern shopping complex along the
main Gaborone - Francistown road
Bus rank and combi-stop
