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Description and history
Serowe is a large sprawling village - one of the largest in Botswana. The Bangwato tribe moved to Serowe around 1902 from Phalatswe when the water in the Tswapong Hills ceased and here the Khama dynasty was setup. Today it remains the capital of the Bangwato tribe (the first president Sir Seretse Khama was born here) and the capital of the Central District.
Location
Serowe is located in eastern Botswana (see map), 46km north-west of Palapye.
Population
Serowe has a population of around 42,000 (2001 census), but is still expanding rapidly. The village has suffered in recent years from a lack of employment opportunities due to its off-centre location with the Central District Council being the main employer, however the government is seeking to address this problem with the construction of a new hospital as well as other building projects. There is a Debswana diamond sorting office (from the mines near Orapa) which provides some employment however the vast majority of Serowe's residents have had to search further afield for jobs.
Features
There are a number of attractions in Serowe due to its rich cultural heritage. Among these are the
Khama III Memorial Museum, which traces the history of
the Bangwato and their leadership from Khama the Great to independence, and the Khama Royal Cemetery
located on Thataganyana Hill above the Kgotla. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is located 25km north-west of Serowe on the Orapa
road and is well worth a visit if you are in the area. There are several guest houses in Serowe as well as two Lodges which do decent meals namely Serowe
Country Lodge, along the main road, and Lentswe Lodge, situated on a picturesque hill overlooking the bushveld.
