About
Selebi-Phikwe is a town in eastern Botswana, known as the country's mining capital. It grew up around the large copper-nickel mining operations that shaped its identity for decades, and mining remains at the heart of its character.
What to expect
This is primarily a working industrial town rather than a resort destination. Visitors come here to see something of Botswana beyond its safari parks and capital, and to get a sense of how a mining community is organised and lived in day to day.
- A glimpse into Botswana's mining heritage, visible in the town's layout and purpose
- A working community with the everyday rhythm of an industrial centre
- Essential services for travellers, making it a practical stop on longer journeys
Around the town
Selebi-Phikwe serves as a gateway to the surrounding Tuli Block area, a region of eastern Botswana that suits travellers with an interest in landscape and the country's less-visited corners. Those planning to explore further east will find the town a convenient base for arranging onward travel and supplies.
A visit here suits the curious traveller more than the casual sightseer. Come with an interest in industry, in the places that lie off the usual routes, or in how a single resource can define a town for generations. Plan your stay around that purpose, and allow time to take in the surrounding area.