Selibe Phikwe

Selebi-Phikwe is a mining town in eastern Botswana's Central District, created in the 1960s when the small villages of Selebi and Phikwe were linked by the development of a major copper-nickel mine. Built around Bamangwato Concessions Limited (BCL), the country's first modern commercial mine, the town has a planned layout and a distinctive industrial identity that sets it apart from Botswana's larger cities.

The town's mining past remains visible in landmarks such as the tall BCL chimney, known locally as Chomela, which has become a symbol of local heritage. Following the mine's closure in 2016, Selebi-Phikwe has shifted toward economic diversification while keeping its character as a close-knit, practical eastern Botswana centre.

Outdoor attractions are within easy reach. Letsibogo Dam, which supplies water to Gaborone, is a popular spot for fishing, birdwatching, sailing and picnics, while the granite Lepokole Hills offer hiking, climbing, panoramic views and San rock paintings. In town, Selebi Pikwe Park, golf facilities, shopping malls and sports clubs provide everyday recreation.

Annual events bring national attention to the town. The Phikwe Marathon has been held since 1985, and the Toyota 1000 Desert Race has made Selebi-Phikwe a base for off-road motorsport. The Selebi-Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU) supports new business activity, and the town serves as a gateway to the Tuli Block and other eastern Botswana destinations.

For travellers, Selebi-Phikwe offers a compact, easy-to-navigate stop between Francistown and the Tuli Block, with practical hotels, local restaurants and access to dams, hills and wildlife areas. Business visitors come for mining, energy and regional trade, while leisure travellers use the town as a relaxed base for outdoor experiences and events.