Old Palapye
Old Palapye is a significant historical site located approximately 20 kilometers east of modern-day Palapye, near Malaka village in Botswana. Serving as the capital of the Bangwato people under Kgosi Khama III from 1889 to 1902, the site offers a rich tapestry of Botswana’s heritage.
Historical Significance
Artifacts from the Middle Stone Age, Late Stone Age, and Early Iron Age have been discovered at Old Palapye, highlighting its long-standing importance as a settlement area. The remains of the London Missionary Society Church, constructed between 1891 and 1894, stand as a testament to the architectural endeavors of the era. Additionally, visitors can observe stone walls, remnants of rondavels, rock paintings, and historic graves belonging to both Europeans and Batswana. The site’s natural features, including perennial springs and waterfalls in the Photophoto Valley, were key attractions for early settlers. However, due to dwindling water supplies, the Bangwato relocated to Serowe in 1902, where their capital remains today.
Visiting Old Palapye
To explore Old Palapye, visitors are advised to contact the local village headman in Malaka for guidance and access. While specific contact details and a physical address are not readily available, the site is situated near Malaka village, approximately 20 kilometers east of Palapye town. For more information, potential visitors can reach out to the Botswana Tourism Organisation or local authorities in Palapye.
For further information you can contact the following offices:
Botswana National Museum
Physical Address: 311 Independence Avenue, Gaborone, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel : +267 361 0400
Email:bwmuseum@gov.bw
Botswana Tourism Organization
Physical Address: Fairscape Precinct, Plot 70667, Fairgrounds Office Park, building 1A & 1B, 2nd Floor (East Wing) Gaborone
Tel: +267 391 3111
Email: marketing@botswanatourism.co.bw
Website: https://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/explore/old-palapye
Department of Wildlife & National Parks
Gaborone
Physical Address : Plot 50380, Moedi House, Fairgrounds
Tel : +267 39 71 405
Email: dwnp@gov.bw
Maun
Tel : +267 686-0368
Email: dwnp@gov.bw
Kasane
Tel: +267 625-0486
Email: dwnp@gov.bw