Old Palapye – The Forgotten Capital Whispering Botswana’s Past

History African
@africanhistory
6 months ago

Tucked beneath the Tswapong Hills near Serowe lies Old Palapye, a hauntingly beautiful historic site where nature and memory entwine. Once the thriving capital of the Bangwato people under Kgosi Khama III in the late 1800s, it is now a fascinating blend of ruins, stories, and sacred landscapes. 🏞️⛪

Among its treasures are the ruins of the London Missionary Society church, built in 1892. Though only its majestic red-brick skeleton remains, it stands defiantly as a symbol of spiritual and political transformation. Surrounding it are the remnants of traditional rondavels, grain silos, and mysterious rock engravings, some dating back thousands of years. 🧱🔥🌀

⛺ Why Visit?

Walk through Botswana’s colonial and spiritual history.

Discover natural wonders like waterfalls, wildlife, and panoramic hilltop views.

Learn about Kgosi Khama III’s progressive leadership and the strategic move to Serowe in 1902.


📸 Travel Tips:

Visit with a local guide—they bring the past to life with oral histories.

Wear hiking shoes; terrain can be rocky and hilly.

Take water and sun protection—there’s little shade on the trails.


Old Palapye is more than just a ruin—it’s a reflection of a nation’s transition, deeply etched in stone, soil, and silence.

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Photo Credit: Wikimedia