Palapye: Heritage and Landscape in the Surrounding Area

When looking for a hotel in Palapye, you can plan your trip around your interests in landscapes and cultural history. Nearby are Goo Moremi Gorge and Old Palapye; the wider destination of the Central District also includes the landscape of the Tswapong Hills. This lets you explore natural features and different forms of cultural heritage as distinct areas of interest.

Goo Moremi Gorge: Landscape and Heritage

Goo Moremi Gorge lies 67 kilometres east of Palapye. The community-based cultural and heritage tourism offering is managed by the Moremi-Manonnye Conservation Trust in partnership with the Botswana Tourism Organisation. The protected area covers 1,836 hectares and lies at the foot of the Tswapong Hills.

Perennial streams have carved deep gorges into the hills. Waterfalls plunge into deep pools surrounded by lush vegetation. The gorges are home to abundant wildlife and distinctive birdlife. Goo Moremi Gorge is therefore notable both for its landscape and for its wildlife and birdlife.

Old Palapye and the London Missionary Society Church

Old Palapye lies around 20 kilometres southeast of Palapye. It was designated a National Monument in 1938 and falls under the responsibility of the National Museum and Monuments. The London Missionary Society Church dates from 1891 to 1894. The front and rear sections of the brick building are still standing. The church’s construction date and Old Palapye’s later designation as a National Monument refer to different historical aspects.

The Tswapong Hills in the Central District

In the Central District, the Tswapong Hills Cultural Landscape comprises a mountain range about 70 kilometres long and about 15 kilometres wide. The range rises around 400 metres above its surroundings. Deep gorges have formed in the hills. These are home to seasonal rivers fed by natural springs, as well as streams. When there is heavier rain, waterfalls form and collect in lagoons; streams also form waterfalls with deep, moss-fringed pools.

Moremi Gorge lies deep in the Tswapong Hills and can be reached on foot via a steep ascent. It is the source of three perennial waterfalls. The first two waterfalls form large waterholes. The uppermost waterfall is ten metres high and plunges over rock ledges into a densely vegetated lagoon.

Moremi Gorge holds great religious and spiritual significance for the local community. It was declared a National Monument by the Department of National Museums and Monuments. As a courtesy, visitors are advised to ask the local Headman for permission before entering the Tswapong Hills. Confirm this recommendation locally before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Lentswelemoriti, Mathathane, Mahalapye, Nata, Selibe-Phikwe, Letlhakane

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Central District.