Taking a historical walk around the Old Monarch Mine area takes you back to the very roots of Francistown's industrial birth. This historic site represents one of the earliest commercial gold mines in the region, operating during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, visitors can explore the surrounding landscape to see the remnants of old shafts, industrial foundations, and historical mining equipment left behind by early prospectors.
The walk provides a fascinating contrast between the quiet, modern suburb of Monarch and the bustling, loud industrial center it once was during the peak of the gold rush.
One fun fact people love:
The gold deposits in this area were actually worked by indigenous miners centuries before European explorers arrived, using fire and water to crack the gold-bearing quartz reef.
Where in Francistown is it?
Located in the Monarch suburb, situated on the northern side of the Francistown city limits.
How to reach:
Best accessed by arranging a guided tour with a local historian or hiring a private taxi to take you to the historic site.
Best time to visit:
June to August when the dry winter air is cool, preventing overheating during the open-air walking tour.
Best time of day:
Early morning around 8:00 AM to enjoy the soft morning light and avoid the intense midday sun.
Entry fee:
Free to view the public areas, though a small fee of BWP 150 to BWP 250 is standard for a private, guided historical walk.
Commute difficulty:
Moderate; the terrain around the historic mining site is uneven, rocky, and requires careful foot placement.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- Many of the old shafts are deep and unprotected, so it is absolutely critical to stay strictly on the established paths and follow your guide.
- Bring a high-powered flashlight if you want to peer down into some of the safe, shallow excavation sites.
- The area is highly uncommercialized, meaning there are no visitor centers or restrooms on-site, so plan accordingly before setting out.
