Why Goshwe Hills Stand Out
Goshwe Hills rise as a series of granite inselbergs from the flat bushveld of Botswana’s Central District. Their weathered domes and scattered boulders create a striking contrast with the surrounding acacia woodland and mopane scrub. Visitors come for the sense of solitude, the chance to scramble over smooth rock faces, and the wide views across the Kalahari fringe toward the Zimbabwe border.
Getting There
The hills lie roughly 80 kilometres northwest of Francistown. Most travellers drive via the A1 tar road north from Francistown, then turn west onto graded gravel roads that lead toward the villages of Goshwe and surrounding cattle posts. A high-clearance vehicle is advisable after rain, although the final approach is usually passable in a standard sedan during the dry months. There is no formal entrance gate or visitor centre; the area remains unfenced communal land.
Best Time to Visit
The cooler dry season from May to October offers the most comfortable hiking conditions and clearer long-distance views. Temperatures are moderate, and the risk of thunderstorms is low. November to April brings hotter days and occasional heavy rain that can turn tracks into mud and make rock surfaces slippery.
Things to Do
Short hikes lead to the main summits, where the only sounds are wind and occasional calls of hornbills or go-away birds. The rock surfaces host pockets of lichen and small succulents that bloom briefly after rain. Photographers favour sunrise and sunset from the higher ridges. Birdwatchers may spot raptors riding thermals above the hills, while patient observers sometimes see klipspringer or baboon troops among the boulders. Because the site has no marked trails, visitors should carry a GPS or offline map and note prominent landmarks for return routes.
Respecting Local Land Use
Cattle and goats graze around the base of the hills, so close gates behind you and avoid disturbing livestock. Local communities still use some rock shelters for seasonal herding; leave these undisturbed and do not remove stones or artefacts.
Nearby Attractions
Francistown itself provides fuel, supplies and basic accommodation. Further afield, the eastern edge of the Makgadikgadi salt pans lies several hours’ drive west, while the Tati River and its riparian birdlife can be reached south of Francistown. Combining a morning at Goshwe Hills with an afternoon visit to the nearby Shashe Dam area gives a good sense of the district’s varied landscapes.
