Skip to content
Plan & Tour
DestinationsItinerariesTravel BlogAboutContact
0Sign inPlan a trip
Plan & TourPlan & Tour

Travel guides, destination inspiration and curated itineraries for Canada, the USA and beyond, plus a free tool to plan your own day-by-day trip.

Get travel inspiration

Explore

  • All Destinations
  • Curated Itineraries
  • Travel Blog
  • Plan a Trip

Topics

  • Hiking & Nature
  • Food & Drink
  • City Breaks
  • Budget Travel

Company

  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

© 2026 Plan & Tour. Built for travellers.

Discover the world, one trip at a time.

S
  1. Home
  2. Destinations
  3. Central District
  4. Sedimo Hills: Hiking Botswana’s Quiet Central District Mountains
Mountain

Sedimo Hills: Hiking Botswana’s Quiet Central District Mountains

A practical guide to reaching, exploring, and enjoying the Sedimo Hills near Francistown.

Central DistrictUpdated 13 October 2026

Why Visit Sedimo Hills

Sedimo Hills rise as a low but distinctive range in Botswana’s Central District, offering hikers and nature lovers a rare chance to climb above the surrounding savanna. The hills provide panoramic views across acacia plains and distant settlements, with rocky outcrops and seasonal wildflowers that change with the rains. Unlike more famous Botswana destinations focused on wildlife, Sedimo Hills deliver quiet trails and geological interest without crowds.

What to See and Do

The main draws are short to moderate hikes that lead to viewpoints and scattered rock formations. Visitors often start at the base near the coordinates -21.6336400, 27.9127700 and follow informal paths upward. Look for quartz veins in the rock and occasional baobab trees clinging to slopes. Birdwatching is rewarding in early morning, with hornbills and shrikes common. Photography enthusiasts favor the golden-hour light that highlights the contrast between red earth and green bush.

Practical Hiking Advice

  • Carry at least two liters of water per person; shade is limited.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for loose gravel on steeper sections.
  • Allow three to five hours for a round-trip to the highest accessible points.

Getting There

Most travelers reach Sedimo Hills by road from Francistown, roughly 30–40 km to the northeast. A standard sedan can manage the main access roads in dry weather, though a high-clearance vehicle is preferable after rain. Public transport options are limited, so many visitors arrange a transfer or join a small-group day trip from Francistown. Once near the hills, park at obvious pull-offs and continue on foot.

Best Time to Visit

The cooler, drier months from May to October offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures and clearer skies. November through April brings hotter days and possible thunderstorms that can make trails slippery; however, this period also produces fresh greenery and occasional wildflowers. Avoid midday heat at any time of year.

Nearby Places Worth Combining

Many visitors pair Sedimo Hills with a stop in Francistown for supplies or continue toward the Tati River or the Makgadikgadi Pans farther west. The hills also serve as a quiet contrast to the more developed tourism areas around Kasane or the Okavango Delta.

Visitor tips

  • Download an offline map before leaving Francistown, as mobile coverage drops quickly once you leave the main road.
  • Inform someone of your planned return time; trails are lightly used and self-rescue is the norm.
  • Pack out all waste and avoid disturbing rock cairns or vegetation to help preserve the site for future visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a guide to hike Sedimo Hills?+

A guide is not required for the main trails, but hiring a local from a nearby village adds safety and cultural context if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Is camping allowed in Sedimo Hills?+

There are no formal campsites; overnight stays are generally discouraged due to lack of facilities and potential for flash flooding in gullies.

What wildlife might I encounter?+

Expect small antelope such as duiker, plus baboons and a variety of birds. Larger predators are rare but possible in the wider region.

How difficult are the hikes?+

Most routes are moderate, with some steep rocky sections. Beginners can enjoy shorter out-and-back walks to lower viewpoints.

Are there entry fees or permits required?+

Sedimo Hills currently have no official entry fees or permit system, but always check with local authorities or tourism offices in Francistown before travel.

Share
Google Maps Apple Maps Directions

Keep reading

Nearby & related

All stories
S
Central District

Serule River: A Quiet Waterway Through Botswana’s Central Savanna

Follow the gentle course of the Serule River for authentic encounters with Botswana’s inland landscapes and rural life.

13 October 2026
G
Central District

Gcabeni River: Botswana’s Remote Waterway in the Central District

Discover the quiet charm of Gcabeni River, a seasonal waterway offering peaceful landscapes and authentic rural…

13 October 2026
S
Central District

Sekokwe River: Botswana’s Quiet Waterway in the Central District

Follow the seasonal flow of the Sekokwe River through savanna landscapes for birdwatching, fishing, and peaceful…

13 October 2026