Letlhakane

Letlhakane is a mining town in the Central District of Botswana, best known as the gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans. It grew rapidly following the discovery of diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes in the 1960s, alongside the nearby Orapa and Damtshaa diamond mines. The town has a dusty, frontier feel with a mix of Batswana and expatriate mining workers. Its main importance for travellers is as a supply stop and access point for the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the Nxai Pan National Park.

By Plane

Letlhakane Airport has domestic flights connecting to Gaborone and Maun. Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE IATA) is about 350 km southeast (4 hours drive).

By Car / Road

Letlhakane is on the A3 highway, about 120 km west of Serowe and 160 km east of Maun. The road is paved. Regular minibuses run from Serowe, Palapye, and Maun. A 4×4 is needed for the gravel tracks north to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

The town centre is compact and walkable. Taxis can be hired for trips to the surrounding areas. A private vehicle is essential for accessing the national parks.

• Letlhakane Diamond Mine — viewing is limited, but the mine's presence shapes the town's character.

• Makgadikgadi Pans — 70 km north on gravel roads, the main reason travellers stop here.

• Stock up on supplies — Letlhakane has better grocery shopping than the remote pan campsites.

• Day trip to Makgadikgadi Pans — drive 70 km north for a self-drive exploration of the salt pans (with a 4×4 and park permit).

• Local restaurants — several small eateries near the bus rank serve Setswana staples and grilled meat.
• Self-catering — supermarkets provide ingredients for camping meals.

• Bars in town serve Botswana lagers. Tap water is generally safe.

• Budget: Letlhakane Guest House — basic rooms, about P200–350 per night.
• Mid-range: Letlhakane Lodge — comfortable rooms with air conditioning and restaurant, about P400–700 per night.

• Choppies Supermarket and other retail shops for groceries, water, fuel, and camping supplies.
• Fuel station — fill up before heading north to the pans.

• Orapa — 10 km south, a company mining town (access restricted; overnight visitors need a permit).
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park — 70 km north, for salt pans and zebra migrations.
• Nxai Pan National Park — 100 km north of the pans, for Baines' Baobabs.
• Maun — 160 km west, safari capital of Botswana.