Jwaneng

Jwaneng is a town in southern Botswana, approximately 160 km west of Gaborone. It was established in the 1980s following the discovery of one of the world's richest diamond pipes, and the Jwaneng Diamond Mine — operated by Debswana — remains the economic engine of the town. Jwaneng has a planned layout with modern infrastructure, schools, and shopping centres built to support the mining workforce. The town's name means "a place of small stones", a reference to the diamonds that define its existence.

Jwaneng is accessible year-round. Winter (May–August) is the most comfortable season with mild days and cool nights. Summer (November–March) is hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. The town does not host major tourist-oriented festivals.

Jwaneng is a small, planned town that is easy to navigate by car. Taxis are available but scarce. Most visitors arrive by private vehicle on the paved road from Gaborone. There is no public bus service within the town.

• Jwaneng — A modern mining town and the centre of Botswana's diamond industry.

Jwaneng has a few restaurants and takeaway outlets serving basic Setswana and South African-style food, concentrated around the town's shopping area. The mine's canteen and guesthouse restaurants cater primarily to mining staff.

Jwaneng's culture is shaped by its mining community, with a mix of workers from across Botswana. The town does not have notable annual festivals.

• Jwaneng Diamond Mine viewing — The open-pit mine is one of the largest and richest in the world; viewing is restricted but the scale is visible from the air on approach.
• Day trip to Kanye — 60 km east, the traditional capital of the Bangwaketse people, with historical sites.
• Transit stop for Kgalagadi-bound travellers — Jwaneng sits on the route to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.