Selibe Phikwe

Selibe Phikwe (also spelled Selebi-Phikwe) is a mining town in eastern Botswana, near the border with Zimbabwe. It was established in the 1970s following the discovery of copper-nickel deposits, and the BCL mine and smelter were the town's economic backbone for decades. Following the closure of the BCL mine in 2016, the town has been undergoing economic transition. Selibe Phikwe has a planned layout with wide roads, schools, hospitals, and a golf course — remnants of its prosperous mining era. The town's population, once booming, has declined as workers relocated following the mine closure.

Selibe Phikwe is accessible year-round. The best time is during the dry winter months (May–August). Summer (October–March) brings high temperatures and occasional heavy rain.

Selibe Phikwe is a small, spread-out town best navigated by car. Taxis are available. The town is connected to the A1 highway via a paved road, about 30 km south of the main Gaborone–Francistown route.

• Selebi-Phikwe — A former copper-nickel mining town in transition, with interesting post-industrial landscape.

Selibe Phikwe has a small number of restaurants and takeaways serving basic Setswana meals. The golf club restaurant is a popular local meeting spot.

The town's culture is shaped by its mining history and the diverse workforce that was drawn to the area. The Selibe Phikwe Agricultural Show is an annual event featuring livestock displays and community activities.

• Post-industrial landscape tour — The closed BCL mine site and smelter infrastructure.
• Selibe Phikwe Golf Course — A well-maintained course built during the mining boom.
• Day trip to Tuli Block — Approximately 100 km south, a wildlife area along the Limpopo River.
• Transit to Zimbabwe — The nearby Maitengwe border post connects to Zimbabwe's Matabeleland South province.