Things To Do
in Sowa Town
Sowa Town is a small purpose-built settlement on the edge of the Sua (Sowa) Pan in northeastern Botswana, established primarily to serve the soda ash mining operations. The town sits beside vast salt pans and offers an unusual landscape of shimmering flats, seasonal shallow lakes and wide skies that attract birdlife, especially flamingos when conditions are right. Life in Sowa is quiet and utilitarian, with essential services, community facilities and simple lodgings used by workers, visitors to the pans and occasional researchers.
Its proximity to the Makgadikgadi/Sua Pan environment makes it a useful base for wildlife viewing, photography and experiencing Botswana’s arid inland salt-plain landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival, take time to settle into your accommodation and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Observe the vibrant local culture as the sun rises over the town, illuminating the landscape with golden hues. This is the perfect moment to connect with the locals and understand their way of life.
After lunch, explore the nearby wetlands, where you can spot diverse bird species and take part in a guided nature walk. The wetlands provide a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts. Engage with a local guide who can share insights into the area's ecology and conservation.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Botswana dinner at a local restaurant, savoring local delicacies. The evening can feature storytelling sessions by local elders sharing history and folklore. Wind down your day by stargazing, taking in the clear African night sky.
Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading out to the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flats in the world. Spend the morning walking across the flats, marveling at the vastness and unique landscape. A local guide will share intriguing facts about the pans’ geological history and significance.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the shadow of an old baobab tree, soaking in the serene atmosphere. The afternoon is perfect for exploring the nearby Kubu Island, an ancient land formation that turns into an oasis in the dry season. Discover its rich history and archaeological significance with your guide.
Return to Sowa Town and relax at your accommodation. Gather with fellow travelers to share your experiences while enjoying a delicious barbeque dinner. As night falls, listen to the sounds of nature and perhaps join an evening walk to absorb the peaceful surroundings.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a kiosk | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse per night | $25-60 |
| 🚗Local taxi/short transfer | $5-20 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.80-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique, otherworldly salt-pan landscapes ideal for photography and stargazing
- Good seasonal birdwatching (flamingos and waders) when pans hold water
- Laid-back, low-traffic environment for a quiet escape
- Opportunities to learn about Botswana’s soda-ash industry and local community life
- Limited dining, lodging and entertainment options in the immediate town
- Remote location with few services; travel requires planning and self-sufficiency
- Seasonal road access issues during rains and limited public transport
- Basic healthcare on-site; serious medical cases require transfer to larger centres
- "Dumela" - Hello (Setswana - formal/general greeting)
- "Ke a leboga" - Thank you
- "O kae?" - How are you? / Where are you?
- "A ko nna fa?" - May I sit here?
- "Nnyaa, ke kopa metsi" - Please, I would like water
Places to Visit in Sowa Town
Visit one of these nice places.
Expansive white and reflective salt crusts offer dramatic minimalist landscapes, mirrored pools after rains and striking sunrise/sunset colors — excellent for wide-angle and abstract shots.
Seasonal shallow lakes on the pan attract flamingos and hundreds of wading birds when conditions are right; telephoto lenses and tripods are recommended for bird photography.
Close-up opportunities include hexagonal salt patterns, crust textures and evaporative features that make compelling detail images.
Document local life and the industrial heritage that shaped Sowa, but always ask permission before photographing people or operational sites and follow any company restrictions.
Low light pollution yields excellent astrophotography conditions; the flat horizon and reflective surfaces create stunning nightscapes.
Food in Sowa Town
Sowa Town Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked, shredded beef or goat typically served with pap or sorghum; find it at local canteens and lodge dinners.
Must-Try!
Maize porridge served with a rich meat or vegetable sauce — a staple comfort food widely available.
A seasonal leafy green often prepared with onions and tomatoes; offered at homestyle meals and traditional dishes.
Charcoal-grilled beef, lamb or chicken prepared at lodges and local barbecues — a social favorite in Botswana.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small food stalls and kiosks sell tea, fried dough, basic snacks and grilled items. For more varied street food, travelers typically visit larger towns nearby where markets offer fresh produce and more vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite verbal greetings and handshakes are important; begin interactions with a friendly hello (e.g., “Dumela” in Setswana) and take time for small talk before business or questions.
Dress conservatively in public and when visiting communities — lightweight but modest clothing is appropriate in town and cultural settings.
Always ask before photographing people, homes or culturally sensitive sites; many locals will be friendly but value privacy and consent.
Keep distance from wildlife, do not remove natural objects from the pans, and follow guide instructions to protect fragile salt-crust areas.
Safety
Tipping in Sowa Town
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; small tips for lodge staff, guides and drivers (a few US dollars or equivalent in pula) are common after good service. For restaurant staff in town, rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in more formal settings is acceptable.
Botswana’s currency is the pula (BWP). Larger lodges and shops may accept credit/debit cards, but small kiosks and local vendors often take cash only. ATMs are limited — carry sufficient cash when traveling to Sowa and confirm card acceptance in advance.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot daytime temperatures with the rainy season bringing occasional storms and temporary shallow lakes on the pans; this is the best time for flamingo and wader gatherings when water collects, but roads can become muddy or impassable after heavy rains.
Temperatures begin to cool with generally drier conditions; the pans may still hold seasonal pools, making it a pleasant time for daytime exploration and photography with fewer insects.
Dry, sunny days and cool to chilly nights (sometimes near freezing); excellent for clear skies, stargazing and comfortable daytime outdoor activities — pack warm layers for early mornings and evenings.
Increasing temperatures and dry conditions, with dustier winds possible; pans are typically dry and ideal for expansive landscape photography and off-road outings, but bring sun protection.
Sowa Town at Night
Hiking in Sowa Town
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short guided walks along the edges of the Sua Pan to view salt formations, small pools and birdlife; easy to moderate walking on flat ground.
Nearby protected and managed areas have trails and guided routes for longer hikes and interpretive walks — best undertaken with a qualified guide who knows the fragile environment.
If combining a trip to the wider Makgadikgadi/Nxai Pan system, there are marked trails and vantage points offering panoramic views and wildlife spotting opportunities; distances require planning.
Airports
How to reach Sowa Town by plane.
The nearest major regional airport serving northeastern Botswana with scheduled domestic flights and road connections; travelers often fly into Francistown and continue to Sowa by road or arranged transfer.
A key tourist gateway for the Okavango area; useful if combining a pan visit with other Botswana destinations, though ground travel to Sowa can be lengthy.
Botswana’s main international airport in the capital; an option for international arrivals followed by domestic connections or a long overland journey to the Sowa region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in Botswana; Setswana language and Tswana cultural practices are commonly observed in daily life.
Sowa has a population composed largely of workers and families associated with the soda-ash/mining industry, including some expatriate employees and technical staff.
Like much of Botswana, there are minority groups and internal migrants from other parts of the country and neighboring states, contributing to a mixed community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is widely popular and commonly played informally in towns and villages, with local matches and community teams drawing interest.
Netball is popular among women and girls and a common organised sport in communities and schools.
Along nearby rivers and seasonal water bodies, recreational fishing and casual outdoor activities are enjoyed where permitted.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sowa Town.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in a small mining town; request vegetable stews, pap and morogo, and confirm ingredients since meat stock is commonly used. If you rely on vegetarian meals, notify lodges in advance or bring snacks and staples.
Vegan and strict gluten-free options are rare locally. Plan ahead by bringing staples, talk to accommodation providers about adapting vegetable dishes, and carry any specialty foods or substitutes you need.
Small kitchens may have limited capacity to avoid cross-contamination. Communicate allergies clearly to hosts and prefer packaged goods when unsure.