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Home / Destinations / Sowa Town

Sowa Town

Botswana · City · BWP · -20.567000, 26.217000
Family friendly 6.4/10 · Rank 1276 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

Nature, ecotourism, birdwatching and quiet holiday lovers

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$99.00 (≈ 8 308 ₽)
For 7 days
$693.00 (≈ 58 157 ₽)
Sowa Town, known as the "salt capital" of Botswana, is located on the shores of the Sua Pan salt flat. The town grew around a soda ash plant but also attracts tourists with its proximity to the Makgadikgadi Pans and the ancient baobabs on Kubu Island. Here you can see industrial heritage and unique natural attractions.
Summer
35.0°C
Winter
8.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, value traditions and community

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic salt pans
  • Rich birdlife
  • Calm atmosphere
  • Affordable prices
  • Authentic Botswana culture

Cons

  • Far from major cities
  • Hot climate
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few entertainments
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
26.6°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
32.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
35.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
16.7°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
25.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
8.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
December-March
Attractions

Sowa Salt Pans

One of the world's largest soda ash mines, producing soda ash and salt

Makgadikgadi National Park

Vast salt flats remaining from an ancient lake, popular for wildlife watching

Kubu Island

Ancient island with baobabs and archaeological finds, sacred to locals

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Protected wetland with rich birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans

Best areas

Town Centre

Administrative part with market and main shops

Industrial Zone

Soda mine area and related enterprises

Must-try food

Seswaa

Traditional Botswana dish of beef stewed with vegetables and spices

Bogobe

Traditional porridge made from sorghum or corn, served with meat or vegetables

Morogo

Traditional dish of chopped pumpkin leaves with onions and spices

Vetkoek

Deep-fried dough buns, popular street food

Where to go next

Nata

Town with bird sanctuary 100 km away

Francistown

Major city 200 km away with shopping centres

Maun

Gateway to Okavango Delta 300 km away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Sowa Town: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Sowa Town: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +32.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Sowa Town: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +8.0°C, during the day — up to +25.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Sowa Town: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on December-March. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Sowa Town: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $99.00 (≈ 8 308 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Sowa Town: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $70.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $120.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Sowa Town: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $18.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Sowa Town: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $20.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $60.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Sowa Town: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Sowa Salt Pans — One of the world's largest soda ash mines, producing soda ash and salt; Makgadikgadi National Park — Vast salt flats remaining from an ancient lake, popular for wildlife watching; Kubu Island — Ancient island with baobabs and archaeological finds, sacred to locals; Nata Bird Sanctuary — Protected wetland with rich birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Sowa Town: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Seswaa — Traditional Botswana dish of beef stewed with vegetables and spices; Bogobe — Traditional porridge made from sorghum or corn, served with meat or vegetables; Morogo — Traditional dish of chopped pumpkin leaves with onions and spices; Vetkoek — Deep-fried dough buns, popular street food. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Sowa Town: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Town Centre — Administrative part with market and main shops; Industrial Zone — Soda mine area and related enterprises. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Sowa Town: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Sowa Town: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Ближайший международный аэропорт — Касане (BBK). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $20.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Sowa Town: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — BWP. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $99.00 (≈ 8 308 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Sowa Town: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Sowa Town: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Sowa Town: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Nata — Town with bird sanctuary 100 km away; Francistown — Major city 200 km away with shopping centres; Maun — Gateway to Okavango Delta 300 km away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.4/10
Overall rank: 1276 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 424

Best season

May-September

Useful information

Currency: BWP
Coordinates: -20.567000, 26.217000