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Kanye
Located in
Botswana :: Southern Botswana/Gaborone
:: Kanye
Category:
Places :: Town Medium
After Kgosi Makaba lost a battle with the Bakwena tribe in 1790, the Bangwaketse settled in the hills surrounding Kanye. He strengthened his stronghold with stone walls and successfully defended it against onslaughts from other tribes, including the Ndebele under Mzilikazi.
In the mid-1800s, the village was nearly destroyed in skirmishes with the Voortrekkers but the villagers soon rebuilt it. European traders later settled in the area, dealing in ivory, animal skins and ostrich feathers. The town prospered and in 1871 the London Missionary Society established a mission station there. The British established a police station in 1887 after Bechuanaland became a British Protectorate. Early in the 1900s, Kanye became the first village in Botswana to irrigate their agricultural land.
During the second Boer War, the Bangwaketse sided with the British and Kanye was home to some 500 British soldiers under Colonel Herbert Plumer.
Today it is the longest-occupied tribal capital in the country and the administrative capital of the Southern District. It has a population of more than 48 000 people.
Traveller DescriptionThe Trans-Kalahari Highway gently climbs and descends through the Kanye Hills; this section features grasslands, agricultural land and livestock, making it one of the more scenic regions of Botswana to drive through. Northwest of Kanye, towards the town of Thumaga on the A10, you'll find Polokwe viewpoint which offers uninterrupted views of the valley north of Kanye - viewing is particularly good at sunset and sunrise.
The Gamoralo River flows in the Kanye Gorge providing lush vegetation and allowing for beautiful scenic walks and good birding. It's here that the Bangwaketse built their stronghold against neighbouring tribes and some of the stone walls can still be seen. Birders can enjoy the bird sanctuaries at nearby Bathoen and Moshenang Dams.
The historical town center, around the area of the kgotla (the traditional village meeting place), still has some interesting historical buildings, including the London Missionary Church which was erected in 1894. Permission should be obtained from the kgotla before visiting.
| Address : | Kanye, Southern Botswana/Gaborone, Botswana | ||
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| Cellphone Reception : | Good | Main Cellular Network : | Mascom. Orange. Be Mobile |
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| Police Telephone : | +267 544 1550 |
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| Hospital Telephone : | +267 544 0333 |
| Doctor Telephone : | +267 544 0884 |
| Towing Service Telephone : | +267 71 771 432 |
| Petrol Type : | LRP/ ULP |
| Other Facilities : | Auto Spares. |
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| Closest Main Route : | A2 |
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SHOPS & SERVICES:
Kanye is the 8th largest village in Botswana and has banks, several fuel stations, clothing stores and a Sefalana Supermarket.
TOW-INS:
Afri-Car Body is the local tow-in service.
Air-conditioned chalets are available at Bush Ride Kgogomodumo Lodge and Cultural Village; this is a convenient location from which to explore the village and surrounding area. The lodge offers cultural activities and tours to the kgotla, and has a pool to cool down during those long hot Botswana days.
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