Fossil Lake Trail | Kemmerer

The Lobatse Old Police Station is a historical building located in Lobatse, Botswana.

Visual Characteristics

Constructed primarily from red brick, the building features a single story with a corrugated iron roof. It exhibits a functional, colonial-era architectural style, characterized by simple rectangular forms and prominent verandahs supported by wooden posts. Window openings are typically covered with metal bars.

Location & Access Logistics

The station is situated in the central district of Lobatse, approximately 0.8km West of the main A1 highway. It is accessible via Station Road, which branches off the A1. Parking is available on-site, with limited capacity. Public transport options include local combi-vans that service the town center, with stops within a 5-minute walk of the building.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Lobatse Old Police Station was constructed in 1932 during the British Protectorate period. Its original purpose was to serve as a law enforcement and administrative hub for the growing town of Lobatse, which was then a significant administrative and railway center.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the building's architectural features and understand its historical context. Photography of the exterior is permitted. The site is not currently open for interior tours.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not publicly available at this site. There is no dedicated shade outside the building. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable in this area. No food vendors are located directly at the station; amenities are available in the nearby town center.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the morning hours (09:00-11:00) when the sun illuminates the eastern facade. The dry season, from May to October, offers the most pleasant weather conditions for visiting.

Facts & Legends

During its operational years, the station was a central point for managing local disputes and maintaining order. A local anecdote suggests that the building's thick brick walls were designed to withstand extreme heat and potential unrest during its early years.

Nearby Landmarks

• Lobatse High Court (0.3km North)
• Lobatse Railway Station (0.6km Northwest)
• Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) Abattoir (1.2km Southwest)
• Lobatse Town Hall (0.4km North)