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Notwane (Ngotwane) and Crocodile Pools are located adjacent to one another in the South East District, some 15 km south of Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. Despite their close proximity to the capital, the areas are steeped in biodiversity and wildlife.
For example, the lake, riverine forests and associated woodlands and hills are home to over 200 species of birds and numerous reptiles and mammals including the Notwane Crocodile, monster sized lizards, leopards and hyenas. The area is also associated with ancient civilization and other important, modern history events such as the Anglo–Boer War. Traces of civilization over 500,000 years old have been discovered. Hill top fortifications and soldiers burial graves in the local area are testimony to the battles for control of the Cape Railway Line between the British–Rhodesian forces and the Boer armies.
The biodiversity of the area is greatly enhanced by the construction of the Notwane–Railway Dam 50 years ago which provides a lacustrine habitat for birds and mammals and a dammed Notwane River (the headwaters of the Great Green Greasy Limpopo River) which has a dense riverine forest. The Botswana national railway also passes through the area and the Notwane Siding has a colourful history dating back to a century ago with the completion of the Cape Town to Rhodesia railway line by Cecil John Rhodes.
Crocodile Pools Botswana: History & Biodiversity combines these different facets into a simple story of one of nature and history. Places of interest are given for those who want to spend a morning or afternoon exploring.
