This is the heart of Botswana's diamond-mining operations, producing around 12.2 million carats in 2000 – that's around 12% of the world's gem-quality diamonds! This makes it by far the most important town in the country to Botswana's economy, and hence security there is very tight. You're not allowed in, or out, without permission from Debswana, which isn't given easily. Hence it's effectively off-limits to visitors and there's a road that detours around the south side of the mine.

Whilst passing this, consider that there's also a major diamond mine at Letlhakane, about 30km from Orapa, on the Serowe road, and that there's active prospecting continuing throughout the region for more diamond pipes.