Gaborone, the capital and largest city of Botswana, sits in the south-eastern corner of the country near the South African border. This modern African city of approximately 230,000 residents has transformed from a small administrative town at independence in 1966 to a bustling urban centre featuring a blend of traditional and contemporary elements. Unlike many older colonial capitals, Gaborone (often called “Gabs” by locals) displays a planned layout with wide streets, modern government buildings, shopping malls, and business districts, alongside vibrant markets and cultural spaces. Though often overshadowed by Botswana’s world-famous wildlife destinations like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, Gaborone offers visitors an authentic glimpse into contemporary Botswana life, with excellent museums, diverse dining options, colourful crafts markets, and nearby nature reserves.

The city serves as both a convenient gateway to Botswana’s natural wonders and a destination worthy of exploration in its own right, showcasing the country’s remarkable development story and dynamic cultural landscape.

When to Visit Gaborone?

Best Time to Visit

The most pleasant time to visit Gaborone is during the dry winter season from May to September. During these months, temperatures are mild and comfortable during the day (typically 22-25°C/72-77°F) and cool at night (sometimes dropping to 5-10°C/41-50°F), the skies are clear blue, and there’s virtually no rainfall.

Seasonal Breakdown

• Winter Dry Season (May-September): Ideal conditions with comfortable daytime temperatures, cool nights, and clear skies. This coincides with Botswana’s high tourist season, especially July and August.
• Summer Rainy Season (November-March): Hot temperatures regularly exceeding 33°C (91°F), with afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape around the city turns lush green, offering beautiful scenery but more challenging conditions for outdoor activities. January and February typically see the most rainfall.
• Shoulder Seasons (April and October): These transitional months can offer good value with fewer tourists and generally pleasant weather, though October can be extremely hot with temperatures sometimes reaching 40°C (104°F).

How to Get to Gaborone?

By Air

• Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE): Located about 15km north of the city center, this is Botswana’s main international gateway.
  • Direct flights connect from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Addis Ababa, and various Southern African cities.
  • Airlines serving Gaborone include Air Botswana, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Airlink.

By Land

• By Road: Excellent paved highways connect Gaborone to neighboring countries:
  • From South Africa: Via the Tlokweng border post (just 15km from Gaborone) or the Ramatlabama border post
  • From Zimbabwe: Via Francistown and the Ramokgwebana border
  • From Namibia: Via Mamuno border post (longer route)
• By Bus: Intercape and Greyhound operate services from Johannesburg. Local companies like AT&T and Seabelo offer regional connections.

Getting Around in Gaborone

• Taxis: Blue local taxis (called “cabs”) are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.
• Combi Minibuses: These numbered minivans follow set routes and are the main form of public transport used by locals.
• Car Rental: Several international and local agencies offer rentals; recommended for tourists planning to explore beyond the city.
• Walking: Parts of the city center and shopping areas are walkable during daylight hours.
• Ride-Sharing: Bolt (formerly Taxify) operates in Gaborone.
• Guided Tours: Many operators offer city tours or transfers.

Top Attractions and Things to Do in Gaborone?

Historical and Cultural Sites in Gaborone

• National Museum and Art Gallery: Showcasing Botswana’s cultural heritage, history, and contemporary art.
• Botswana Parliament Building: Distinctive architecture in the government enclave.
• Three Chiefs’ Statues: Monument honoring the three chiefs who helped establish Botswana’s independence.
• Kgale Hill: Sacred site with panoramic views of the city.
• Old Naledi: One of Gaborone’s original settlements with cultural significance.
• Main Mall: The historic center of the city with shops, monuments, and government buildings.

Museums and Galleries

• National Museum and Art Gallery: Central cultural institution with historical and artistic exhibits.
• Thapong Visual Arts Centre: Contemporary art in a converted old prison.
• Botswana Craft: Showcasing traditional and contemporary crafts.
• Phuthadikobo Museum: Located in nearby Mochudi village, showcasing Bakgatla tribal history.
• Livingstone House: Historic building with colonial connections.

Markets and Shopping

• Main Mall: Traditional open-air shopping area with local businesses.
• African Mall: Vibrant market atmosphere with local products.
• Riverwalk Mall: Modern shopping center with mix of local and international brands.
• Game City Mall: Largest shopping mall in Botswana with over 100 stores.
• Airport Junction Mall: Modern mall with variety of shops and restaurants.
• Botswana Craft: Premier destination for high-quality local handicrafts.

Parks and Nature

• Gaborone Game Reserve: Wildlife park within the city limits.
• Botanical Gardens: Showcasing indigenous plant species.
• Somarelang Tikologo (Environment Watch Botswana): Eco-park demonstrating sustainable living.
• Gaborone Dam: Scenic reservoir with recreational opportunities.
• Kgale Hill: Popular hiking spot with three trails of varying difficulty.

Day Experiences

• Gaborone City Tour: Guided tours covering major historic and cultural sites.
• Traditional Village Visit: Tours to nearby villages like Mochudi or Oodi.
• Cultural Performances: Traditional dance and music shows at various venues.
• Golf: World-class courses at Phakalane and Gaborone Golf Club.
• Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare traditional Botswana dishes.

Where to Stay in Gaborone?

Luxury hotels in Gaborone

• Peermont Walmont at The Grand Palm: Five-star hotel with casino and extensive facilities.
• Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino: Luxury resort with beautiful grounds.
• Lansmore Masa Square: Contemporary high-end hotel in the CBD.
• Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel Resort: Luxury accommodation on a golf course.
• Cresta Lodge: Elegant hotel with lush gardens.

Mid-Range hotels in Gaborone

• Cresta President Hotel: Centrally located with good amenities.
• Cumberland Hotel: Comfortable rooms and good restaurant.
• Protea Hotel by Marriott: Reliable international standard accommodation.
• Masa Square Hotel: Modern hotel in business district.
• Travelodge: Good value in convenient location.

Budget hotels in Gaborone

• Mokolodi Backpackers: Affordable accommodation in nature setting.
• Gaborone Hotel: Basic central hotel with long history.
• Oasis Motel: Simple but clean accommodations.
• Planet Lodge: Budget-friendly option with basic amenities.
• Hantinga Guest House: Homey atmosphere at reasonable rates.

Best Areas

• Central Business District (CBD): Convenient for business and some sightseeing.
• Extension areas (especially 10 & 11): Residential areas with guesthouses.
• Partial: Upscale area with luxury accommodations.
• Village: Historic center with some heritage buildings.
• Broadhurst: Mid-range area with good accessibility.

Food and Dining in Gaborone

Local Specialties

• Seswaa: Traditional meat dish (pounded beef).
• Bogobe: Sorghum porridge, the staple food.
• Morogo: Wild spinach, often served with bogobe.
• Mophane Worms: Protein-rich caterpillars, a traditional delicacy.
• Madila: Soured milk, similar to yogurt.
• Watermelons: Botswana is famous for its sweet, juicy watermelons.

Top Restaurants in Gaborone

• Bull & Bush: Popular pub and grill with international menu.
• Caravela: Outstanding Portuguese cuisine.
• Mokolodi Restaurant: Game meat dishes in nature reserve setting.
• The Braai Place: South African-style barbecue.
• Sanitas Garden Restaurant: Mediterranean cuisine in garden setting.
• Linga Longa: African fusion cuisine.
• Masa Square restaurants: Collection of upscale dining options.
• No. 1 Ladies’ Coffee House: Themed after the famous book series.

Cafés and Bakeries in Gaborone

• No. 1 Ladies’ Coffee House: Charming café with connection to Alexander McCall Smith’s books.
• Mugg & Bean: Popular café chain with good coffee and food.
• Cafe Dijo: Local café with quality coffee and baked goods.
• Daily Bread Bakery: Fresh breads and pastries.
• Equatorial Coffee Company: Specialty coffee shop with light meals.

Bars and Nightlife

• Bull & Bush: Popular expat hangout with live music.
• Cigar Lounge: Upscale bar with premium drinks.
• Millennium Jazz Restaurant: Live jazz and good food.
• Dros Restaurant and Beer Garden: Casual atmosphere with outdoor seating.
• O’Hagans Irish Pub: Sports and entertainment venue.

Day Trips and Nearby Attractions in Gaborone

Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Located just 15km south of Gaborone, this private reserve offers wildlife viewing including giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes. Activities include guided game drives, rhino tracking, and cheetah encounters. The on-site restaurant serves excellent meals.

Gaborone Game Reserve

Within the city limits, this small reserve offers a convenient wildlife experience with zebra, eland, gemsbok, and many bird species. Facilities include picnic areas and walking trails.

Oodi Weavers

About 20km north of Gaborone, this community project showcases traditional tapestry weaving with unique designs. Visitors can watch weavers at work and purchase handmade items.

Mochudi Village

Located 40km north of Gaborone, this traditional village offers insight into Botswana’s rural culture. Visit the Phuthadikobo Museum on a hilltop for cultural exhibits and panoramic views.

Bahurutshe Cultural Village

About 30km from Gaborone, this cultural village offers demonstrations of traditional lifestyles, crafts, and performances.

Kgale Hill

On the outskirts of Gaborone, this prominent hill offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the city. Three routes of varying difficulty are available.

Practical Information for first time visitors in Gaborone

Currency

• The Botswana Pula (BWP) is the local currency.
• ATMs are widely available in Gaborone.
• Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores.
• South African Rand is sometimes accepted but not common.

Language

• English is an official language and widely spoken in business and tourism.
• Setswana is the national language and most commonly spoken.
• Basic English is understood in all tourist areas.

Safety Tips

• Gaborone is relatively safe by African capital standards, but standard precautions apply.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in dimly-lit areas.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
• Use registered taxis or ride-sharing services, especially after dark.
• Vehicle break-ins can occur; never leave valuables visible in parked cars.

Health

• Gaborone has good medical facilities, including private hospitals like Bokamoso and Gaborone Private.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink in Gaborone.
• UV radiation is intense; use strong sunscreen and a hat.
• Malaria is not present in Gaborone but may be a concern when traveling to northern Botswana.

Business Hours

• Government offices: Monday-Friday 7:30-16:30 (lunch 12:30-13:45)
• Banks: Monday-Friday 9:00-15:30, Saturday 8:30-11:00
• Shops: Monday-Friday 8:30-17:00, Saturday 8:30-13:00
• Restaurants: Generally open until late, many closed on Sundays

Tipping

• Restaurants: 10-15% if service charge not included
• Taxis: 10% of fare
• Hotel porters: 5-10 Pula per bag
• Gas station attendants: 5 Pula
• Tour guides: 50-100 Pula per day

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

• Good mobile coverage in Gaborone from providers Mascom, Orange, and BTC.
• Many hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
• Prepaid SIM cards are easily available with ID/passport.

Cultural Customs and Etiquette

• Greetings are very important in Botswana culture; take time for proper hellos.
• Handshakes are common, often with a slight grip variation (learn the local style).
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting local communities or government buildings.
• Ask permission before photographing people.
• Remove hats when entering homes or official buildings.
• The left hand is considered less clean; give and receive items with your right hand or both hands.
• Botswana emphasizes respect and patience; avoid rushing or showing frustration.

Sustainable Tourism Tips

• Conserve water, as Botswana is a semi-arid country with limited resources.
• Use refillable water bottles instead of buying plastic.
• Choose tour operators with sustainable practices.
• Respect wildlife and maintain appropriate distances.
• Support community tourism initiatives.
• Buy locally-made crafts directly from artisans when possible.
• Be mindful of waste disposal and avoid single-use plastics.

Events and Festivals

• Maitisong Festival – March/April: Arts and cultural festival with music, theater, and dance.
• President’s Day Competitions – July: Traditional music and dance competitions.
• Botswana Independence Day – September 30: National celebrations.
• Gaborone International Music & Culture Week (GIMC) – August/September: Music festival featuring local and international artists.
• Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race – June: Major off-road racing event.
• Maun International Arts Festival – October: Cultural celebration with various art forms.
• Dithubaruba Cultural Festival – September: Traditional music and cultural exhibits in nearby Molepolole.

Suggested Itineraries in Gaborone

One Day in Gaborone

• Morning: National Museum and Art Gallery, Three Chiefs Monument
• Lunch: No. 1 Ladies’ Coffee House
• Afternoon: Botswana Craft and Main Mall
• Evening: Dinner at Bull & Bush

Two Days in Gaborone

• Day 1: City center attractions and Gaborone Game Reserve
• Day 2: Kgale Hill hike and shopping in modern malls

Three Days in Gaborone

• Day 1: City center attractions
• Day 2: Mokolodi Nature Reserve
• Day 3: Day trip to Mochudi Village and Oodi Weavers

Shopping Guide for first time visitors in Gaborone

Souvenirs

• Botswana Baskets: Internationally renowned woven baskets from north-western Botswana
• Pottery: Handmade ceramic pieces
• Textiles: Locally printed fabrics and tapestries
• Wood Carvings: Traditional sculptures and functional items
• Jewelry: Locally made pieces, some incorporating ostrich eggshell beads

Where to Shop

• Botswana Craft: Premier location for quality handicrafts
• Main Mall: Traditional shopping area with local merchandise
• Airport Junction Mall: High-end shopping with some local products
• Riverwalk Mall: Mix of local and international stores
• Mokolodi Gift Shop: Nature-themed souvenirs supporting conservation