Gaborone Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Gaborone with this comprehensive tour guide, including top sights, activities, and travel tips.


Introduction to Gaborone

Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis located in the southeastern part of the country. Founded in 1964, it has since grown into a modern city that boasts a thriving economy, a rich cultural heritage, and an array of exciting attractions and activities that cater to every taste and interest. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, Gaborone has something to offer. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, and travel tips to ensure that your trip to Gaborone is both memorable and enjoyable.

List of Places to Visit in Gaborone

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Gaborone is a city with a rich history and culture, and visitors who are interested in learning more about it will find plenty of opportunities to do so. Some of the top museums and historical places to visit in Gaborone include:

  • The National Museum and Art Gallery: Home to a wide range of exhibits that showcase the history, culture, and art of Botswana.
  • The Three Chiefs’ Statues: A tribute to the three Batswana chiefs who negotiated with the British in the 19th century.
  • The Kgale Hill: A prominent hill in Gaborone that provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

Natural Attractions of Gaborone: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re an adventure seeker or a nature lover, Gaborone won’t disappoint. The city has several natural attractions that offer both scenic views and outdoor activities. Some of the top natural attractions of Gaborone include:

  • The Gaborone Game Reserve: A wildlife sanctuary that is home to several species of animals, including zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
  • The Mokolodi Nature Reserve: Another wildlife sanctuary that is home to several species of animals and offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and game drives.
  • The Thamaga Pottery: A unique attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to learn about traditional pottery making techniques while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Gaborone

For those who enjoy walking, hiking, or biking, Gaborone has several well-maintained routes that offer beautiful landscapes and an opportunity to experience the local culture. Some of the top hiking and biking routes in Gaborone include:

  • Kgale Hill Nature Reserve Hike: A two-hour hike that leads to the summit of Kgale Hill and provides stunning views of Gaborone.
  • Mokolodi Nature Reserve Walking Trails: Several walking trails that can take you through the beautiful landscapes of the reserve and offer the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way.
  • Thamaga Pottery Bicycle Trail: A 20-km trail that takes you through the beautiful natural surroundings of the Thamaga Pottery and allows you to explore the local culture and customs.

Best Things to Do in Gaborone: Activities and Tours

Gaborone has several exciting activities and tours that cater to every interest and budget. Some of the top things to do in Gaborone include:

  • African Craft Market: A vast market that features a wide range of traditional crafts made by local artisans.
  • River Safari: A river cruise that provides an opportunity to spot the local wildlife and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Gaborone.
  • Mokolodi Nature Reserve Game Drive: A guided game drive through the wildlife sanctuary that offers an opportunity to spot lions, leopards, and other large mammals.
  • Gaborone Nightlife: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Gaborone by experiencing the local bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Week-Long Itinerary for Gaborone

If you have a week to spare in Gaborone, here is a sample itinerary that will help you make the most of your trip:

Day 1: Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery, followed by a visit to the Three Chiefs’ Statues and a hike to the summit of Kgale Hill.

Day 2: Take a river safari and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Gaborone.

Day 3: Visit the African Craft Market and shop for souvenirs, followed by a visit to the Mokolodi Nature Reserve and a guided game drive.

Day 4: Take a bicycle tour through Thamaga Pottery, learn about traditional pottery making techniques, and explore the local culture and customs.

Day 5: Visit the Gaborone Game Reserve and experience the local wildlife and natural surroundings through game drives and guided walks.

Day 6: Experience the Gaborone nightlife by visiting the local bars and clubs.

Day 7: Visit the nearby destinations and excursions such as the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Food and Drink Scene of Gaborone

Must-Try Dishes

Gaborone has a vibrant food scene that offers an array of cuisines and flavors that cater to every taste and budget. Some of the top dishes to try in Gaborone include:

  • Seswaa: A traditional Batswana dish made of finely minced beef, onion, and salt.
  • Vetkoek: A deep-fried dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
  • Pap and Wors: A hearty meal of maize porridge served with sausages.

Local Beverages

  • Chibuku Shake Shake: A traditional African beer brewed from sorghum.
  • Stoney Ginger Beer: A refreshing non-alcoholic beverage that is flavored with ginger.

Where to Stay in Gaborone: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Gaborone has several accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference. Some of the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to stay in Gaborone include:

  • Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino: A luxurious resort that offers plenty of amenities and entertainment options.
  • Gaborone Sun: A mid-range hotel that offers comfortable rooms and an array of dining and recreational options.
  • Mokolodi Backpackers: A budget-friendly hostel that offers clean and comfortable dormitory rooms and an array of outdoor activities.

What to Buy in Gaborone: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Gaborone is well-known for its traditional crafts, and visitors can find plenty of unique souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some of the must-buy items in Gaborone include:

  • Traditional pottery: Gaborone has several pottery studios that produce unique and artistic pottery products.
  • African crafts: The African Craft Market in Gaborone offers an array of traditional crafts made by local artisans, such as baskets, beadwork, and wood carvings.
  • Botswana diamonds: Botswana is known for its high-quality diamonds, and visitors can purchase them from several diamond stores in Gaborone.

Local Culture and Customs of Gaborone

Gaborone has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should respect the local customs and traditions. Some of the important customs and traditions to keep in mind include:

  • Handshakes: Handshakes are an important part of the local culture, and it’s common to shake hands every time you greet someone.
  • Clothing: The local culture in Gaborone is conservative, and visitors should avoid wearing revealing clothes in public places.
  • Language: The official language of Botswana is English, but the local language is Setswana. Visitors can learn a few phrases in Setswana to communicate with the locals.

Best Time to Visit Gaborone

The best time to visit Gaborone is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is sunny and pleasant, and visitors can enjoy the outdoor activities and wildlife safaris without any obstacles.

Do’s and Don’ts of Gaborone

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try the local cuisine and traditional crafts.
  • Explore the natural attractions of Gaborone.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothes in public places.
  • Engage in disrespectful behavior.
  • Ignore the safety precautions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Gaborone

Gaborone is a relatively safe city, but visitors should still take basic safety precautions to avoid any unwanted incidents. Some of the safety tips that visitors should follow include:

  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying valuables in public places.
  • Avoid walking alone at night and use well-lit routes.
  • Follow the local traffic rules to avoid accidents.

Health in Gaborone

Gaborone has several medical facilities that cater to the healthcare needs of visitors. Visitors who need medical attention can visit one of the several hospitals or clinics in Gaborone. However, visitors are advised to take the necessary vaccinations before traveling to Botswana and follow the basic hygiene practices to avoid any health issues.

Getting to Gaborone: Transportation Options and Logistics

Gaborone is well-connected to the neighboring cities and countries via air, road, and rail. Some of the top transportation options to get to Gaborone include:

Airports Near Gaborone

  • Sir Seretse Khama International Airport: The main airport in Botswana that is located in Gaborone.

Bus Stations Near Gaborone

  • Gaborone Bus Station: The main bus station in Gaborone that offers several intra-city and inter-city bus services.

Other Options

  • Train: Botswana Railways operates several trains that connect Gaborone to the neighboring cities.
  • Car Rental: Several car rental agencies operate in Gaborone, and visitors can rent a car to explore the city.

How to Get Around in Gaborone

Gaborone has a reliable public transportation system that includes taxis, buses, and minibusses. Visitors can also rent bicycles to explore the city or walk around the city center.

Where to Go Next from Gaborone: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Gaborone is well-connected to several nearby destinations that offer exciting opportunities for outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Some of the top nearby destinations and excursions include:

  • The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: A vast salt pan that offers an otherworldly landscape and an opportunity to spot the local wildlife.
  • The Central Kalahari Game Reserve: A wildlife sanctuary that is home to several species of animals and offers an opportunity to experience the local culture and customs.

Conclusion

Gaborone is a vibrant and exciting city that offers an array of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and exciting activities. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can plan their trip to Gaborone and make the most of their time in this beautiful city.

Ministry building, Gaborone Ministry building, Gaborone Sir Seretse Khama International airport and an Air Botswana aircraft Sir Seretse Khama International airport and an Air Botswana aircraft Detail of the Hindu Hall Detail of the Hindu Hall The Three Dikgosi Monument The Three Dikgosi Monument View from Kgale Hill View from Kgale Hill View of Mokolodi Nature Reserve View of Mokolodi Nature Reserve Main Mall, a pedestrianised street in central Gaborone Main Mall, a pedestrianised street in central Gaborone Seswaa with Bogobe, boiled meat with maize porridge, a traditional Botswanan dish Seswaa with Bogobe, boiled meat with maize porridge, a traditional Botswanan dish Adventurous? Try some mopane worms, a speciality of Southern Africa Adventurous? Try some mopane worms, a speciality of Southern Africa The Gaborone Dam The Gaborone Dam The parliament The parliament Princess Marina Hospital Princess Marina Hospital