Things To Do
in Gabane
Gabane is a small Botswana village on the edge of the capital area, just a short drive northwest of Gaborone. It sits among open plains with gentle hills and maize fields that define the landscape. The community blends traditional Setswana culture with a growing commuter life as residents travel to Gaborone for work and services.
Visitors can experience authentic village life while using Gabane as a peaceful base to explore nearby nature, wildlife, and scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Gabane and settle into your accommodations, taking in the beautiful landscape that surrounds this quaint village. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you acclimate to the warm, inviting atmosphere of Botswana. Spend the late morning exploring the village market where you can find local crafts and traditional foods.
After lunch, take a guided tour of the nearby pottery workshops, where local artisans showcase their skills and you can try your hand at creating your own piece of art. Engage with the craftsmen and learn about the significance of pottery in Botswana culture. Spend the afternoon in nature by hiking in the nearby hills, enjoying breathtaking views of the Kalahari landscape.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Botswana dinner at a local family-run restaurant, tasting dishes like sesotho and braai. Participate in an evening of storytelling around a campfire, where you can listen to local legends and folktales from the community. Cap off the night by gazing at the starry sky, far removed from city lights.
Start your day with a traditional breakfast to fuel your exploration of the culture in Gabane. Visit the local museum to learn about the history and challenges of the people in the region. Engage in a workshop where you can learn about traditional music and instruments from local musicians.
After lunch, visit a nearby village to interact with local families and participate in their daily routines, giving you a true taste of community life. Enjoy a guided cooking class where you can prepare and sample traditional meals using local ingredients. Visit a cultural center to appreciate local art and maybe even provide support by buying a handmade souvenir.
Spend the evening at a local dance performance showcasing traditional tribal dances that captivate with their rhythms and stories. Meet the performers afterward to understand the meaning behind their dance and music. Conclude the night with a nightcap at a local bar while discussing the day’s rich experiences with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or drink at cafe | $2-4 |
| 🛍️Groceries (weekly essentials) | $20-40 |
| 🚗Short taxi ride | $4-12 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (night) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic village atmosphere and friendly locals
- Close to Gaborone with easy day trips
- Reasonably affordable with good value for money
- Safe and welcoming for first-time visitors to rural Botswana
- Limited nightlife and dining options within Gabane
- Some services are concentrated in Gaborone
- Longer drives to major attractions may be needed
- Seasonal heat and thunderstorms can be intense in summer
- "Dumela" - Hello
- "O kae?" - How are you?
- "Ke a leboga" - Thank you
- "Kopa thusa" - Please help
- "Ke tsente mo Botswana" - I am from Botswana
- "Ee" - Yes
Places to Visit in Gabane
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over the Gaborone valley, especially stunning at sunset.
Wide horizons with maize fields that make for sweeping landscape shots.
Waterholes and treescapes offering wildlife photography opportunities.
Food in Gabane
Gabane Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional shredded beef stew slow-cooked and served with pap (maize porridge) or morogo (wild greens).
Must-Try!
Cooked wild spinach greens often seasoned with onions and served as a side with pap or meat.
Maize meal porridge that accompanies stews and vegetables.
Beans or mixed legumes commonly eaten with pap.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market with fresh produce, braai supplies, roasted corn, fat cakes, and street bites.
Local roadside stalls along the main road offering grilled meats and quick snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a warm smile and use 'Dumela' as a common hello; show respect to elders.
Use the right hand for giving and receiving; avoid pointing with one finger.
Ask for permission before photographing people or private spaces.
Dress modestly in public; rural areas appreciate conservative attire.
Safety
Tipping in Gabane
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not always expected; 5-10% at restaurants if service is not included.
Cash in Botswana pula is widely accepted; many larger establishments accept cards; US dollars may be accepted in tourist pockets; mobile money apps are common for smaller shops and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with possible afternoon thunderstorms; carry water, sunscreen, and light rain gear.
Dry season with cooler mornings and evenings; pack layers and a warm jacket for early hours.
Gabane at Night
Hiking in Gabane
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular local hike with rewarding views of the valley just outside Gaborone.
Rolling hills near the region offering longer hikes and scenic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Gabane by plane.
Gaborone’s international gateway, about 24-40 km from Gabane; offers regional flights and some international routes; car hire and shuttle services are available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Setswana-speaking families and communities living in Gabane and nearby villages.
People who work in Gaborone and travel daily from Gabane.
Some visitors explore Gabane as a base for day trips and nearby attractions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local matches and school leagues common across the region.
A growing sport with club and school participation.
Played in parks and school grounds; occasional local matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gabane.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most vegetable dishes such as morogo and beans are available; request vegetarian mains when dining out.