Things To Do
in Gaborone
Nestled in the heart of southern Africa, this rapidly growing city is the capital and largest city of Botswana, known for its modern architecture, vibrant economy, and as a hub of political, cultural, and social activities. It boasts a serene environment, characterized by its proximity to nature reserves and parks, offering residents and visitors alike a unique blend of urban life and wildlife experiences.
Gaborone also serves as an important center for education and health services in the region, reflecting Botswana's commitment to progress and sustainable development.
- "Dumelang" - Hello
- "O kae?" - How are you?
- "Ke a leboga" - Thank you
- "Tsamaya sentle" - Goodbye
- "O eng?" - What is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Gaborone Game Reserve where you can spot wildlife such as zebras and antelopes. Take a leisurely walk or a guided tour to fully immerse yourself in nature.
Head to the National Museum and Art Gallery to learn about Botswana’s rich culture and history. Make sure to enjoy some local craft shopping at the museum's gift shop.
Dine at a local restaurant to taste authentic Botswana cuisine. Relax under the stars while enjoying traditional music and dance performances.
Visit the Kgale Hill for a morning hike and enjoy panoramic views of Gaborone. Bring water and prepare for a moderate trek that rewards you with stunning vistas.
Stop by the Three Dikgosi Monument dedicated to the historical leaders of Botswana. Enjoy a picnic lunch in nearby areas as you take in the culture.
Experience Gaborone's nightlife at a local bar or club. Engage with locals and enjoy live music or dance events.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stable political environment with a growing economy
- High standard of living compared to many other African cities
- Rich cultural diversity and heritage
- Access to natural attractions such as national parks and game reserves
- Well-developed infrastructure, including roads and telecommunications
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors
- High cost of living compared to other cities in the region
- Public transportation can be inadequate
- Extreme weather conditions, with hot summers and cold winters
- Social issues, including poverty and inequality, still affecting some communities
Best Activities in Gaborone
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the nature reserve with game drives, guided walks, and rhino tracking.
Enjoy walking trails, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in the heart of the city.
Take a boat cruise and enjoy birdwatching and the scenic beauty of the Gaborone Dam.
Play a round of golf surrounded by beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
Tours
Uncover the best of Gaborone with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Gaborone
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a panoramic view of the city and a great spot for photographs.
Provides stunning views of Gaborone from its rooftop bar and restaurant.
Features picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife, ideal for nature photography.
Food in Gaborone
Gaborone Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tender, slow-cooked beef, often served with pap (maize porridge) and chakalaka.
Must-Try!
A savory, pastry-like bread filled with spiced meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
A local delicacy, these edible caterpillars are often fried and seasoned for a crunchy snack.
A thick sorghum porridge often served with a variety of savory stews.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Gaborone better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a variety of street food options, from grilled meats to traditional snacks like magwinya.
An excellent spot for sampling diverse street food stalls serving everything from local favorites to international flavors.
A great place to experience fresh produce and local street food delicacies, alongside handmade crafts and traditional wares.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Gaborone, it is important to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact. Greetings are an important part of the culture and it is respectful to acknowledge others when entering a room or meeting someone for the first time.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Botswana. It is important to show deference and respect towards older individuals by using appropriate titles and displaying polite behavior.
Non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, plays a significant role in interactions in Gaborone. It is important to be attentive to non-verbal cues and to be mindful of one's own body language to show respect and consideration for others.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Gaborone with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Gaborone
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is generally not expected in Gaborone, Botswana, but it is appreciated for exceptional service in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides.
Payment in Gaborone, Botswana is commonly made in Botswana Pula (BWP), and cash is widely used. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Gaborone, Botswana is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and abundant wildlife sightings in the national parks. Expect warm days and cool nights, making it ideal for safari adventures.
During the wet season, from November to April, Gaborone experiences hot and humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms. Wildlife viewing may be more challenging due to the lush vegetation, but birdwatching opportunities are excellent. It's advisable to pack light and breathable clothing for this period.
Gaborone at Night
Hiking in Gaborone
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking spot that offers stunning views of Gaborone and the surrounding areas. The hike is moderately challenging and provides scenic landscapes.
Located near Gaborone, this trail features beautiful scenery with opportunities to see local flora and fauna. It's a great spot for both hiking and bird watching.
This park offers various walking trails and is ideal for families. It's a leisurely hiking option with plenty of greenery and picnic spots.
The area around the Gaborone Dam offers a variety of trails suitable for hiking, with some sections providing views of the dam and opportunities for bird watching.
Just a short drive from Gaborone, this reserve offers hiking trails through diverse landscapes. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great outdoor experience.
Aiports
How to reach Gaborone by plane.
The primary international airport serving Gaborone, Botswana.
Located in Johannesburg, South Africa, it is the busiest airport in Africa and serves as a major hub for international flights.
Located in Livingstone, Zambia, it serves as a gateway to the Victoria Falls, about 600 km from Gaborone.
Located in Namibia, approximately 650 km away from Gaborone, it serves the Caprivi Strip region.
Located in Zimbabwe, it is about 600 km from Gaborone and serves as an access point to the famous Victoria Falls.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Tswana people are the predominant ethnic group in Gaborone and Botswana as a whole, making up a significant portion of the population.
The Kalanga people are one of the notable ethnic groups in Gaborone, known for their distinct cultural practices and languages.
The Herero people are a smaller ethnic group in Gaborone, with a unique culture and history, originally from Namibia.
This includes various smaller communities and expatriates from countries such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, and other nations, contributing to the multicultural environment of Gaborone.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely popular sport in Gaborone, soccer is played at both amateur and professional levels. The city hosts several teams, including those that compete in the Botswana Premier League.
Cricket enjoys a significant following in Gaborone, with local clubs and schools frequently participating in competitions. The sport has been growing in popularity over the years.
Rugby has a dedicated fan base in Gaborone, with various local teams and clubs that engage in both competitive and recreational play.
Netball is a favored sport among women in Gaborone, with numerous leagues and tournaments organized for players at different skill levels.
Attraction towards athletics is notable in Gaborone, with various events held throughout the year, including track and field competitions.
Basketball is increasingly gaining popularity, especially among the youth, with local courts and teams forming across the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gaborone.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional dishes often feature meat, many restaurants in Gaborone offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives, with a growing number of dedicated establishments.
Though not as prevalent, some eateries in Gaborone cater to gluten-free diets, especially those with a focus on international cuisines such as Mediterranean or Asian.