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Gaborone, Botswana

Destination Guide

Gaborone

Botswana

Best things to do in Gaborone

22 curated attractions in Gaborone, Botswana. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - October

Average temp

21°C/70°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Gaborone

Gaborone, Botswana's capital, sits at the crossroads of modernity and nature, with the Mokolodi Nature Reserve just outside the city providing a genuine wildlife experience. The city itself is a mix of straightforward concrete buildings and sprawling shopping centres, where the Sebele Shopping Centre stands as a testament to urban growth. People come for the close proximity to nature, as well as to explore the Gaborone Dam and the surrounding game reserves. However, much of the city's activity revolves around practical needs rather than tourism, resulting in a relaxed atmosphere where the pace is slower and the sights are a bit understated. Visitors will see a growing city with a few pockets of vibrancy, but the true adventure lies just beyond the urban borders.

Who it's for

Those who prefer a laid-back experience alongside opportunities for wildlife encounters will enjoy Gaborone. However, if you're looking for a cultural scene or nightlife, you might find the city's offerings disappointingly sparse. A lack of reliable public transport can also make getting around a bit frustrating.

Getting around

Public transport: Poor

  • Walking from the city centre to Riverwalk Mall takes about twenty minutes
  • Public transport is limited, with few buses and taxis not always available
  • Gaborone's attractions are spread out, so renting a car is often the most convenient choice
  • The nearest international airport, Sir Seretse Khama, is around fifteen kilometers away
Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Mokolodi Nature Reserve

National parks & nature reserves
Airport Junction Mall

Airport Junction Mall

Malls & department stores
Riverwalk Mall

Riverwalk Mall

Malls & department stores
Gaborone Game Reserve

Gaborone Game Reserve

Safaris & game reserves
National Museum and Art Gallery

National Museum and Art Gallery

History museums
Botswana National Stadium

Botswana National Stadium

Stadiums & sports venues
Gaborone Dam

Gaborone Dam

Lakes
Mmokolodi Village

Mmokolodi Village

Traditional villages
Kgale Hill

Kgale Hill

Mountains & volcanoes
Three Dikgosi Monument

Three Dikgosi Monument

Monuments & memorials
Supa Ngwao Museum

Supa Ngwao Museum

History museums
Botswana National Archives

Botswana National Archives

History museums
Grand Palm Casino

Grand Palm Casino

Casinos
Sebele Shopping Centre

Sebele Shopping Centre

Malls & department stores
Gaborone Golf Club

Gaborone Golf Club

Stadiums & sports venues
Lion Park Resort

Lion Park Resort

Safaris & game reserves
Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Historic libraries & universities
National Assembly Building

National Assembly Building

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Molapo Crossing Shopping Centre

Molapo Crossing Shopping Centre

Malls & department stores
National Botanical Garden

National Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens
Gaborone Bus Rank

Gaborone Bus Rank

Streets & neighbourhoods
Gaborone Railway Station

Gaborone Railway Station

Modern architecture & skyscrapers

Where to eat in Gaborone

The places worth planning a meal around.

Botswana Craft

Botswana Craft

African · $$

★ 4.3 · 1,105 reviews

The Daily Grind

The Daily Grind

Coffeehouse, Modern African · $10–$20

★ 4.6 · 762 reviews

Gaborone Yacht Club Restaurant & Bar

Gaborone Yacht Club Restaurant & Bar

International · $

★ 4.2 · 404 reviews

Rhapsody's

Rhapsody's

Contemporary Global · $20–$40

★ 3.3 · 4 reviews

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