Gaborone
Save26 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Bronze statues of three Tswana chiefs who travelled to London in 1895.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Free to visit
- Good for sunrise or sunset
- Near the Central Business District
📷 Photos
- 2
Collections of Tswana culture, natural history and art.
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Check opening hours
- Small gift shop
📷 Photos
- 3
Small reserve in the city with antelope, zebra and birds.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Drive or walk the loops
- Entry fee is modest
📷 Photos
- 4
Reservoir south of the city for sailing, birdwatching and picnics.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Sunsets are lovely
- Bring sun protection
- Near restaurants and clubs
📷 Photos
- 5
Private reserve with giraffe, rhino and game drives.
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Great for families
- About 15 minutes from the centre
📷 Photos
- 6
Hill on the edge of the city with trails and wide views.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Bring water
📷 Photos
- 7
Pedestrian heart of Gaborone, lined with shops and government buildings.
- Tip: Weekdays
- Tip: Watch your bag
1 tip
- Good lunch stops
📷 Photos
- 8
Craft centre selling baskets, textiles, pottery and carvings.
3 tips
- Compare prices
- Ask about the makers
- Good for souvenirs
📷 Photos
- 9
Village cooperative known for tapestries and rugs.
3 tips
- Watch weavers at work
- Buy directly
- Day trip by car
📷 Photos
- 10
Museum in Mochudi on Bakgatla history and culture.
3 tips
- Day trip from Gaborone
- Hilltop views
- Call ahead for hours
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Gaborone tips
Transportation
- Use combis carefully: minibus combis follow set routes and are cheap, but they get crowded, so ask locals which route you need.
- Book taxis by phone or app: Gaborone has few street taxis, so use a known company or ride-hailing app rather than unmarked cars.
- Rent a car for day trips: a car makes it easy to reach Mokolodi Nature Reserve, Kgale Hill and other sights outside the city.
Security
- Avoid walking alone at night: the city is relatively safe by day, but take a taxi after dark rather than walking quiet streets.
- Watch for animals on roads: cattle, goats and donkeys wander onto roads around Gaborone, so drive carefully, especially at dusk.
- Keep cars locked: do not leave bags or electronics visible in parked vehicles, and use guarded car parks at malls.
Saving
- Eat at local spots: try seswaa with pap or a plate of local food at markets and casual eateries rather than mall restaurants.
- Hike Kgale Hill: climbing the hill on the edge of town gives great views over the city and costs very little.
- Shop at supermarkets: chain supermarkets are the cheapest way to stock up on snacks and water for road trips.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect hot summers: from October to March days are hot with afternoon thunderstorms, so pack light clothes and a rain jacket.
- Pack warm layers for winter: June to August days are sunny and dry but nights can be cold, so bring a jacket.
- Protect from the sun: the sun is strong year round, so wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and carry water.
Cultural
- Greet properly: Batswana value greetings; say dumela, mma to a woman or dumela, rra to a man before asking anything.
- Try seswaa: Botswana's national dish of slow-cooked, pounded beef is usually served with pap at celebrations and local eateries.
- Ask before photographing: always ask permission before taking photos of people, and avoid photographing government buildings.
Local Hacks
- Visit Mokolodi early: this nature reserve just south of the city is best for game viewing in the morning when animals are active.
- See the Three Dikgosi Monument: the statues of three chiefs in the CBD tell the story of Botswana's independence.
- Plan around public holidays: shops and offices close on national holidays like Botswana Day, so check dates before you plan errands.
1-day itineraries in Gaborone
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.