Gaborone Travel Guide - Visiting Botswana's Diamond Capital

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Gaborone, Botswana by Justice Hubane on Unsplash.

Travel Notes: Destinations: Africa: Botswana - Gaborone Travel Guide.

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Travel Guide For Visitors to Gaborone

Capital of Botswana, Gaborone is a modern city where urban sophistication meets authentic African culture, all within reach of world-class wildlife experiences. Share on Facebook

Modern Metropolis

Gaborone isn't your typical dusty frontier town; it's a gleaming modern metropolis that's managed to keep its soul intact.

Visiting Gaborone, Botswana

Founded in 1966 as Botswana's new capital, Gaborone has grown from a small administrative outpost into one of Africa's most liveable urban centres, all thanks to those sparkly diamonds lying beneath the Kalahari.

But here's the thing about Gaborone, or 'Gabs' as locals call it, it's not trying to be the next Cape Town or Nairobi.

Instead, it's carved out its own identity as a gateway to authentic Botswana experiences, where you can sip craft beer in trendy bars one moment and be tracking elephants in the wild the next.

Getting to Gaborone

By Air

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) sits 15km north of the city centre and handles flights from major African hubs including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Nairobi.

British Airways operates direct flights from London, making it surprisingly accessible for UK travellers.

The airport taxi fare to downtown runs around 150-200 pula (roughly £10-15).

Overland from South Africa

The most popular route for budget-conscious travellers is the comfortable bus journey from Johannesburg (5-6 hours) or the scenic drive via the Ramatlabama border post.

Car hire is straightforward, and the roads are excellent by African standards.

What to Do in Gaborone

City Centre Exploration

Start your Gaborone adventure at the Main Mall, a pedestrian-friendly shopping area that's perfect for people-watching and picking up local crafts.

The Three Dikgosi Monument pays tribute to Botswana's founding fathers and offers insight into the country's peaceful transition to independence.

Cultural Experiences

The National Museum and Art Gallery (161 Queens Rd) might be small, but it packs a punch with excellent displays on Botswana's cultural heritage and contemporary art scene.

Don't miss the traditional pottery demonstrations on weekends.

Markets and Shopping

Broadhurst Industrial is where locals shop for everything from electronics to traditional fabrics.

The Gaborone Game Reserve weekend craft market is brilliant for authentic souvenirs without the tourist mark-up.

Where to Stay in Gaborone

Luxury Options

The Peermont Walmont Grand Palm Hotel (Bonnington Farm and Molepolole Road) remains the city's flagship accommodation, offering international standards without the international price tag.

The Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino (Chuma Drive) provides modern rooms with great facilities, including Botswana's largest casino if you fancy a flutter.

Mid-Range Gems

Cresta Lodge Gaborone (Samora Machel Drive) offers excellent value with clean, comfortable rooms and helpful staff who actually know the city.

Located in the heart of the Central Business District, the Marriott Masa Square Hotel (Khama Crescent & Western Avenue) is perfect for business travellers.

Budget-Friendly Stays

Backpackers will find decent digs at Mokolodi Backpackers, which also organises wildlife trips to nearby game reserves.

Guesthouses also offer authentic local hospitality at reasonable rates.

Wildlife Experiences Near Gaborone

Gaborone Game Reserve

This urban oasis sits right on the city's doorstep and provides easy wildlife viewing along well-maintained roads.

While you won't see the Big Five, the reserve offers excellent birdwatching and the chance to spot kudu, impala, and warthogs.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Just 12km from the city centre, this community-owned reserve offers your first taste of Botswana's wildlife without the hefty price tag of the main game parks.

White rhinos, giraffes, and various antelope species roam the 30km² reserve, and the education centre does excellent conservation work.

Gaborone's Food Scene

Craft Beer and Nightlife

The Beef Baron Grill and Rib Room (Grand Palm Resort) isn't just about the steaks; their local beer selection is impressive too.

The Grand Palm Casino celebrates the evening with upmarket nightlife.

International Dining

The restaurant scene has exploded in recent years.

News Cafe provides a South African chain experience with reliable burgers and salads.

Traditional Botswana Cuisine

Bull & Bush Pub serves up hearty portions of seswaa (shredded beef) and bogobe (sorghum porridge) in a relaxed atmosphere.

For authentic street food, head to the Bus Rank area where vendors sell fat cakes, magwinya, and other local treats.

Day Trips from Gaborone

Jwaneng Diamond Mine

While public tours are limited, the journey to this diamond mining town offers insights into the industry that built modern Botswana.

The surrounding area features interesting geological formations and traditional villages.

Kanye and the Southern Districts

Explore traditional Botswana life in this historic town, known for its pottery and traditional architecture.

The nearby Kanye Hills offer excellent hiking opportunities and panoramic views.

Pilanesberg National Park (South Africa)

A two-hour drive across the border brings you to one of South Africa's premier Big Five destinations.

Many Gaborone-based tour operators offer day trips, making it an easy wildlife fix.

Practical Information for Visitors

Best Time to Visit Gaborone

The dry season (May to September) offers perfect weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

The wet season (October to April) brings occasional thunderstorms but also lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

Getting Around Gaborone

Combis (shared minibus taxis) are cheap and efficient for short distances, though routes can be confusing for newcomers.

Taxi apps like Riide work well for door-to-door transport, while car rental is recommended for exploring beyond the city.

Money Matters

The Botswana Pula (BWP) is the local currency, and ATMs are widely available.

Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but cash is essential for markets and local transport.

Safety and Health

Gaborone is generally safe by African standards, though standard precautions apply.

The private healthcare system is excellent, and the city has several well-equipped hospitals.

Shopping in Gaborone

Diamond Shopping

As the capital of a diamond-producing nation, Gaborone offers excellent opportunities to purchase certified stones.

Diamonds International and local jewellers provide authenticated gems at competitive prices.

Local Crafts and Souvenirs

The Botswanacraft shops scattered around the city offer authentic local artwork, pottery, and textiles.

Prices are fair, and purchases support local artisans.

Malls and Modern Shopping

Riverwalk Mall offers international brands and excellent dining options, while Game City provides everything from groceries to electronics under one roof.

Transport Links to Botswana's Highlights

Gaborone serves as an excellent base for exploring Botswana's world-renowned attractions:

Central Kalahari Game Reserve - 4WD access via Ghanzi (5-6 hours).

Chobe National Park - Overland tours available (6-8 hours) or combination fly/drive packages.

Okavango Delta - Daily flights from Sir Seretse Khama Airport (1.5 hours).

Why Gaborone Deserves Your Attention

This isn't a destination that shouts about itself; Gaborone's charms are more subtle.

It's a city where you can experience real African urban life without the chaos of larger capitals, where locals are genuinely friendly rather than tourist-focused, and where your money goes further than almost anywhere else in the region.

Whether you're using Gaborone as a stepping stone to Botswana's famous wilderness areas or discovering its own unique character, you'll find a city that's confident in its own skin and refreshingly honest about what it offers.

In a continent of superlatives, sometimes the understated option is exactly what you need.

Planning a Gaborone Adventure

Start with 2-3 days to explore the city properly, then use it as your base for wider Botswana exploration.

You might just discover that this unassuming capital has more to offer than you ever imagined.

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