Gaborone

Gaborone Overview

Capital city of Botswana, Gaborone has its own National Museum and Art Gallery. The museum holds a variety of traditional crafts and works of art by local artists.

As of 2007, Gaborone has had its own National Botanical Garden. This 9-acre stretch of land was created to protect Botswana's indigenous plant life.

The annual Maitisong Festival comprises of a week’s worth of outdoor concerts, plays, and movies in various venues around the city. The festivities kick start between the end of March and beginning of April.

The Gaborone Dam is the biggest in Botswana. Its banks are kitted out with parks, playgrounds, and boating facilities making the space a much loved recreational area. The dam is a popular bird watching site as well as a playground for windsurfers and anglers.

A few hundred metres from the city centre is Kgale Hill. 1,287 metres high, the hill offers stunning views looking over Gaborone. Get there with a hike up the hill on one of three paths. The hike takes about two hours and offers the opportunity to see playful baboons interact in their natural habitat. 

Highlights & Places in Gaborone

Gaborone is the largest city in Botswana and is affectionately known by its locals as ‘Gabs’. The city is situated between Kgale and Oodi Hills and is home to a national museum, art gallery and botanical garden.

The Gaborone Dam and Kgale Hill are great for getting outdoors; providing a scenic space where you can enjoy bird watching and adventure activities.

For a more lively experience, join in the festivities at the annual Maitisong Festival.

Best Time to Visit Gaborone

When to Go

The best time to go to Gaborone is in spring or autumn which comes between late September and early October and late March come early April. At this time of year you avoid the blistering heat of summer and the rain of winter.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Gaborone

There are a handful of flights departing Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa, arriving in Gaborone on a daily basis.

You can quite easily hire a car from Johannesburg airport and drive to Gaborone, a trip which will take you approximately four hours. 

Getting Around Gaborone

When in Gaborone the best way to get around is by car. The roads and infrastructure are well maintained.

Gaborone Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
There are plenty ATMs in Gaborone.

Forex/Money:
Gaborone is the perfect place to exchange foreign currency to Botswanian Pula with a variety of banks and foreign exchange bureaus.

Credit/Debit cards:
Credit and debit cards are accepted in most stores although American Express and Diners Club are less common and not accepted in all outlets.

Internet availability: 
There are internet cafés in Gaborone. 

Drinking water: 
It is advised that you drink bottled water when traveling in Botswana. Tap water is not recommended for consumption by tourists so be sure to ask whether ice cubes used in drinks are from tap or bottled water. Also, brushing your teeth should be done with bottled water too.

Hospitals & Medical: 
General health care quality and availability in Gaborone is of a high standard. Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip departure and enquire about medical vaccinations and inoculations required for the area.

Visa Requirements:
Most country’s citizens will not be required to organise a visa before entering the country but will need a valid passport as well as confirmed return tickets. 

Gaborone Map