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Aerial view of the Government Quarters and Parliament Building in Gaborone.

Things to do in  Gaborone

Southern Africa’s chillest capital city

The capital city of Botswana may be small, but Gaborone has plenty to offer—things to do include checking out the city’s nightlife at spots including Rhapsody’s Sebele or Park 27, taking a game tour at the nearby Mokolodi Nature Reserve (which also offers accommodations), and learning about the country’s history at the Botswana National Museum, which showcases art and artifacts from around the country. Gaborone is an excellent option for those who want to explore a Southern African city but might be intimidated by the size of Johannesburg or Harare.

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When to visit

For warm weather and clear skies, visit Gaborone from April to October and skip the summer rains. The dry season is also the best time of year for game viewing, as animals congregate around limited water, and the dried foliage provides less cover. Despite the balmy days, the nights get chilly, so pack layers and warm pajamas.

Getting around

Taxis and the rideshare app inDrive are good options for getting around Gaborone. The city is spread out, so you won’t be walking many places, and public transit is minimal. InDrive is a bid-based app where customers offer a rate for a ride, and drivers can accept or negotiate before accepting the fare. If you want to check out the surrounding area, renting a car is your best option.

Traveler tips

For good food and atmosphere, stop at the Mokolodi Bush Kitchen on the nature reserve. With its canvas canopies, art, and indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll feel like the safari has started, and you can view wild impala and warthogs grazing in the bush. For a special experience, reserve a spot at the monthly high tea (which sells out quickly) and enjoy an elegant tea time surrounded by the stark beauty of arid Botswana.

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People Also Ask
Q:Is Gaborone worth visiting?
A:

Yes—although the city is small, it’s a great option for a weekend getaway or as a stop on a longer tour of Botswana. There are plenty of great venues for music and dancing, and it’s near several game reserves.

Q:Is Gaborone expensive?
A:

No—Gaborone is affordable, especially compared to other major cities in Southern Africa. Prices add up for game tours and luxury hotels, but you can find affordable lodges and hostels to save some money. Food and drink also tend to be quite cheap.

Q:What language is spoken in Gaborone?
A:

The official language of Botswana is English, but most people also speak Setswana (the language of the Tswana people) or Ikalanga (a Bantu language spoken by the Kalanga people). Like many places in the region, you’ll hear dozens of other languages and dialects—more than 2,000 are spoken across Africa.

Q:Can I drink the water in Gaborone?
A:

While tap water throughout the city is considered safe, check with your accommodation beforehand and purchase bottled water when you’re at restaurants as a precaution. If you’re heading outside the city, have a good supply of water bottles in your car.

Q:Is Gaborone safe to visit?
A:

Yes—Gaborone is more or less safe, and tourists are rarely targeted. However, you should always be aware of your surroundings and avoid traveling alone, especially at night. One spot to avoid at night is the taxi rank and train station by Rail Park Mall, where pickpocketing is common.

Q:What food is popular in Gaborone?
A:

One of the national foods of Botswana is seswaa, which is meat that has been slowly cooked and served shredded. It can be goat, chicken, beef, or lamb. In Gaborone, Size 10 restaurant serves traditional Botswanan food at affordable prices; it’s a great spot to sample the region’s cuisine.

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