Search hotels in Gaborone →Order an eSIM for your trip

Gaborone, often called "Gabs," is the capital of Botswana and one of Africa's fastest-growing cities. Founded in the 1960s as the capital of the newly independent country, it's a modern, relaxed city surrounded by hills and the Kalahari bush. Gaborone isn't a typical tourist destination, but it's an excellent introduction to Botswana's history, culture and politics, and a good base for nature reserves, rhino sanctuaries and rock art sites nearby. The city is home to the Three Dikgosi Monument, the National Museum, lively markets and shopping malls, as well as wildlife just minutes from downtown at the Gaborone Game Reserve and Mokolodi Nature Reserve. Fans of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels will also recognise many places in the city. This Gaborone travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top things to do, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Gaborone

Gaborone has a semi-arid climate.

Dry season (April–October) is the best time to visit, with sunny days and pleasant temperatures (around 20–28°C), though winter nights (June–August) can be cold, near 0–5°C.

Wet season (November–March) is hot (often 30–38°C), with afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape turns green.

Events:

• Botswana Day (30 September): Independence Day celebrations with parades and music.
• President's Day (July): Cultural events and celebrations.
• Maitisong Festival: A performing arts festival with music, theatre and dance.

Top Things to Do in Gaborone

1. Three Dikgosi Monument

Bronze statues of three chiefs, Khama III, Sebele I and Bathoen I, who travelled to London in 1895 to ask Queen Victoria to protect their land from annexation by Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company. Their mission helped preserve Botswana's independence. A small museum tells their story.

2. National Museum and Art Gallery

Exhibits on Botswana's history, culture and wildlife, plus contemporary Batswana art.

3. Mokolodi Nature Reserve

A private reserve about 15 km south of the city, with rhinos, giraffes, zebras and antelope. Activities include game drives, bush walks, rhino tracking and cheetah encounters.

4. Gaborone Game Reserve

A small reserve within the city limits, with zebras, wildebeest, impala, ostriches and birdlife, ideal for a quick wildlife fix.

5. Kgale Hill

A popular hike with panoramic views over Gaborone, the dam and surrounding hills. Look out for baboons.

6. Gaborone Dam

A large reservoir with a yacht club, sunset views and picnic areas.

7. Main Mall and Riverwalk

The Main Mall is a pedestrian street with markets, craft stalls and street food, while Riverwalk and Game City are modern shopping and dining centres.

Also worth visiting: Parliament of Botswana, Botswanacraft for traditional baskets and crafts, Thapong Visual Arts Centre and the Manyana Rock Paintings.

Beyond Gaborone

• Khama Rhino Sanctuary: Near Serowe, about 3.5–4 hours north, protecting white and black rhinos.
• Manyana Rock Art: San paintings about 1 hour away.
• Mochudi: A traditional village with the Phuthadikobo Museum.
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve: A remote wilderness further north.
• Madikwe Game Reserve (South Africa): A malaria-free Big Five reserve near the border.

Suggested 3-Day Gaborone Itinerary

Day 1 – City: Visit the Three Dikgosi Monument, the National Museum and the Main Mall, and enjoy dinner at Riverwalk.

Day 2 – Nature: Take a morning game drive at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, then hike Kgale Hill and watch sunset at Gaborone Dam.

Day 3 – Day trip: Visit the Manyana Rock Paintings and Mochudi, or start a longer trip to Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Botswana: An African Success Story

When Botswana gained independence from Britain on 30 September 1966, it was one of the world's poorest countries, with only a few kilometres of paved roads. The discovery of diamonds shortly after independence transformed the economy. Under leaders like founding president Sir Seretse Khama, Botswana became one of Africa's most stable democracies, investing diamond revenue in education, health and infrastructure. In 2024, a change of government brought Duma Boko to the presidency in a peaceful transfer of power.

Gaborone Food Scene

Try Botswana's national dish, seswaa (pounded beef), served with pap or bogobe (sorghum porridge), morogo (wild greens), magwinya (fat cakes) and mopane worms, a protein-rich local delicacy. Gaborone also has international restaurants, steakhouses and lively bars.

What to Pack for a Botswana Safari

• Neutral-coloured clothing: Khaki, olive and beige; avoid bright colours, white and dark blue (which attracts tsetse flies in some areas).
• Layers: Mornings and evenings in winter (June–August) can be close to freezing on open vehicles, while afternoons are warm.
• Soft-sided bag: Required for light aircraft transfers, usually with a 20 kg limit.
• Binoculars and camera: A zoom lens of 200–400 mm is ideal.
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Insect repellent and malaria tablets: For northern Botswana.
• Headlamp, adaptor and power bank: Many camps run on solar power.

Botswana's Conservation Model

Botswana is known for its high-value, low-volume approach to tourism, limiting visitor numbers in sensitive areas while charging higher prices to fund conservation and community development. Around 40% of the country is protected as national parks, reserves or wildlife management areas. Many safari concessions are run in partnership with local communities, who receive a share of tourism revenue. Botswana has also been a leader in rhino conservation, relocating rhinos to safer areas and running anti-poaching programmes.

Where to Stay in Gaborone

• Central Business District (CBD): Business hotels near government buildings.
• Riverwalk and Game City: Hotels close to shopping and restaurants.
• Gaborone Dam area: Hotels with views and quieter surroundings.
• Mokolodi: Lodges and chalets in the nature reserve.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Gaborone here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Gaborone

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) is about 15 km north of the city, with flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town and regional destinations, as well as domestic flights to Maun and Kasane. Search and compare cheap flights to Gaborone to find the best fares.

By Road

Gaborone is about 4–5 hours by road from Johannesburg, crossing the border at Tlokweng or Ramatlabama.

Getting Around

• Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Convenient and affordable.
• Combis (minibuses): Cheap but crowded.
• Car rental: Useful for day trips (drive on the left).

Travel Costs in Gaborone

Gaborone is moderately priced. The currency is the Botswana pula (BWP).

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa-free: Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days per year.
• e-Visa: Other nationalities can apply through Botswana's online e-Visa portal.
• Tourism Development Levy: Most foreign visitors pay a levy of around US$30.
• Passport validity: At least 6 months, with at least two blank pages.
• Yellow fever: A certificate is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.

Always check official Botswana immigration sources before travelling.

Local Tips for Gaborone

• Greetings: Greet people politely with "Dumela" (hello) before asking questions.
• Safety: Gaborone is relatively safe, but avoid walking alone at night and watch for petty theft.
• Malaria: Gaborone is low-risk, but northern Botswana is a malaria area.
• Water: Tap water is generally safe in the city.
• Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants.
• Staying connected: Local SIMs from Mascom, Orange and BTC are available, or use a travel eSIM. Get your Botswana eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Mokolodi game drive: Rhinos and giraffes near the city.
• Gaborone city tour: History and culture.
• Khama Rhino Sanctuary trip: See white and black rhinos.
• Manyana rock art tour: Ancient San paintings.
• Kgale Hill hike: Views over the capital.

Browse and book the best tours in Botswana here.

FAQ

Is Gaborone worth visiting?

Yes, for its history, culture and nearby nature reserves, especially as a start or end to a Botswana trip.

How far is Gaborone from Johannesburg?

About 360 km, or 4–5 hours by road, or 1 hour by air.

What is the Three Dikgosi Monument?

A monument honouring three chiefs who helped protect Botswana from colonial annexation.

Is Gaborone safe?

It's relatively safe with normal precautions.

Do I need a visa for Botswana?

Many nationalities don't, but most visitors pay a Tourism Development Levy.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.