Gaborone
Known as the "Diamond of the Kalahari", Gaborone is the thriving capital and largest city of Botswana — a modern, fast-growing African metropolis famous for its wildlife reserves, bustling craft markets, world-class diamond industry, and warm, welcoming culture set against a dramatic semi-arid landscape.
City at a Glance
About Gaborone
Gaborone is one of Africa's youngest and fastest-growing capital cities. Founded in 1964 and officially designated the capital of newly independent Botswana in 1966, the city was built almost from scratch on the banks of the Notwane River in southeastern Botswana. Named after the chief Kgosi Gaborone of the Batlokwa people, the city has grown from a small administrative town into a modern, cosmopolitan hub.
Today, Gaborone is the economic and political heart of one of Africa's great success stories. Botswana's diamond wealth — managed with remarkable transparency and stability — has powered rapid development, and Gaborone reflects this prosperity. The city boasts excellent shopping malls, first-class hotels, vibrant restaurants, a thriving arts scene, and sits as the gateway to Botswana's world-famous safari destinations. Johannesburg, South Africa lies just 360 km to the south, making Gaborone easily accessible for regional travellers.
Best Time to Visit & Weather
Winter (Dry Season) Best Time
May – August. The best time to visit Gaborone and Botswana. Days are warm and sunny (18–24 °C / 64–75 °F) while nights can be cool to cold (5–10 °C). There is virtually no rainfall, skies are clear, and wildlife congregates at water sources — making this the prime safari season throughout the country.
Spring Good Value
September – October. Temperatures begin to rise rapidly (25–34 °C). Still largely dry and excellent for wildlife viewing as animals remain concentrated near water. October can be intensely hot. Hotel rates start to rise as the season builds towards summer rains. A great shoulder season.
Summer (Wet Season)
November – March. The rainy season brings afternoon thunderstorms and lush green landscapes. Temperatures are high (30–38 °C / 86–100 °F). The city stays lively and rain usually falls in short, heavy bursts. Excellent birdwatching opportunities as migratory birds arrive. Lower hotel rates and fewer tourists.
Late Summer / Autumn
March – April. The rains ease and temperatures cool gradually. Landscapes are green and beautiful. A quieter time to visit with good value rates. The tail end of the wet season can still bring occasional showers. A pleasant time for city exploration and cultural visits.
- Gaborone sits at an altitude of 1,000 m (3,300 ft) — the elevated location moderates temperatures compared to lower parts of southern Africa.
- Always carry sunscreen and a hat — UV radiation is very high throughout the year in Botswana.
- Malaria risk in Gaborone itself is low to negligible — but consult your doctor if planning a safari in northern Botswana (Okavango Delta, Chobe).
- Pack a warm layer for May–August evenings — nights can be surprisingly cold despite warm days.
- The dry season (May–October) is best for combining a city visit with a Botswana safari itinerary.
Top Attractions
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Just 10 km south of the city centre, Mokolodi is Gaborone's premier wildlife escape. Home to white rhino, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, cheetah, and over 300 bird species. Offers game drives, guided bush walks, rhino tracking, and a popular cheetah interaction. A must-visit — perfect for families and first-time Africa visitors.
National Museum & Art Gallery
Botswana's premier cultural institution on Independence Avenue. Permanent exhibitions trace the country's history from the San (Bushmen) people and pre-colonial kingdoms through independence and the diamond era. The art gallery showcases leading Botswana and African artists. Free entry — a wonderful introduction to Batswana culture and heritage.
Riverwalk & Game City Malls
Gaborone is known for world-class shopping for an African capital. Riverwalk Mall and Game City are the two largest centres, offering South African and international retail chains, excellent restaurants, cinemas, and supermarkets. Also popular: the Airport Junction Mall for upscale dining and boutique shopping.
Gaborone Craft Market & Three Dikgosi Monument
The Main Mall Craft Market is the best place to buy authentic Batswana crafts — woven baskets, pottery, jewellery, and textiles. Just steps away, the iconic Three Dikgosi Monument celebrates the three Batswana chiefs who travelled to Britain in 1895 to protect their land — a defining moment in Botswana's history.
Gaborone Dam & Reservoir
The Gaborone Dam on the Notwane River is a popular local retreat for picnics, birdwatching, and sunset views. Over 170 bird species have been recorded here, including African fish eagles, storks, herons, and kingfishers. The dam wall provides a peaceful walking area away from the city buzz.
University of Botswana & Botanical Garden
The University of Botswana campus is one of Africa's most attractive, featuring the beautiful Botswana National Botanical Garden — a serene green space showcasing indigenous plants, trees, and shrubs of Botswana's varied ecosystems. A lovely free walking destination, especially pleasant in the winter dry season.
Parliament Building & Government Enclave
Gaborone's impressive Parliament Building is a landmark of modern Botswana. The surrounding Government Enclave includes the Office of the President and key ministries. Guided tours of Parliament are available when in session — a fascinating insight into one of Africa's most stable and well-governed democracies.
Gaborone Game Reserve
Uniquely situated within the city limits, this small but rewarding reserve is home to impala, kudu, warthog, ostrich, and a variety of raptors. Ideal for a morning game drive before a city day. Self-drive is permitted, entry is affordable, and the reserve offers a wonderful taste of Botswana's wildlife without leaving the city.
Day Trip Itineraries
Day 1 — Culture, History & City Life
- 8:30 AM – Breakfast at Dulce Café — Start the day at this popular Gaborone breakfast spot in the Riverwalk area. Great coffee, pastries, and a full menu in a relaxed setting.
- 10:00 AM – National Museum & Art Gallery — Free entry. Allow 1.5 hours for the history and art exhibitions. Don't miss the San rock art displays and the contemporary Botswana art gallery.
- 12:00 PM – Main Mall craft shopping & Three Dikgosi Monument — Browse authentic Batswana baskets, carvings, and jewellery at the craft market. View the striking Three Dikgosi Monument and the nearby Presidential Palace.
- 1:30 PM – Lunch at The Bull & Bush — Gaborone's most famous pub and restaurant, serving local game dishes, grills, and cold Botswanan beer in a lively garden setting.
- 3:30 PM – Gaborone Dam walk & birdwatching — Head to the dam for an afternoon stroll, sunset views, and birdwatching along the reservoir.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner at Caravela Restaurant — Portuguese-inspired seafood and grills, one of the most beloved restaurants in Gaborone for an evening meal.
Day 2 — Wildlife, Nature & Shopping
- 6:30 AM – Mokolodi Nature Reserve game drive — An early morning game drive at Mokolodi gives the best chance of spotting cheetah and rhino in beautiful light. Book in advance. Allow 2–3 hours.
- 10:00 AM – Cheetah interaction at Mokolodi — An unforgettable guided up-close encounter with Mokolodi's resident cheetahs. Must be pre-booked. Children are welcome.
- 12:30 PM – Brunch at Mokolodi restaurant — Relax at the reserve's open-air restaurant with sweeping bush views before heading back to the city.
- 2:30 PM – Gaborone Game Reserve self-drive — A quick afternoon self-drive through the city's own game reserve for impala, kudu, and warthog sightings.
- 4:30 PM – Game City Mall & Airport Junction shopping — Browse Gaborone's best retail, pick up local crafts or Diamonds International souvenirs, and enjoy the air-conditioned comfort during the afternoon heat.
- 7:30 PM – Dinner at Linga Longa — Sample traditional Botswanan cuisine — seswaa (slow-cooked beef), morogo (wild spinach), and bogobe (sorghum porridge) — at one of the city's best local restaurants.
Local Food & Dining
Gaborone offers a surprisingly diverse and rewarding food scene. Traditional Batswana cuisine sits alongside excellent South African grills, Portuguese seafood, Indian restaurants, and modern African fusion dining — all reflecting the cosmopolitan character of this rapidly growing capital.
Must-Try Batswana Foods
- Seswaa — The national dish of Botswana. Beef, goat, or lamb slow-cooked until fall-apart tender, then pounded and served with bogobe (sorghum or maize porridge). Simple, rich, deeply satisfying — served at every celebration.
- Bogobe — Botswana's staple — a thick, smooth porridge made from fermented sorghum or maize, served as a side dish with almost every meal. Slightly tangy and wonderfully filling.
- Morogo — Wild leafy greens (a variety of African spinach) cooked with onion and tomato. A deeply nutritious traditional vegetable side dish, found in every local restaurant.
- Vetkoek — Deep-fried dough balls, a popular snack and street food shared with South Africa and Namibia. Served plain, or filled with minced meat, jam, or cheese.
- Mopane Worms — Dried or fried caterpillars of the Emperor Moth, harvested from Mopane trees. A protein-rich delicacy across southern Africa — crunchy, savoury, and an adventurous must-try for the curious visitor.
- Braai — The beloved southern African barbecue tradition. Beef, game (kudu, springbok, impala), and boerewors sausages grilled over wood fire. Locals take their braai very seriously — a social institution not just a meal.
The Bull & Bush
Gaborone's most iconic restaurant and pub, open since the 1970s. A sprawling garden venue serving excellent game meats, steaks, pizza, and cold local beer. The liveliest gathering spot in the city — locals and visitors alike gather here. Book ahead for weekends.
Caravela Restaurant
A Gaborone institution serving outstanding Portuguese-inspired seafood and grills. Peri-peri chicken, prawns, grilled fish, and hearty meat dishes make this one of the most popular dinner destinations in the city. Excellent wine list and warm, consistent service.
Linga Longa
One of the best places in Gaborone to try authentic traditional Batswana food. Seswaa, bogobe, morogo, and locally sourced game dishes in a relaxed, welcoming environment. A genuine cultural dining experience — the ideal introduction to Botswana's food heritage.
Dulce Café
Gaborone's favourite café and patisserie, with multiple locations across the city's malls. Excellent espresso coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and light lunches. The best spot for breakfast, a working lunch, or afternoon coffee in a comfortable, modern setting.
- Restaurants in Gaborone generally open for dinner from 6 PM onwards — earlier than many other African capitals.
- Botswana beef is world-renowned and export-quality — order a steak or braai at any serious restaurant for an exceptional experience.
- Most restaurants accept both cash (Pula) and credit cards — Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in malls and established restaurants.
- Friday and Saturday evenings at popular venues like Bull & Bush get busy — reservations are strongly recommended for groups.
- The mall food courts (Riverwalk, Game City) offer affordable local and international fast food — ideal for a quick, budget-friendly meal.
Entry Requirements
Gaborone is in Botswana. Entry requirements vary by nationality. Many nationalities can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days. Others require a tourist visa applied for in advance. Apply for Botswana eVisa List of e-Visa Countries
Important Emergency Numbers
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Gaborone Airport Code: GBE — Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
Cities with IATA Airport CodesCurrency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
Currencies of the WorldGaborone Streets Map
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Gaborone is the capital city of Botswana, Southern Africa.
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