Gaborone is the capital of Botswana. It is in the south of the country, near the border to South Africa. Generally it is a clean, safe and functioning city that is spreading ever further outwards into a suburban sprawl that today measures about 15 km from east to west.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
From a dusty one-horse town in the 1960s, Gaborone has developed into a substantial city of close to 250,000 inhabitants, with 535,000 in the metro area (2022). There is a definite city centre based around the train station and the government enclave of Khama Crescent. However, numerous shopping malls are dotted all over the city, diluting the prominence of the downtown area. Gaborone's nomenclature confuses most new arrivals. Different parts of town are called blocks, extensions, phases, etc., and there can be several names for the same place. Below is a rough guide: The Extensions - to the east of the railway line radiating out from the Government Enclave.
Public taxis are generally small white cars and can be identified by their blue license plates. These cars travel designated routes, generally going to areas/neighbourhoods that combi routes do not. The fare for a taxi is P7. Since taxis can only hold a maximum of 5 passengers they also tend to be quicker than a combi in completing their route. You can catch a taxi at many combi stops and ask them to drop you off anywhere along the route. For route information simply ask the driver of the taxi.
1 The Hindu hall (BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mission). A large Hindu temple and a major landmark. Major Hindu festivals are celebrated here. (updated Sep 2016) 2 Three Dikgosi Monument. Three bronze statues of the chiefs Khama III of the Bangwato, Sebele I of Bakwena and Bathoeng I of Bangwaketse, who travelled to the Great Britain in 1895, to ask the British to rule Botswana directly rather than letting it be incorporated into the British South Africa Company and Southern Rhodesia. The monument was a gift from North Korea and inaugurated in 2005. (updated Sep 2016) 3 Statue of Seretse Khama. Statue of the country's first president.
1 Kgale Hill. Do not forget to make the pleasant climb up Kgale Hill, one of Botswana's highest hills (at 1,287 m elevation). It provides a magnificent view over the city and surrounding areas. Be careful of the baboons, though, and do not stray off the path. There are no guides, and there is no entrance fee to worry about. Do go - but only when there are other cars in the parking lot. The best time is M-F 4PM - 6PM. The middle of a weekend day is not a good time. Going up without other cars in the lot near the quarry risks being robbed by knife. (updated Sep 2016) Gaborone Cycling Club, ☏ +267 71811472. Actually a mountain biking rather than cycling club. 2 Gaborone Dam.
Gaborone is not an exciting place to eat, and the city suffers more than most from South African culinary hegemony. However if you keep your expectations low there are some interesting nooks and crannies to interest your taste buds. The restaurants below are organised by compass point from the city centre. City Centre White box food (sold all over the government district on weekdays). Quick and simple lunch of rice and veg (P10) or rice, veg and meat (P20). Tasty and filling. (updated Sep 2016) North-east 1 Deli's (in the Craft Centre in Broadhurst Mall). One of the best lunch places in down. Real Italian food. Imported products. Amazing pastas and pizzas.
1 Bull and Bush. English pub in north part of [Gaborone]. A common ex-pat hangout big-screen TV and pool tables. Friday night is usually for the younger kids, Saturday night for the adults. The food is excellent, especially the pizza and ribs. The last Wednesday of the month is quiz night (or quizzo) where teams compete on trivia for prizes. Monday night is Rib night and well worth a visit! (updated Sep 2016) 2 Club Satchmo, Ntimbale Road. Jazz club with decent drinks and great music. (updated Sep 2016) 3 Gaborone Yacht Club, Off the old Lobaste road near the railway crossing, ☏ +267 72471977. Evenings Wednesday & Fridays, lunch Saturdays & Sundays.
People in Botswana are very friendly and the crime rate is relatively low, but always be aware of your surroundings. When going out at night to a restaurant take a taxi called from your hotel. Take the mobile number of your driver and call him when you want to go home. Do not walk around at night away from places with lots of people. At night, do not walk back 5 blocks to your hotel from a pub. Do walk around during the day. Basic common sense will keep you safe from criminals. You should have a safe and pleasant trip as hundreds of thousands of other people have each year.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Gaborone typically sees ~21°C daytime highs and 0 rainy days.
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