Gaborone Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Gaborone is compact and easy-going, with nature never far from the city.

• Three Dikgosi Monument — Bronze statues of three chiefs who travelled to Britain in 1895, a symbol of Botswana’s history and identity.
• National Museum and Art Gallery — Exhibits on Botswana’s cultures, natural history and contemporary art.
• Mokolodi Nature Reserve — A reserve just south of the city with game drives, walking trails and rhino tracking.
• Kgale Hill — A popular hike with panoramic views over the city and the surrounding bush.
• Gaborone Game Reserve — A small reserve within the city where you can spot antelope, warthogs and birdlife.
• Gaborone Dam — A large reservoir on the city edge, popular for sunset views and birdwatching.

Gaborone has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild, dry winters. The rainy season runs from about November to March, bringing heat and occasional heavy thunderstorms. Winter, from May to August, has sunny, pleasant days but cold nights, sometimes close to freezing.

The dry months from April to October are the best time to visit, with clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures for hiking and game drives. This is also the main safari season elsewhere in Botswana, so Gaborone combines well with trips north.

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport lies north of Gaborone, roughly a 20 to 30-minute drive from the city centre depending on traffic. It is the country’s main international gateway and has a modern terminal.

Taxis are available outside arrivals, and many hotels offer shuttle services that can be booked ahead. Car hire desks operate in the terminal, which is useful for exploring nature reserves on the city edge. Ride-hailing services may also be available in the city.

Gaborone is spread out, so choose an area that suits your plans.

• Central Business District — Modern offices, hotels and the government enclave; ideal for business travellers.
• Main Mall area — Close to the Three Dikgosi Monument and museum; convenient for short stays.
• Phakalane — A residential estate in the north, nearer the airport, with golf and quieter hotels.
• Near Mokolodi — Lodges south of the city for travellers who want a bush setting.

• Money: Cards are widely accepted in the city; carry some pula for smaller shops and markets.
• Getting around: Taxis and hired cars are the most convenient; agree taxi fares in advance.
• Etiquette: Greet people with “Dumela” before any request, and use both hands or your right hand when giving and receiving.
• Sun: The sun is strong even in winter, so wear sunscreen and carry water.
• Language: English is widely spoken, and a few words of Setswana are warmly appreciated.