Gaborone
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At a glance
- Country
- Botswana
- Region
- South-East District
- Population
- 250,000
- Best time to go
- April to October
- Main airport
- Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE)
- Coordinates
- 24.63°S, 25.92°E
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Overview
Gaborone was a small village when it was chosen as the capital of the newly independent Botswana in 1966. It has grown into a calm, orderly city of government buildings, malls and wide roads, surrounded by rocky hills and bush.
It is not a classic tourist city, and most visitors pass through on the way to the Okavango or the Kalahari. Still, there is enough for a day or two: wildlife close to town, good crafts, and a real sense of Botswana's quiet pride in its independence.
Things to see
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Photo: Lkabs, CC0 Three Dikgosi Monument
Bronze statues of the three chiefs who travelled to London in 1895 to keep their land out of the hands of Cecil Rhodes.
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Photo: CNJerem, CC BY 4.0 National Museum and Art Gallery
A modest but worthwhile introduction to Botswana's history, cultures and contemporary art.
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Photo: Oratile Leipego, CC BY-SA 4.0 Gaborone Game Reserve
A small reserve on the edge of the city where you can drive past zebra, wildebeest, kudu and plenty of birds.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Athena Lao, CC BY 2.0 Kgale Hill
A granite hill just outside town with a steep, rocky path to the top and wide views over the city and dam.
Things to do
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Photo: Cretep, Public domain Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Take a guided game drive or bush walk in this reserve south of the city, home to giraffe, rhino and antelope.
Find tours -
Photo: Athena Lao, CC BY 2.0 Sunset at Gaborone Dam
Head to the reservoir on the city's southern edge for a drink and the evening light over the water.
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Photo: Squishypaw, CC0 Buy local crafts
Look for baskets, textiles and pottery from weaving and craft co-operatives in the villages around the city.
Where to stay
Main Mall and CBD
Central, near government buildings and the museum, with business hotels and restaurants.
Hotels in Main Mall and CBDThe Village
An older, leafy residential area with guesthouses and easy access to the centre.
Hotels in The VillagePhakalane
A quieter northern suburb with golf, resorts and modern shopping.
Hotels in Phakalane
Getting around
Distances are long and walking is limited, so most people drive or use taxis and ride-hailing apps. Shared combis run fixed routes across the city.
The airport is about 15 kilometres north of the city, around 20 minutes by taxi or hotel shuttle.
When to go
The dry winter from April to October brings sunny days and cool nights, ideal for wildlife. The summer rains from November to March are hot and stormy, but the bush turns green.
Plan your trip to Gaborone
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.