Gaborone

Gaborone Map

Gaborone is situated between Kgale and Oodi Hills. It is surrounded by Ramotswa to the southeast, Mogoditshane to the northwest, and Mochudi to the east.

The majority of people who travel on Safari In Botswana do not really consider Gaborone as it offers very little of a pristine wilderness feeling and more of a city life. Most people simply stop in Gaborone to take advantage of the fantastic shopping centers to stock up on supplies for a self-drive safari or to go to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) booking office to reserve and pay for campsites in the nation's various game sanctuaries.

The city however has some great opportunities and is waiting to be explored. Visitors will have a great opportunity to pique their desire for a safari before visiting one or more of the nation's top parks by taking a quick tour of the little Gaborone Game Reserve. The reserve is home to a variety of antelope, including eland, oryx, wildebeest, kudu and warthog which are such a delight to see.

Getting To Gaborone

There are many options for getting to Gaborone, either road, rail or by air

Road
The first way is by road, visitors can drive to Gaborone. Paved roads connect Francistown, Lobatse, and Johannesburg to Gaborone (about 400 km, depending on a route). The three main points of entry into Botswana are Mmabatho/Ramatlhabama, Zeerust/Lobatse Pioneer Gate and Tlokweng Border Post.

Flights
Additionally, flights from Johannesburg to Gaborone operate often. Air Botswana (BP), the country's flag carrier, exclusively flies within Africa. British Airways (BA) flies directly to Gaborone twice a week from London. One can take a taxi from the airport upon arrival from Sir Seretse Khama international airport to the city center which is about 14km. The taxi trip will take about 15 minutes.

Rail
There are also good railway connections between South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Options are either the Johannesburg, Mafikeng, Ramatlhabama and Gaborone line or the Gaborone, Plumtree, Bulawayo and Harare.

Cultural Attractions At Gaborone

The Three Dikgosi Monument
The three Dikgosi monument, which is located along a large plaza in front of Botswana's imposing high court on the northern edge of the CBD, was erected in 2005. It was to honor the three tribal chiefs, known locally as Dikgosi, who are widely regarded for having played a significant role in the nation's journey toward independence.
Interestingly, the 5meter sculpture of the three chiefs was created by the North Korean firm of Mansudae Overseas Projects that specializes on erecting national monuments all over the world, particularly in Africa. As you’ve probably guessed by now, the dubious collaboration sparked a nationwide controversy, as both North Korea’s global image and the outsourcing of labor that could otherwise be done by locals were deemed as offensive by critics.

Pula Arch
The rectangular Pula Arch is a small-scale monumental gate commemorating Botswana’s successful strife for independence. The arch has an elliptic roof, the country’s coat of arms which is famous for its two guardian zebras and a blue ribbon with the word “Pula”, on its meaning “rain” in the Setswana language.
Because the region has scarce rainfalls, the word “Pula” became a general term for blessing and good luck, and served as the national motto. It became the official name of the national currency and yes the name of the arch itself. The arch’s national significance makes it a worthy site to behold.

The National Assembly Building
Gaborone is separated into numerous different zones, each of which is designated for a particular purpose and is inspired by its garden-city design. The National Bank of Botswana, the State Archives, the U.S. and Japanese embassies, various ministries, and most notably, the national assembly building are all located in the crescent-shaped district in the centre of town known as the Government Enclave.
The building is situated next to a sizable and immaculate plaza that is home to a war memorial and a statue of Sir Seretse Khama, Botswana's first president. The National Assembly is open for visitors during the day, excluding session times.

Gaborone Game Reserve
While Botswana has an incredible abundance of wildlife, most of it is dispersed throughout the country's remote regions, necessitating lengthy travel times on roads full with potholes. However, one location—the Gaborone Game Reserve—offers a genuine sight of the nation's incredible wildlife without having to leave the conveniences of town.
The reserve, which can be reached in 10 minutes or 3 kilometers along Limpopo Drive, is home to a wide variety of African mammals and birds, including zebras, oryx, kudus, elands, duikers, ostriches, and warthogs. Rhinos live in this reserve as well, but due to their violent temperament, they are restricted to a well-fenced area. This natural enclave features a few of educational facilities in addition to its thickets, which are home to a variety of wildlife, and dirt roads. Guided tours are not offered, to explore the reserves you can either go by taxi or your own rented car.

Gaborone Dam Reservoir
The Gaborone Dam was constructed in the mid 1960’s and can hold more than 140 million cubic meters of water. The bulk of the water comes from the Taung and Ngotwane Rivers. The 25-meter tall and 3.6-kilometer-long dam and the surrounding reservoir is of much importance as it accounts for most of the capital’s water supply.
Over the years, the nearby reservoir has turned into a beautiful getaway, where Gaborone’s residents and tourists alike gather, enjoying an afternoon picnic in front of the artificial lake. Some of the attractions that popped up along the shoreline in recent years are a yacht club, a fishing club and Cityscapes recreational park. The water level is however very low due to evaporation and overuse, it’s not swimmable despite its shallow waters.

Mogonye Gorge
If the peaceful vibes of the city aren't enough to quench your insatiable thirst for more intense adventure, fortunately, the countryside surrounding Gaborone is full with intriguing places to discover. The Mmamotshwane Gorge, or Mogonye Gorge as it is known locally, is the largest chasm in the region, which is famed for its series of seven stunning gorges, and is located around 50 kilometers from the capital. Due to its relative quantity of water, Mogonye was once inhabited by an iron age farming society. Today, it is a naturopathy hotspot where traditional healers gather uncommon therapeutic herbs.
An excellent opportunity to explore the gorge's waterfalls and natural pools as well as the area's diverse flora, including an endemic type of fern known as Bofitlha, is during the hour-long stroll through the gorge's rocky terrain.

Where To Eat In Gaborone ?

There are so many places for you to eat in Gaborone and below are just a few of the best.

Primi Piatti
Primi Piatti aims to create a variety of energizing, calming, and healthful foods that are influenced by modern cuisine and the Italian tradition. The finest ingredients are used to create each meal from scratch. Everything from omelets, croissants, and sandwiches to fish, pizza, and curry may be found on the main menu. A wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are offered on the drink menu. Even a three-course set meal and a special menu for attractive people are available.

Caravela Portuguese Restaurant
This is one of the restaurants in Gaborone that ensures a special dining experience. It is located centrally right in the heart of the city in a quiet residential area. The restaurant provides 3 different dining places to pick from, a sweet outdoor garden for summertime lunch and quiet evening dinners, a casual bar dining place with hot fire in the winter months. There is an inside, air-conditioning dining place suitable for business dinners or completely unique occasions. The home specialty that is served is seafood and Portuguese cuisine.

Dros Gaborone
This beautiful restaurants in Gaborone with an astounding view is a favorite among families and serves up delicious meals at affordable prices. There are many options on Dros' extensive menu, including delicious pizza, tender steaks, and specialty specialties like lamb shank. With their own menu and a fantastic play area equipped with jumping castles, games, kid-sized tables, play stations, and seats, children are well taken care of. birthday celebrations

Gaborone Accommodation

The Peermont Mondior
The center of the city's commercial core, there is a hotel called the Peermont Mondior in Gaborone, Botswana. It provides accommodations for visitors in 67 cozy suites that are well furnished and come with kitchenettes. The hotel is elegantly furnished in an African chic style and provides a posh atmosphere.

Avani Gaborone Hotel and Casino
In the center of the city, Avani Gaborone Hotel and Casino provides guests with an opulent haven. This hotel in Gaborone, Botswana, boasts outstanding meeting facilities and gives tourists a wonderful location to unwind. 196 exquisite rooms that are comfortably equipped and with a soft African motif are available for guests to stay in.
The National Stadium, the University of Botswana, and the core business sector are all conveniently close to the hotel. The hotel features a number of excellent restaurants where visitors may enjoy exquisite dining or just a quick meal before leaving to see Gaborone's attractions.

Activities, What To Do In Gaborone ?

There's so much to do in Gaborone, and the good thing is that some of the things do not require you to spend a single cent.

National Museum
No matter your age, the National Museum will pique your interest and inspire your imagination.

Gaborone Dam
Spend some time relaxing and recharging by the water.

Three Dikgosi Monument
Make time on your to-do list to visit the Three Dikgosi Monument and learn more about this area of local significance.

ISKCON Gaborone
Incorporate a little spirituality into your tour by stopping by this place of worship.

Gaborone is a beautiful city that complements Botswana very well, it has a warm feeling from the locals to the climate itself and it is one of those places that you will instantly fall in love with. It has nature as well and deserves its fair share of being explored.