Things to Do in Gaborone, Botswana
I arrived in Gaborone expecting a quiet stopover between safaris, and I left wanting more. Botswana’s capital is often overlooked by travelers who rush off to the Delta, but it has a relaxed energy, friendly locals and plenty of surprises. If you are spending any time here, these are the best things to do in Gaborone that gave me a real feel for the city.
Walk the Three Chiefs Monument
Start at the Three Dikgosi Monument in the middle of the city center. The three towering bronze statues honor the chiefs who traveled to London to ask for British protection in the nineteenth century, an event that shaped modern Botswana. I found it a good introduction to the country’s history. The square around it is popular with families in the evening, and it is a short walk from the main government buildings and shopping area. Give it thirty minutes and let the story of those chiefs sink in.
Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery
The National Museum and Art Gallery is small by big city standards, but it packs in a lot. I spent a pleasant couple of hours here learning about Botswana’s history, its people and its wildlife. There are traditional crafts, stone tools and photographs that tell the story of a country that has enjoyed remarkable stability. Upstairs, the art gallery shows work by local and regional artists. It is free or very cheap to enter, making it one of the best value things to do in Gaborone.
Hike Kgale Hill
For the best view in the city, climb Kgale Hill on the western edge of Gaborone. The walk up is a proper workout, but the payoff is a panoramic view over the whole capital and the flat bushland stretching to the horizon. I went in the late afternoon, when the light softened and the rock faces turned golden. Give yourself about two hours for the round trip and take plenty of water. The trail is popular with locals, so you will have company, and I found them friendly and happy to point out the best route.
Spend a Day at Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Less than twenty minutes from the city center, Mokolodi Nature Reserve is the best place to see Botswana’s wildlife without leaving town. I saw rhinos, zebras, giraffes and a whole troop of baboons during my visit. You can do a self-drive, join a guided game drive, or walk on the fenced predator paths with a ranger. There is also a small education center where children and adults can meet rescued animals. If you are between safaris, this is an easy way to scratch that wildlife itch.
Stroll the Main Mall
The area known as the Main Mall is Gaborone’s lively pedestrian heart. It is a long walkway lined with shops, banks, cafes and food stalls, and I enjoyed just watching daily life pass by. Vendors sell everything from telecom cards to grilled corn, and office workers gather here for lunch. The best time to visit is sunset, when the heat drops and the whole neighborhood comes out for a stroll. Grab a snack and a drink and take the slow pace that Gaborone encourages.
Try Local Food
Eating local is one of the best parts of visiting Botswana. I loved the grilled meats at the braii, the local barbecue, and I always ordered seswaa, a rich, slow-cooked shredded beef served with pap, a thick maize porridge. You will find these at casual restaurants and markets across town. For something lighter, try the dried beef called biltong. I was surprised by how good and how simple the food was, and the family-run spots were the friendliest places I ate.
Watch Sunset Over the Surrounding Hills
Gaborone has a habit of producing spectacular sunsets, and I never skipped them. The best views are from Kgale Hill or from the eastern lookout on the road toward Mokolodi. As the sun drops, the sky turns orange and pink over the flat bushland, and birds fly in to roost. I drove out one evening and just sat with the window down, watching the colors change. It was one of those quiet moments that stays with you long after the trip ends.
Explore the Gaborone Dam
On the outskirts of the city, the Gaborone Dam is a popular spot for walking, fishing and family outings. The reservoir supplies much of the capital’s water, and the surrounding park has trails and picnic areas. I took a lazy walk around part of the shoreline and enjoyed watching the boats and the birds. On weekends it fills with residents enjoying the outdoors. It is a nice, low pressure way to spend a relaxed afternoon away from the noise.
The Museum of African Arts
Tucked away in the northeast is the privately run No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency house and the modest Museum of African Arts. Fans of Alexander McCall Smith’s books will recognize the house from the series set in Botswana. The museum itself holds a small but interesting collection of African art and craft. I found it a relaxing, quiet stop that added cultural depth without taking too much time out of the day.
Practical Tips for Gaborone
Gaborone is friendly and relatively safe, but use the same common sense you would in any big city. The local currency is the Botswana pula, and while cards are accepted in most places, I kept cash for the markets and small stalls. English is widely spoken, and the locals are warm and welcoming. Transport around town is easy by taxi or ride hailing app. I recommend a stay of two nights, one full day for the city and another for Mokolodi, to get the most out of the capital before you head off to the rest of Botswana’s incredible wild country.
