Gaborone

Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is one of the most vibrant cities in Southern Africa. Located along the Mogae River, it is the perfect destination for travelers looking for an exciting adventure. The city is a great mix of traditional African culture and modernity.

When to visit?

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Gaborone in January, when the average temperature is 26 °C, and the highest can go up to 30 °C. The coldest month, on the other hand, is June, when it can get as cold as 7 °C, with an average temperature of 13 °C. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 90 mm. In contrast, June is usually the driest month of the year in Gaborone, with an average rainfall of 0 mm.

Transportation

Gaborone is easy, thanks to its reliable public transportation system. The city has a network of buses that connect all the major attractions and neighbourhoods. The city is served by Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, which is located just 15 kilometres north of the city centre. Available flights there is Airlink and Air Botswana fly from Johannesburg (JNB) to Gaborone (GBE) every 4 hours. Alternatively there are luxury coaches AT and T Monnakgotla, flight connect, NKK express, etc that operates from Johannesburg to Gaborone twice daily. Tickets cost $28–31 and the journey takes 4h 25m. InterCape also services this route once daily.

Accommodation

Some of the top hotels in Gaborone include the Bannerloft Guest house, Masa Square Hotel, Tap’s Home Away from Home, Peermont Metcourt Inn at The Grand Palm – Gaborone, and Peermont Metcourt Inn at the Grand Palm, Gaborone. These hotels offer a range of amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants, and fitness centers.

Attractions

Botswana’s parliament building: The edifice sits adjacent to an expansive and well-maintained plaza, dominated by a war memorial and a statue of Botswana’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama. Featuring an impressive perimeter archway along a shallow pool as well as a bell tower that occasionally plays traditional Setswana music, the National Assembly is open for visitors during the day, excluding session times.

The Three Dikgosi monument was built in 2005 to commemorate 3 tribal chiefs, known locally as Dikgosi, who are nationally revered for their major role in the country’s path to independence. Khama III of the Bangwato, Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse and Sebele I of the Bakwena traveled to London in 1887, where they guaranteed a British consent to detach Bechuanaland Protectorate, the pre-independent entity that predated Botswana, from the colony of South Africa, and thus, securing the nation’s separate destiny.

Gaborone Game Reserve: This reserve was established in 1988 by the Kalahari Conservation Society to give the Gaborone public an opportunity to view Botswana’s wildlife in a natural and accessible location. It seems to be working: although the reserve is only 5 sq km, it’s the third busiest in the country and boasts wildebeest, elands, gemsboks, kudus, ostriches and warthogs. The birdlife, which includes kingfishers and hornbills, is particularly plentiful and easy to spot from observation areas.The reserve also has a few picnic sites, a game hide and a small visitor-education centre. All roads in the reserve are accessible by 2WD. It’s a slice of the wild right on Gaborone’s doorstep, perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

The National Museum and Art Gallery showcases Botswana’s rich heritage through its fascinating exhibits and artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s past and present.

Tswapong Hills, a two-hour drive north, then east of Gaborone make such an impression. These bouldered hills form steep-sided gorges (a refuge for the Cape vulture that wheels overhead with its vast wingspan) offering ample opportunities to hike and to picnic. a striking, Gothic mud-brick church stands lonely vigil and crumbling stone walls lie scattered across the bush.

The Thapong visual arts centre: Situated in the former magistrate’s house (1902), is home to Botswana’s young, gifted – and sometimes avant-garde – artists. In addition to regular exhibitions, this very active centre also periodically offers children’s art courses. The site is also home to The No. 1 Ladies Coffee House, named after Alexander McCall Smith’s novel series ‘The Number One Ladies Detective Agency’. A quaint, art-filled restaurant filled with charm and innovative treats.

Sri Balaji Temple is a religious building dedicated to the Hindu cult. The deity who is the president is Lord Venkateswara or known as Lord Balaji, hence the name of the temple.

Local food

Gaborone is a food lover’s paradise, with a range of delicious dishes to choose from. One of the must-try dishes in the city is seswaa, a traditional meat dish made with beef or goat. Another popular dish is pap, a type of porridge made with maize flour. When it comes to drinks, be sure to try the traditional beer, which is made from sorghum.