Things to Do in Gaborone
Prices, opening hours, best times to visit and the stuff nobody tells you, everything you need for a first trip to Gaborone, Botswana, plus one pigeon's opinions on all of it.
Right, Gaborone. Quiet, orderly capital, mostly known as the gateway to somewhere wilder just beyond it, purpose-built around independence and shaped considerably by one of the world's largest diamond discoveries. This is the proper, no-nonsense guide to things to do in Gaborone: what things actually cost, when to go, what to skip, and which bits are worth the day trip. Five main stops below, plus a quiz elsewhere on this site to see if you were paying attention.
Gaborone's Purpose-Built Capital Status
Gaborone was purpose-built to become the capital of Botswana around the time of the country's independence, in 1966, one of relatively few African capitals built essentially from scratch specifically for this role, previously a small settlement rather than an existing major city repurposed as capital. This properly shapes the city's character, orderly, planned, and considerably quieter than many other African capitals, worth understanding before your visit sets different expectations.
The National Assembly building and government district reflect this deliberate, planned civic layout, worth a walk through even without a specific stop in mind, to appreciate the contrast with older, more organically grown capitals elsewhere on the continent.
Address Central Gaborone
Gateway to the Okavango Delta
Gaborone serves as a common gateway city for travellers heading toward the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas, a major draw for wildlife safaris further north, though the Delta itself sits a considerable distance from the capital, most visitors fly onward from Gaborone or connect through Maun, closer to the Delta itself.
It's worth treating Gaborone as a proper planning and logistics base rather than expecting delta wildlife directly in the city, arrange onward safari bookings and supplies here before continuing north.
Getting there Internal flights connect Gaborone to Maun and other safari gateway towns
Botswana's Diamond Economy
Botswana's economy, and by extension Gaborone's growth, has been heavily shaped by the discovery of diamonds, one of the world's largest producers, with revenues that transformed the country's economy since independence, a significant success story, Botswana is often cited as a rare example of resource wealth managed relatively well for broad national development rather than concentrated benefit.
The Botswana National Museum covers this economic history alongside the country's cultural and natural heritage more broadly, worth a visit for context on how this resource has shaped the modern nation.
Hours Tue–Sun, roughly 9am–5pm
Address Central Gaborone
Gaborone Game Reserve
A wildlife reserve within the city limits, properly unusual for a national capital, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species roam within easy reach of the government district, a good, accessible introduction to Botswana's wildlife without needing to travel out to the more remote parks.
It's a good half-day activity, walking trails and a small network of roads let you see a decent variety of animals, worth combining with a picnic given how relaxed and accessible the reserve is.
Hours Daily, roughly 6am–6.30pm
Address Central Gaborone
Gaborone Dam
A large reservoir on the edge of the city, popular with locals for walking, birdwatching, and weekend picnics, a properly pleasant, relaxed spot and a good way to see how Gaborone residents actually spend their leisure time.
It's free, easy to reach, and a good, quiet contrast to the more formal government and museum sights in the city centre.
Best time Weekend mornings for the local atmosphere
Getting there A short drive from central Gaborone
Best time to visit Gaborone
April through September is the dry season and the most comfortable window, cooler and less humid, well suited to the game reserve and dam visits this list involves.
The wet season (roughly October through March) brings warmer, more humid conditions with afternoon storms, still workable, though the dry season remains the more pleasant time for outdoor activity here.
Getting around Gaborone
Taxis and combis (shared minibuses) are the practical way to get around Gaborone, agree a price for taxis given meters aren't standard practice. The city centre and government district are walkable in sections.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Gaborone worth visiting?
- Yes, particularly as a genuine, orderly introduction to Botswana and a practical planning base before continuing to the Okavango Delta, though it's a quieter capital rather than a major standalone destination.
- How many days do you need in Gaborone?
- One to two days covers the National Museum, the game reserve, and the dam comfortably before continuing onward to the wildlife areas most visitors are ultimately heading toward.
- Is Gaborone expensive?
- Moderate, generally affordable for food and local transport, onward flights and safari bookings toward the Delta are the larger planned expenses.
- What is Gaborone famous for?
- Being purpose-built as Botswana's capital around independence in 1966, serving as a gateway to the Okavango Delta, and the country's transformative diamond industry.
That's everything I've got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government's latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
