Gaborone
The Capital City of Botswana
Gaborone is the capital city of Botswana since the countryâs independence in 1966 and is now boasting an estimated 250 000 inhabitants. At the time of its independence, Botswana was an incredibly poor country, which was later changed by the discovery of diamonds in 1967. This led to an economic boom and development of many industries in the country. The diamond trade attracted a lot of foreign attention and investment and as a result Gaborone has become a multicultural city. It serves as an administrative and commercial hub with many businesses and industries taking residence within the city. Sharing a border with South Africa makes Gaborone an ideal trade location.
The city is also a budding fashion and entertainment centre, with shows of both kinds occurring on a regular basis. If you are keen to enjoy the nightlife and music scene, Gaborone can be counted as the best location in Botswana. Many international acts come to perform in Gaborone and it would be worth investigating what shows are taking place, if you are passing through. The city was also the host for the 2017 Coregenx Worldâs Strongest Man competition.
Although not your typical tourist destination, Gaborone does offer some tourist attractions such as the Three Dikgosi Monument if you are interested in history, or the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, if you prefer watching wildlife and being out and about.
Things to do in Gaborone:
As mentioned, Gaborone is not on your top list of places to visit in Botswana as a tourist and more likely to be visited by a business traveler. It does however serve as a stopover between South Africa and Botswana, with an approximate 4-5 hour drive from Johannesburg and has a large selection of accommodation on offer.
How to get to Gaborone:
By aircraft: To Gaborone airport (GBE), also known as Sir Seretse Khama International airport. It is suggested to pre-book a transfer from/to the airport with your accommodation, as there may or may not be taxis stationed at the airport. Direct flights are on offer from/to Gaborone airport, with Air Botswana and South African Airways to Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa. Air Botswana also serves internal routes to Maun, Francistown and Kasane (via Maun). Book your flights here.
By car: You can arrive in the vehicle of your choice (all access roads are tarred). You enter on the A1 from Francistown or Lobatse, the A2 from Kang or Ghanzi, the A12 from Molepolole.
By bus: You can book the Intercape which offers a route from Pretoria to Gaborone. The Seabelo Express offers a circular route connecting Francistown with Maun - Ghanzi - Gaborone / Lobatse and Selebi-Phikwe.
By Train: Botswana Railways offers a daily train connection between Gaborone and Francistown. The schedule is available on their website.
Where to Stay in Gaborone:
There is a large selection of accommodation in Gaborone ranging from something more affordable Olive Leaves Guesthouse to 4 star accommodation at the Peermont Mondior.
Please click here for a list of accommodation.
