Most travellers pass through Gaborone on their way to the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, and in doing so, completely overlook a city that is fascinating. Botswana’s capital is a calm, well-organised city with a growing arts scene, good food, and a warmth from its people that makes spending a few days here well worth it.
The Arts and Culture Scene
Gaborone has developed a cultural identity that is underestimated and understated. The Botswana National Museum covers the country’s history and natural heritage in detail, and the nearby art galleries showcase a generation of Botswanan artists working across painting, sculpture, and textiles. The Main Mall area, one of Africa’s oldest pedestrian precincts, gives the city a walkable centre that is easy to enjoy at your own pace.
Food, Markets, and Everyday Life
Eating well in Gaborone is not difficult. Local restaurants serve seswaa, the traditional slow-cooked meat dish, alongside more international options that showcase the city’s cosmopolitan character. The weekly craft markets are a good place to find locally made goods and to have good conversations with the people who made them. There are so many things to do in Gaborone outside of the typical visits to tourist attractions, and some of the best experiences here are simply about being part of daily city life. If you are interested in accommodation in the heart of the city, consider a stay at Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino.
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Day Trips from the Capital
The area around Gaborone is perfect for exploration. Mokolodi Nature Reserve, just outside the city, is home to rhino, giraffe, and cheetah and makes for an easy half-day safari without the complexity of a full bush trip. The Gaborone Game Reserve, even closer to the city centre, is a manageable introduction to Botswana’s wildlife for visitors with not a lot of time.