Gaborone Revealed: How to Navigate Botswana's Capital Like a Local

Gaborone is one of Africa’s most appealing, safe, and travel-worthy cities to visit, especially for first-time visitors to Africa. Located on the cusp of the Kalahari Desert, which is home to some of the most exotic and beautiful wildlife and fauna. Gaborone has a little of everything for every sort of traveller, whether it is an adventurous wildlife safari, going on a relaxing tour of the National Museum or taking a walk to see the Three Chiefs Monument.

Accommodation and Choosing a Place to Stay

Start by choosing a place to stay that ticks all your boxes for comfort and affordability according to your budget. If you are looking for the best hotel in Gaborone, then one of the most luxurious places to stay at is Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino which offers a wide range of amenities and options of rooms that will be sure to make your stay in Gaborone a comfortable and memorable experience.

Image via Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino

The Gaborone Game Reserve

When it comes to exploring Gaborone, the Gaborone Game Reserve is the perfect place to start off your wildlife adventure as there aren’t any predators on the prowl, which means you canenjoy viewing the different animal species. Here you will be able to see elands, gemsboks, horned kudus as well as ostriches, wildebeest, warthogs, and many different types of birds. The terrain includes riparian woodlands, marshes, rocky outcroppings, tree savanna and even a small dam in the park. It is a popular destination for picnics and day visits. Educational tours can be arranged if pre-booked.

Three Chiefs Monument

If you cross the railway tracks into the recently developed Central Business District you will come across the Three Chiefs’ Monument which represents the strong cultural history of Botswana. At the time, three senior chiefs – Chief Khama III of the Bangwato, Chief Sebele I of the Bakwena, and Chief Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse – travelled to London in 1885 to petition Joseph Chamberlain, Secretary of State for the Colonies. Whilst there, they were also presented to Queen Victoria. Gaining support from the British public, they petitioned the Queen for protection, which was granted. Visitors to the monument can have a guided tour from a local historian.

Thapong Visual Arts Centre

The centre was established in 1998 with the aim of promoting unity and excellence through visual arts from the communities of Botswana. The Thapong Visual Arts Centre houses studios and hosts workshops including outreach workshops as well as exhibitions. Since 2002 there has been a special programme, where international artists are offered residencies to work in Botswana for a couple of months and have a special exhibition hosted at the end of the residency period alongside the local artists.

National Museum and Art Gallery

Next up on your itinerary should be a visit to the Botswana National Museum which is a multifaceted institution that comprises the National Art Gallery, Octagon Gallery and the National Botanical Gardens. The museum was established in 1967 and has since displayed traditional Botswana crafts and paintings with the aim of celebrating the work of local artists. The museum is also involved in the preservation of Tsodilo Hills, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage site which consists of rock art, rock shelters, depressions, and caves. The site is host to over 4500 rock paintings and has a unique spiritual and religious significance to the local population.

Gaborone Yacht Club

For a chance to try out some water sports with a view, the Gaborone Yacht Club is the place to visit. The Gaborone Yacht Club was established in the 1960s on the eastern side of the dam but shifted to its current site in the middle of the dam in 1985. The club is a popular place to visit with its swimming pool, open-air bar and restaurant serving up delicious dishes. The club is the favoured spot for water sport enthusiasts, offering canoeing, sailing, and rowing activities.