Top 11 Things To Do In Gaborone, Botswana

1. Learn the controversial history behind Three Dikgosi Monument

These three statues are of those great gentlemen who have contributed greatly to the independence of Gaborone. Bronze has been used in the construction of the statues of Three Dikgosi. These statues are built to celebrate the most significant trip of three Dikgosi to Britain that ultimately led to the independence of Gaborone. These statues stand in a Botswana square with pride and honour and overlook the city living freely.

In 1885, when Botswana was known as Bechuanaland Protectorate, British South Africa Company was planning to incorporate Botswana in it. The clouds of despair were hovering over Gaborone. At that time, the trio named Sebele I, Bathoen I, and Khama III who were the tribal chief back then, travelled to Britain to present their case. Later, Britain agreed not to incorporate Botswana in British South Africa Company, but they put the nation under crown control.

Three Dikgosi Monument

Address: Gaborone, Botswana

2. Spot wildlife at Gaborone Game Reserve

Gaborone Game Reserve was built with the intention of providing a fun place for locals to experience wildlife. And today this reserve has become so famous that tourists from all over the world visit there to explore it. The Kalahari Conservation Society developed Gaborone Game Reserve in 1988. It is a great place to watch Botswana’s wildlife in the natural habitat. Although it is not a huge reserve it is still the third busiest reserve in Botswana. You will get to see gemsboks, wildebeest, kudus, ostriches, elands, and warthogs in the reserve. Besides, there are numerous beautiful picnic spots where you can enjoy and take the pleasure of watching wildlife.

Gaborone Game Reserve

Address: Gaborone, Botswana

Website: Gaborone Game Reserve

Opening hours: 6:30am - 6:30pm (daily)

3. Enjoy outstanding meals at Caravela Portuguese Restaurant

It is time to satiate a pang of hunger and for that, the best place in Gaborone is Caravela Portuguese Restaurant. You will find it easily as it is located at the centre of the city. Enjoy your delicious lunch in their lush green garden or you can opt to sit inside in a quiet air-conditioned dining area. Take your family and friends along to enjoy Portuguese meals. Order the delectable seafood which is Caravela’s speciality. They serve everything from beef, pork to several delicious vegetarian dishes.

Caravela Portuguese Restaurant

Address: Plot 421 Mokgosi Close off Independence Avenue in Extension 4, Gaborone, Botswana.

Website: Caravela Portuguese Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 2:30pm, 6pm - 10pm; Sat: 6pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

4. Socialize and meet locals at Cigar Lounge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

It is a lavish place to have a unique dining experience. In Botswana, you will find several Cigar Lounges where you can socialize and spend a good time with friends and locals. Sip the fine wines and smoke cigars, it is the best way to spend an evening in Botswana. It is indeed the perfect place for cigar lovers.

Cigar Lounge

Address: Gaborone, Botswana

Website: Cigar Lounge

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 2am; Sun: 1pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)

5. Admire awe-inspiring handicrafts at Botswana Craft

Botswana Craft is an art centre where you get to see a beautiful collection of incredible handicrafts. There is also a courtyard restaurant that serves mouthwatering food. They have a very friendly staff. You must visit at least once when in Gaborone. After enjoying the delicious meal, you can explore their store and buy unique souvenirs

Botswana Craft

Address: Plot 20716 Magochanyama Road, Gaborone, Botswana

Website: Botswana Craft

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 5pm; Sun: 9am - 1pm

6. Shop unique art pieces at Thapong Visual Arts Centre

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For all the art lovers, Thapong Visual Arts Center is like a paradise where you can shop the fine art pieces. It boasts a small art gallery that has an awesome collection of unique art pieces created by local artists. Not just African wildlife art pieces or wooden masks, but you will get to see a large collection of unique art pieces. Thapong Visual Arts Centre was established in 1998. Besides displaying the incredible art gallery, it also hosts workshops. It is a great place for local and international artists to showcase their skills. You can visit and buy the stuff you like.

Thapong Visual Arts Centre

Address: Baratani, Gaborone, Botswana

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

7. Hike Kgale Hill Public Park

Hike the highest peak, Kgale Hill, of Gaborone to see the real beauty of the city from the top. The view you will see from Kgale Hill will leave you awestruck. You can go to the top by taking a paved path or if you love adventure, you can climb to the top by taking a rocky steep path. The fresh air at the peak of Kgale Hill ensures a paradisiacal experience.

Kgale Hill Public Park

Address: Game City, Gaborone, Botswana

8. See majestic lions and enjoy water slides at Lion Park Resort

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It is almost impossible that you are in Gaborone and don’t visit the most famous Lion Park Resort to watch the majestic lions. You can see the king of the jungle from very close. It is a lovely spot for a picnic and has amazing fun rides for kids. There is a fabulous water park where you can enjoy water slides.

Lion Park Resort

Address: Plot No. 15-KO Lion Park Portion 184 of Portion 12 Crocodile Pools, Gaborone, Botswana

Website: Lion Park Resort

Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 6:30pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

9. Swim in the Olympic-sized pool at The University of Botswana

There is an Olympic-sized swimming pool at The University of Botswana which was built in 1982. Although this huge swimming pool is in the university campus, it is open for public. Anyone can drop by and take a dip in the massive swimming pool.

Olympic-sized swimming pool

Address: Gaborone, Botswana

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7:45am - 11pm; Fri: 7:45am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 2pm - 10pm

10. Go shopping at Riverwalk Mall

Shopping is a compulsion during a holiday. And in Gaborone, Riverwalk Mall is the best place to shop around and get your hands on the unique things that you would love to take home. Because of this characteristic of Riverwalk Mall, people call this place the shopping capital of Gaborone. Every option of entertainment is available here. You can also watch the cinema in a world-class environment there.

Riverwalk Mall

Address: 7279 Jersey, Gaborone, Botswana

Website: Riverwalk Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 9am - 2pm

11. Watch live cultural shows at Maitisong Theatre

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The natives of Gaborone take pride in their culture and they love to showcase it through various means including live shows which you can watch at Maitisong Theatre. It is a top-quality theatre to have a good time watching stunning shows of Shakespearean style. Most of the weeks Maitisong Theatre runs Botswana music shows. March and April is the best time to visit as during this period you may get to see the Maitisong Festival.

Maitisong Theatre

Address: Maru-a-Pula School, Maru-a-Pula Way, Gaborone, Botswana

Website: Maitisong Theatre

Have a fun vacation

Gaborone is a great place to be during a vacation with the entire family. Read and save this article before you plan your vacation. All the things to do in Gaborone are listed here.