Top reasons to visit Gaborone
- Gaborone Game Reserve: Experience wildlife up close in this urban game reserve, perfect for family outings.
- Natural History Museum: Discover Botswana's rich natural heritage through engaging exhibits and displays.
- Gaborone Dam: Enjoy serene landscapes and outdoor activities at this picturesque dam.
- Gaborone Golf Club: A must-visit for golf enthusiasts, offering a challenging course in a beautiful setting.
- Diverse Accommodation: Choose from various lodging options, from guesthouses to luxurious hotels, catering to every traveller's needs.
Find great hotels in Gaborone
Discover a variety of accommodation options in Gaborone, perfect for every traveller's needs. Whether you're seeking a comfortable guesthouse, a modern hotel, or a pet-friendly experience, Gaborone offers a range of facilities tailored for business trips and family holidays alike. Notable options include the Avani Gaborone Resort, ensuring a memorable stay in Botswana's vibrant capital.
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Gaborone Masa Square: This 4-star hotel combines modern elegance with family-friendly amenities, making it an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers. Located in the vibrant Masa Square, the hotel features spacious rooms equipped with contemporary conveniences. Families will appreciate the dedicated childcare services, including babysitting options for more relaxed outings. With an on-site restaurant and a well-equipped business centre, it caters to the needs of corporate guests while ensuring comfort for families.
- Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone: With a 3.5-star rating, Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone offers a blend of business efficiency and modern comforts. Nestled in a prime location within Gaborone, this hotel is ideal for business travellers seeking a productive stay. The rooms are designed with a focus on functionality, featuring ergonomic workspaces and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant serving freshly prepared meals, alongside a fitness centre for those wishing to maintain their workout routine during their stay.
- Peermont Metcourt Inn at The Grand Palm Resort: This 3-star accommodation provides a welcoming atmosphere suited for families and business travellers alike. Located within the Grand Palm Resort, guests can explore a range of recreational facilities. The hotel offers a children’s club and playground, ensuring that younger guests are entertained. With a variety of dining options on-site and a focus on family-friendly amenities, it creates a relaxed environment for all visitors while maintaining proximity to Gaborone's attractions.
Where to stay in Gaborone
Gaborone offers a delightful blend of urban vibrancy and serene escapes, perfect for family and outdoor enthusiasts. Explore the bustling city centre, just a few kilometres from tranquil parks and nature reserves. For a refreshing getaway, venture a mi outside Gaborone to discover picturesque landscapes and adventure-filled activities. Experience the unique atmosphere of this charming city while enjoying its recreational offerings and friendly local culture.
- Tlokweng: Situated close to Gaborone, Tlokweng is a vibrant neighbourhood that attracts a diverse range of visitors throughout the year. Whether you're here for business or leisure, Tlokweng offers an array of experiences, particularly in March, July, and September when visitor numbers peak. The area is known for its bustling shopping centres and malls, making it a perfect spot for those looking to indulge in retail therapy. Additionally, local landmarks such as sports facilities and stadiums provide entertainment options, ensuring a lively atmosphere for both families and city-themed travellers.
- Mokolodi Nature Reserve: Just a short drive from Gaborone, Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a stunning park that beckons eco-conscious adventurers. Renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, this destination offers a unique outdoor experience, particularly popular from March to April and September. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of wildlife, hiking trails, and various nature-based activities. The reserve's tranquil environment provides a perfect escape from the urban hustle, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure and relaxation alike.
- Thamaga: Located 39km from Gaborone, Thamaga is a charming village that offers a slice of local life in Botswana. While it does not experience significant seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers, February, August, and November see a slight uptick in arrivals. Thamaga is known for its vibrant pottery and craft markets, where you can find unique handmade goods. This quaint village provides a peaceful retreat, allowing travellers to explore traditional culture and engage with the friendly local community.
Things to do in Gaborone
Shopping
The nearest shopping destination is Game City Mall, featuring a variety of retail stores and restaurants. If you're up for a drive, visit the Gaborone International Commerce Park, which offers unique shops and local crafts, providing a taste of Botswana's culture and creativity.
Recreation
In Gaborone, the Cresta Lodge offers a tranquil environment for relaxation, featuring a spa with holistic treatments. The Wellness Centre at the University of Botswana provides various fitness classes and wellness workshops, promoting a balanced lifestyle amidst nature.
Adventure
Explore the Mokolodi Nature Reserve for a thrilling safari experience, where you can spot a variety of wildlife and enjoy guided walks. For a unique adventure, visit the Gaborone Game Reserve, offering opportunities for hiking and birdwatching amidst stunning landscapes.
Nightlife
In Gaborone, the nightlife scene is vibrant, with venues like the popular Bull & Bush offering a lively atmosphere and tasty local brews. For a more relaxed evening, the Dros Restaurant provides a comfortable setting, while the popular Club Royal features energetic music and dancing well into the night.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Gaborone
To save money during your visit to Gaborone, consider travelling in the off-peak months of August and November to December for lower accommodation rates. Utilise public transport options like buses or bicycles, and enjoy free activities such as visiting the University of Botswana. Book your stay on a Saturday for the best rates, while avoiding Tuesday as it tends to be more expensive. Use tools like Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, and explore package deals that combine flights and accommodation for additional savings.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Gaborone are August and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, April and July, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Gaborone is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Gaborone is Tuesday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels appear first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel accommodation in Gaborone with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, offers an array of attractions for family-friendly, outdoor, and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy the Gaborone Game Reserve, explore the Natural History Museum, and relax at the Gaborone Dam. For golf enthusiasts, the Gaborone Golf Club is a must-visit. With its diverse points of interest, Gaborone promises a memorable vacation filled with adventure and discovery.
- Nogatsaa and Tchinga: This reserve offers a unique blend of recreation and business vibes, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and networking. Visitors can enjoy scenic views while engaging in outdoor activities, all within the vibrant atmosphere of Gaborone.
- Gaborone Natural History Museum: A family-friendly venue that immerses visitors in Botswana's rich cultural and natural heritage. The museum features engaging exhibits that are both educational and entertaining, perfect for a day out with loved ones.
- National Botanical Garden: This lush garden provides a tranquil escape with its beautifully landscaped grounds, making it suitable for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and couples seeking a romantic outing amidst nature.
Best time to go to Gaborone
The best time to visit Gaborone can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Gaborone falls in January, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Gaborone falls in July, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Gaborone
Flying into Gaborone, Botswana, is convenient via Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), situated 8km from the city centre. Excellent accommodation options nearby include the Elegant and Exclusive Boutique Guesthouse, a 5-star establishment 8km away, and the Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, a 4-star hotel located 10km from the airport. The Protea Hotel by Marriott Gaborone Masa Square, also a 4-star hotel, is 11km away. Each of these hotels offers various transportation services, including 24-hour airport shuttles and complimentary transfers, ensuring easy access to the airport for all guests.