Things to Do in Gaborone

Gaborone might not have the wildlife drama of the Okavango Delta, but Botswana's capital has a quiet charm that grows on you. The city sprawls across rolling hills with a surprisingly green landscape - acacia trees line wide boulevards, and there's more open space than you'd expect from a capital city. It's actually one of Africa's fastest-growing cities, though it maintains a relaxed, small-town feel that makes it easy to navigate and genuinely pleasant to spend time in. What makes Gaborone interesting is how it balances modern African city life with traditional Botswana culture. You'll find gleaming shopping malls next to traditional craft markets, and the city serves as a gateway to some incredible day trip destinations. The Kgale Hill overlooks everything, giving you a sense of how the city fits into the broader landscape of this fascinating country.

The food scene blends traditional Botswana cuisine with international options, particularly Indian and Portuguese influences from the region's history. You'll find excellent beef - Botswana takes its cattle seriously - and traditional dishes like seswaa (shredded meat) and morogo (wild spinach). The Riverwalk Mall and Main Mall areas have the highest concentration of restaurants, ranging from casual spots serving traditional fare to upscale establishments with continental menus. Street food around the markets offers good value, though stick to busy stalls with high turnover for the freshest options.

The dry season from May through September offers the most comfortable weather, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, though nights can be surprisingly cool. October through April brings the rainy season, which actually makes the city quite beautiful with lush vegetation, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. For wildlife viewing at nearby reserves, the dry winter months are ideal since animals congregate around water sources. That said, Gaborone's moderate altitude means it never gets unbearably hot, so it's actually pleasant year-round if you don't mind the occasional rain shower.