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Gaborone, the capital of Botswana
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Gaborone

Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana, representing approximately 10% of the country's total population. This dynamic African city serves as the economic and political heart of the nation.

Photo: CNJerem (CC BY 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
231,626 (city)
Currency
Botswana pula (BWP)
Language
English, Tswana
Timezone
CAT (UTC+2)
Local time now
04:58:06

Hotels in Gaborone

Gaborone offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to Botswana's capital city. Whether you're looking for established hotels like Gaborone Hotel and President Hotel, or alternative stays such as Lansmore Masa Square, Hotel 430, and B&b Hôtel, there are choices available to suit different travel needs. See all hotels →

Airports in Gaborone

Gaborone is served by Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the main hub for air travel to the city. Additional regional airstrips including Madikwe West Airstrip and Matsieng Airfield provide further aviation options for visitors and residents. See all airports →

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
11.7 km from centre
Madikwe West Airstrip
36.7 km from centre
Matsieng Airfield
38.5 km from centre

Car Hire in Gaborone

Gaborone offers convenient car hire options through established rental agencies including Europcar, Hertz, and Avis Budget. Whether you're exploring the capital or venturing further afield, car rental provides flexibility for your Botswana travel plans. See all car hire →

Europcar
11.3 km from centre
Hertz
11.3 km from centre
Avis Budget
11.3 km from centre

Things to Do in Gaborone

Gaborone offers a range of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. From the Botswana National Museum and Philatelic Museum to iconic monuments like the Three Dikgosi Monument and Stone Monument, the city provides insight into the country's heritage and history. See all things to do →

Philatelic Museum
429 m from centre
Botswana National Museum
1.1 km from centre
Stone Monument
1.4 km from centre
Three Dikgosi Monument
1.5 km from centre
Godfrey Videographer.
3.4 km from centre
Bonnington Farm
3.4 km from centre

Restaurants in Gaborone

Gaborone offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants serving both local and international cuisines. From Lopkei to Basilico, Cappello, and Don Carlos, visitors can find a range of dining experiences throughout the city. See all restaurants →

Lopkei
551 m from centre
Basilico
italian_pizza;italian · 688 m from centre
Basilico
italian · 690 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Gaborone

We're still gathering swimming pools listings for Gaborone — check back soon.

Spas in Gaborone

We're still gathering spas listings for Gaborone — check back soon.

Nightlife in Gaborone

Gaborone offers a vibrant nightlife scene for visitors and locals alike. From dance clubs like ZOOM NIGHT CLUB to lounges such as United Lounge, the city provides various venues for evening entertainment. See all nightlife →

ZOOM NIGHT CLUB
2.9 km from centre
United Lounge
3.9 km from centre

Bars in Gaborone

Gaborone offers a variety of bars and casual dining venues where locals and visitors can enjoy drinks and food. From established spots like Main Deck and Rasmataz Restaurant to options such as Razzmatazz, United Cafe, and Taverne Bar, there are several places to experience the city's social scene. See all bars →

Main Deck
790 m from centre
Rasmataz Restaurant
2.0 km from centre
Razzmatazz
2.0 km from centre

Cafes in Gaborone

Gaborone offers a variety of cafes where visitors and locals can enjoy coffee, meals, and a relaxed atmosphere. Popular spots include Doppio Zero, The Daily Grind, Fego, News Cafe, and Culture Art Cafe, each providing unique dining experiences throughout the city. See all cafes →

Doppio Zero
496 m from centre
The Daily Grind
792 m from centre
Fego
1.6 km from centre

Shopping in Gaborone

Gaborone offers a variety of shopping destinations across the city. Major shopping malls include The Fields Mall, Rail Park Mall, Masa Center, KB Mall, and South Ring Mall, providing residents and visitors with diverse retail and dining options. See all shopping →

The Fields Mall
460 m from centre
Rail Park Mall
635 m from centre
Masa Center
791 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Gaborone

Gaborone offers several parks and green spaces where visitors can experience nature and wildlife. Notable destinations include Three Dikgosi Park, Morakanelo Park, Three Kings Park, Jawara Park, and Bowasetso Park, each providing opportunities to connect with the natural environment. See all nature & wildlife →

Three Dikgosi Park
1.5 km from centre
Morakanelo Park
1.5 km from centre
Three Kings Park
1.6 km from centre
Jawara Park
1.8 km from centre
Bowasetso Park
2.0 km from centre
FD Park
2.5 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Gaborone experiences a subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. The city enjoys warm conditions for much of the year, with a rainy season that brings refreshing precipitation during the summer months.

Interesting Facts About Gaborone — Weird & Wonderful

  • Gaborone was formerly spelled 'Gaberones' during the colonial era, a name occasionally found in older English texts and maps.
  • The city's metropolitan area is significantly larger than the city proper, with the greater Gaborone region home to over half a million inhabitants.
  • Gaborone accounts for roughly one-tenth of Botswana's entire population, making it a major demographic and economic centre.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaborone

What is the population of Gaborone?

According to the 2022 census, Gaborone city has a population of 246,325, while its metropolitan area is home to 534,842 inhabitants.

Is Gaborone the capital of Botswana?

Yes, Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana, and home to approximately 10% of the country's total population.

What timezone is Gaborone in?

Gaborone is in the Africa/Gaborone timezone.

What region is Gaborone located in?

Gaborone is located in Africa and is the capital city of Botswana, a country in southern Africa.

What was Gaborone previously called?

Gaborone was formerly spelled 'Gaberones' during the colonial era, a name that occasionally appears in older English texts and historical maps.

Map of Gaborone

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