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Gaborone, the capital of Botswana
Flag of Botswana Capital of Botswana

Gaborone

Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana, home to approximately 10% of the country's total population. This modern African capital 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
23:19:08

Hotels in Gaborone

Gaborone offers a range of hotel accommodation options for visitors to Botswana's capital city. From established properties like Gaborone Hotel and President Hotel to boutique choices such as Lansmore Masa Square, Hotel 430, and B&b Hôtel, there are lodging options available for different travellers. See all hotels →

Airports in Gaborone

Gaborone is served by Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the primary gateway for air travel to and from the city. The area also has access to smaller regional airfields including Madikwe West Airstrip and Matsieng Airfield for private and charter aviation. 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 several car hire options for visitors and residents looking to explore the city and beyond. Major providers including Europcar, Hertz, and Avis Budget operate in Gaborone, giving you flexibility to choose the rental service that best suits your needs. 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 landmarks like the Three Dikgosi Monument and Stone Monument, there are plenty of things to discover in the capital. 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 variety of dining experiences with restaurants such as Lopkei, Basilico, Cappello, and Don Carlos. Whether you're looking for local or international cuisine, the city provides options to suit different tastes and preferences. 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 with venues such as ZOOM NIGHT CLUB and United Lounge providing entertainment and social spaces for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're looking for a night out on the town or live entertainment, the city's nightlife options cater to diverse tastes. 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 social venues for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're looking for casual drinks at United Cafe, lively entertainment at Razzmatazz, or a relaxed atmosphere at Main Deck, you'll find options throughout the city to suit your evening plans. 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 locals and visitors can enjoy coffee and refreshments. From Doppio Zero and The Daily Grind to Fego, News Cafe, and Culture Art Cafe, the city's cafe scene provides welcoming spaces to relax and connect. 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 experiences across several modern malls and retail centers. From The Fields Mall and Rail Park Mall to Masa Center, KB Mall, and South Ring Mall, the city provides numerous options for both local and international shopping. 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 natural spaces for visitors to experience local wildlife and outdoor activities. Popular destinations include Three Dikgosi Park, Morakanelo Park, Three Kings Park, Jawara Park, and Bowasetso Park, each providing opportunities to connect with nature in the city. 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
Bowasetso park
2.0 km from centre

Climate snapshot

Gaborone experiences a subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations. The city enjoys warm summers and mild winters, with rainfall concentrated during the summer months, making it a pleasant destination year-round for most visitors.

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 accounts for approximately 10% of Botswana's total population despite being just one urban centre.
  • Gaborone's metropolitan area is significantly larger than the city proper, with the metro region home to over half a million inhabitants according to the 2022 census.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaborone

What is the population of Gaborone?

Gaborone had a population of 246,325 based on the 2022 census, with its metropolitan area home to 534,842 inhabitants.

Is Gaborone the capital of Botswana?

Yes, Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana.

What percentage of Botswana's population lives in Gaborone?

Approximately 10% of Botswana's total population lives in Gaborone.

What is the timezone in Gaborone?

Gaborone is in the Africa/Gaborone timezone.

Map of Gaborone

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