A three-hour bus tour of Gaborone’s attractions, a monument marking a significant turning point in the country’s history, and designated trails at Kgale offer different ways to experience the city. Gaborone combines cultural and historical themes with water-based activities and opportunities for wildlife viewing. To plan your trip, start by asking which of these interests you want to shape your stay.
City history, art and historic sites
The Botswana Society offers the Gaborone Bus Tour, a three-hour bus tour of attractions in Gaborone. To book, contact the Society; also ask there about the tour’s current availability.
The National Museum is near the centre of Gaborone’s old town. Its collections include traditional crafts and Southern African fine art. The museum thus brings together different forms of artistic expression, from traditional handicrafts to the region’s fine art. The Three Chiefs’ Monument marks a different historical moment: the statue in the Central Business District commemorates a significant turning point in Botswana’s history.
The monument’s historical context includes a journey that took the chiefs beyond Gaborone. In 1885, Chief Khama III of the Bangwato, Chief Sebele I of the Bakwena and Chief Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse travelled to London to present a petition to Joseph Chamberlain, then Secretary of State for the Colonies. The three chiefs and their respective communities are therefore part of the history associated with the monument.
The National Botanical Garden also has historical connections. A description from 2014 reports that the Old Gaberones Hotel in the garden was built in 1890 and was being used as a natural history museum in 2014. The garden also preserves a Moporota tree under which the BDP’s first meeting took place. The building and the tree point to different chapters in Botswana’s history. If you want to visit the former hotel, check in advance whether it is currently accessible.
Trails, water and wildlife viewing
Kgale is a prominent landmark in Gaborone. Clearly marked trails are available for the ascent and descent. Alongside museums and monuments, this offers an outdoor activity centred on the landmark itself.
Gaborone Dam lies on the southern edge of the city. On the south shore, the public City Scapes facility offers picnic areas, a boat launch and a children’s playground. If you plan to use any of these areas, check the facility’s current operating status before your visit. Non-motorised water sports are permitted at the dam through the Gaborone Yacht Club. Contact the club to check current availability if you want to include this kind of activity in your plans.
Near Gaborone, visitors can explore the Gaborone Game Reserve independently to watch birds and wildlife. Animals mentioned include zebras, giraffes, kudus, eland and ostriches. The reserve also has a picnic area. If you plan to use it, check its current condition in advance. Wildlife viewing and picnicking offer another way to spend time in the area around the destination.
Art classes and choosing your focus
The Thapong Visual Arts Centre occasionally offers art classes for children. If a class is important to your plans, ask the Centre for current dates.
The attractions offer different areas of interest, so you can make your choices according to your interests.
For the broader travel overview: Gaborone.
