Where to stay in Gaborone — pick the right hotel, book in 3 clicks
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is a calm, clean and notably safe African capital set on the Notwane River, perched at around 1,000 metres on the southeastern plateau. Locals simply call it "Gabs." Its appeal isn't skylines or grand monuments — it's the relaxed pace, a free national museum, a bronze tribute to the three chiefs who founded the nation, the craft stalls lining the Main Mall walkway, and best of all, the Mokolodi Nature Reserve just minutes away, where you can spot white rhino, giraffe and zebra in the wild. It makes a smooth, low-stress base before flying on to the Okavango Delta safari country.
Why stay in Gaborone
Wildlife near the city
Mokolodi Nature Reserve spans 3,000+ hectares with white rhino, giraffe, zebra and abundant birdlife — a game drive just minutes from downtown.
Safe and laid-back
Botswana is famed for its stability and security, and Gaborone is an easy capital to explore on foot — ideal for first-time visitors to Africa.
Culture made simple
The free National Museum, the Three Dikgosi Monument and Thapong arts centre tell the story of the nation's founding in a single day.
Gateway to real safari
A natural stopover before connecting to Maun and the Okavango Delta, Botswana's world-class safari heartland.
Pick an area first — where to stay in Gaborone
Location is the single most important thing about a hotel — choose the right area first, then pick the hotel
CBD / Main MallCity core near the Three Dikgosi Monument, malls, banks and the craft-lined walkway. Best for business travellers or anyone who wants to walk everywhere.
Coming soonGame City (West)Next to Game City Mall and the base of Kgale Hill, with mid-range hotels and a casino. Handy for shopping plus an easy hike.
Coming soonBroadhurstQuiet residential area with affordable guesthouses and mid-range lodges. The best spot for a genuine local feel on a budget.
Coming soonPhakalane / TlokwengCalm suburbs with high-standard lodging. Tlokweng sits closest to the airport — great for self-drivers and slow-paced stays.
Coming soonRanked reviews — find your ideal stay in Gaborone
Start with where to stay (the heart of the trip), then explore food and sights
Find the right Gaborone hotel for you
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Local dishes to try in Gaborone
- 1🥩
Seswaa
Slow-cooked, salt-seasoned beef or goat shredded fine and served over pap (thick maize porridge). The centrepiece of Botswana celebrations — easy to find at local eateries.
📍 National dish - 2🍚
Bogobe
A thick sorghum or maize porridge that's a Setswana staple, sometimes served with madila (sour milk). Found at roadside stalls and local kitchens.
📍 Staple - 3🥬
Morogo
Wild leafy greens — spinach, pumpkin or cowpea leaves — cooked with onion, tomato and spices into a tasty, nutritious side for pap.
📍 Wild greens - 4🍩
Vetkoek
Deep-fried dough balls, crisp outside and soft inside, stuffed with savoury mince or spread with jam. A cheap, filling breakfast or snack from street vendors.
📍 Street snack - 5🐛
Phane (Mopane Worms)
Caterpillars of the emperor moth, dried or cooked in tomato sauce. High in protein and calcium — a true local delicacy for the curious eater.
📍 Adventurous bite - 6🫘
Dikgobe
A homey mix of samp (crushed maize) and beans. A symbol of simplicity and unity, eaten on its own or as a hearty side.
📍 Simple comfort
- 1🦏
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Gaborone's highlight: 3,000+ hectares home to white rhino, giraffe, zebra and many bird species. Book a game drive or take a bushland hiking trail — all just minutes from the city.
📍 Safari near town - 2🏛️
National Museum & Art Gallery
Traces Botswana from prehistory to the present with archaeological finds, crafts and ethnographic exhibits. Open Tuesday to Sunday, admission free.
📍 Free entry - 3🗿
Three Dikgosi Monument
Bronze statues of the founding chiefs — Khama III, Sebele I and Bathoen I — who travelled to Britain to seek protection. In the heart of the CBD, open daily, free to visit.
📍 National symbol - 4⛰️
Kgale Hill
A short, steep two-hour hike rewarded with sweeping views of the city and dam. Watch for rock hyrax and vervet monkeys; locals love it at sunrise. Free entry.
📍 Panoramic views - 5🦓
Gaborone Game Reserve
An urban conservation area where you can drive or picnic and spot wildlife up close — perfect for families short on time but keen to see animals.
📍 In-city game drive - 6🎨
Thapong Visual Arts Centre
Founded in 1998 in a former magistrate's court, it displays Botswana's contemporary art and hosts workshops. Atmospheric and free to enter.
📍 Contemporary art - 7🧺
Main Mall Craft Stalls
A long pedestrian walkway where street vendors lay out cultural treasures — leather goods, woven baskets and carvings. The best place for authentic local souvenirs.
📍 Handmade souvenirs - 8💧
Gaborone Dam
The city's large reservoir offers a peaceful spot for sunset, a stroll or light water activities, with Kgale Hill as a backdrop.
📍 Lakeside escape
Things to do in Gaborone
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Gaborone — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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3 Gaborone hotels our team picked for you
Selected from real reviews — one per budget tier, each with a score and instant 3-site price comparison
★ 8.7Upper-midPeermont Mondior Gaborone
#5 Long stays · heart of the New CBD
★ 8.6Upper-midHilton Garden Inn Gaborone
#2 international brand · heart of the New CBD
★ 8.4Luxuryโรงแรมแนะนำทั้งหมดในGaborone
ครบทุกระดับงบ — คัดจากคะแนนรีวิวจริง พร้อมเทียบราคา 3 เว็บ
Protea Hotel by Marriott Gaborone Masa Square
#3 business location · inside Masa Square
Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel Resort
#4 Golf resort · Out of town
Peermont Walmont at the Grand Palm
#7 resort complex · families & conferences
Cresta Lodge Gaborone
#6 Cresta-chain flagship · 2 km from the CBD
Haven't found the one? Search all 3 sites yourself
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🚆 Getting around Gaborone
Sir Seretse Khama Airport (GBE)
The main international airport is about 15 km north of the city, a 20–30 minute drive in. Flights connect to Johannesburg and Maun (the safari gateway).
Combis (shared minibuses)
The local backbone of transport at just 5–15 Pula a ride — the cheapest option, but with no fixed schedule and often crowded. Best with light luggage.
Metered taxis
The most reliable way to get around. Airport to CBD runs about 200–300 Pula (US$14–22). Agree on the fare before you set off.
Car rental
Avis, Hertz and Europcar operate at the airport. Botswana drives on the left and roads are good — ideal for reaching Mokolodi or the suburbs.
Cash in Pula (BWP)
The currency is the Pula. Exchange at the airport or city banks (better rates at banks). Malls take cards, but carry cash for craft stalls and combis.
Where to go next near Gaborone
MaunWhere to stay, what to see, and what to eat in Maun — Botswana's gateway to the Okavango Delta and base for bush flights and mokoro safaris.
See this city's guide →
KasaneThe gateway to Chobe National Park and Africa's densest elephant herds. Cruise the river past elephants and hippos, then day-trip to Victoria Falls.
See this city's guide →Frequently asked — where to stay in Gaborone
Is Gaborone safe for tourists?+
It's safer than many African capitals — Botswana is known for its political stability. Daytime walking is comfortable, but use taxis at night and take the usual care with valuables.
How many days do I need in Gaborone?+
One to two days covers the city (museum, Three Dikgosi Monument, Kgale Hill) plus a half-day at Mokolodi. Most visitors use it as a stopover before flying on to safari at Maun.
When is the best time to visit Gaborone?+
The cool dry season (May–August) is best: dry, mild and great for wildlife and hiking. November–March is hotter and wetter, but the landscape turns lush and green.
Ready to book your Gaborone stay?
Start with the 3 hotels our team picked, or search all 3 sites — always compare before booking