Best things to do in Gaborone

Find out more about those top places in Gaborone

Things to do in Gaborone - Botswana

Gaborone Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do, and Must-See Places in Botswana’s Capital

Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most vibrant and fast-growing cities. Nestled between Kgale Hill and Oodi Hill in the southeastern corner of the country, along the banks of the Notwane River, Gaborone is not only the economic and political heart of the nation—it’s also a rising star on the African travel scene. With a population exceeding 250,000 and climbing, the city blends modern development with rich cultural heritage, offering a wide range of things to do, places to visit, and top attractions for every type of traveler.

Whether you're planning a brief stopover or a deeper exploration, this Gaborone travel guide will walk you through the city's best sightseeing opportunities and local highlights.

Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Gaborone

No trip to Botswana is truly complete without experiencing the capital’s top sightseeing spots and cultural landmarks. Here are some must-visit destinations for your Gaborone itinerary:

Three Dikgosi Monument: One of Gaborone’s most iconic landmarks, this monument honors three tribal chiefs—Khama III, Sebele I, and Bathoen I—who played a key role in Botswana’s independence movement. Located in the Central Business District (CBD), it’s a great place to start your exploration and learn about the country’s history.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve: Just a short drive from the city center, this privately-owned game reserve is one of the best places to visit for wildlife lovers. You can go on guided game drives to see giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and even white rhinos. There’s also a cheetah conservation program, making it a perfect family-friendly thing to do near Gaborone.
Kgale Hill: For adventure seekers and panoramic views, hiking up Kgale Hill—nicknamed "The Sleeping Giant"—is a rewarding activity. The summit offers sweeping views over the city and is one of Gaborone’s most popular outdoor attractions. It’s best tackled in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Matsieng Footprints: Steeped in legend, this archaeological site located north of Gaborone showcases giant footprints etched into rock, believed by locals to be the marks of Matsieng, a mythical ancestor who emerged from the earth. Whether you're interested in history, mythology, or natural wonders, this is a top attraction that adds a unique cultural dimension to your Gaborone travel guide.

Things to Do in Gaborone: Culture, Cuisine, and City Life

In addition to its top attractions, Gaborone offers plenty of things to do that showcase the dynamic energy and creativity of the city.

Visit the Botswana National Museum and Art Gallery: A hub of culture and heritage, this museum displays traditional artifacts, contemporary art, and rotating exhibitions that tell the story of Botswana's people and landscape.
Explore Gaborone Game Reserve: One of the few national parks located within a capital city, the Gaborone Game Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife including warthogs, wildebeest, ostriches, and kudu. It’s a peaceful spot for a picnic, birdwatching, or a self-drive safari.
Experience the Local Cuisine: The city boasts a growing culinary scene that ranges from traditional Tswana dishes to international fusion. Don’t miss local favorites like seswaa (slow-cooked meat), pap (maize porridge), and morogo (wild spinach).
Shop at Local Markets: For a more immersive cultural experience, stop by local craft markets where you can buy handmade jewelry, wood carvings, woven baskets, and vibrant fabrics—perfect souvenirs of your Botswana adventure.

Why Gaborone Deserves a Spot on Your Botswana Travel Itinerary

While Botswana is internationally known for its pristine wilderness areas like the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, Gaborone offers a different, equally compelling experience. It’s a place where urban life meets traditional heritage, where modern architecture rises alongside sacred hills, and where travelers can experience authentic local culture, cuisine, and history all in one city.

Gaborone also serves as a convenient travel hub for exploring nearby destinations such as the village of Mochudi, the Oodi Weavers, or even neighboring South Africa.

Final Thoughts: Your Ultimate Gaborone Travel Guide

From scenic hikes and cultural landmarks to wildlife encounters and vibrant city life, Gaborone offers a diverse mix of things to do and places to visit for anyone traveling through southern Africa. As a city that continues to evolve, it holds a unique charm for travelers seeking an authentic and less-trodden African experience. Add it to your list of top attractions in Botswana—you won’t be disappointed.

Three Dikgosi Monument

Located in the Central Business District of Gaborone are the bronze statues that depict three Dikgosi (tribal chiefs). The statues serve as a reminder of the three chiefs (Sebele I of the Bakwena, Khama III of the Bangwato and Bathoen I of the Bangwaketse) who traveled to Great Britain to ask Queen Victoria to separate the Bechuanaland protectorate from Rhodes’s British South Africa Company and Southern Rhodesia, the trip is significant because it led to Botswana’s independence.

The Three Dikgosi are Botswana’s most visited tourist destination according to a study conducted between January and August 2007 by the government.
Matsieng Footprints

The Matsieng Footprints are engraved petroglyphs found in Matsieng, southeast of Botswana. According to local folklore the site was said to be used for rituals, it is littered with footprints that are human and feline-like in design. According to archaeological studies the footprints are said to date back to between 3,000 to 10,000 years. The Matsieng footprints shares its name with popular African folklore character “Matsieng the hunter”. It is believed that the first humans were created in Matsieng and these are the footprints they left behind.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve

For outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of wildlife this a must visit. Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a private non-profit game reserve situated 15 km south of Gaborone. The nature reserve spans over 3700 hectares in size and its home to indigenous African mammals, reptiles and birds. According to the Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation the main aim of setting up the reserve is for conservation and education, the foundation has set in place special activities for tourists such as rhino and giraffe tracking, conferencing and guided walks to make the visit worthwhile.
Thapong Visual Arts Center

Since its establishment in 1998, the Thapong Visual Arts Center has been focused promoting visual arts in Botswana. Situated in the former magistrate’s house, it is the number one spot for art lovers. It offers exhibitions, outreach workshops and residencies for international artists and if interested visitors can buy some works displayed.
Kgale Hill

Nicknamed the “sleeping giant” the hill is the highest point in Gaborone at a height of 1,287 meters. The hill used to be home for a television repeater but now a popular tourist destination. For hikers seeking to climb up to the peak it takes about an hour to do so depending on the trail chosen (there are three trails to pick from).