Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Gaborone

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Backpacker hostels, budget guesthouses, shared rooms, and basic lodges with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$8-20 per day

Street food, local markets, traditional setswana meals, self-catering, and informal dining spots

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses (combis), shared taxis, walking, and occasional private transport

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free city walks, public parks, basic cultural sites, and occasional budget tours

Eat at local markets and traditional food stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use public combis and shared taxis instead of private transport for daily travel (usually 70-85% savings)

Book accommodation directly with guesthouses rather than through international booking sites (often 15-30% cheaper)

Shop at local craft cooperatives instead of hotel gift shops for souvenirs (typically 40-60% less expensive)

Take advantage of free cultural sites and public parks instead of paid attractions (can save $20-50 daily)

Self-cater for some meals using local grocery stores and markets (reduces food costs by 50-70%)

Travel during shoulder seasons when accommodation rates drop significantly (usually 25-45% savings)

Relying exclusively on taxis and ride-sharing instead of learning the public transport system (can triple transportation costs)

Eating only at hotel restaurants and tourist-oriented establishments (typically doubles or triples food expenses)

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak periods without comparing options (often 40-80% more expensive)

Exchanging money at airports or hotels instead of banks or authorized dealers (usually 5-15% worse rates)