Parliament Building, Botswana - Things to Do in Parliament Building

Things to Do in Parliament Building

Parliament Building, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide

Botswana's capital sits just 15 kilometers from South Africa—close enough that you can drive from Johannesburg in four hours. This former village has exploded into a modern African capital since 1966, though it moves at a surprisingly calm pace for a city of ~400,000 people. The Parliament Building dominates the government district with its blend of modern design and traditional African elements. Gaborone mixes old and new well. You'll find air-conditioned malls next to dusty traditional markets, and the city provides an authentic look at modern Botswana without the tourist crowds that swamp other African capitals. The Parliament Building anchors everything—a concrete reminder of Botswana's rock-solid democracy.

Top Things to Do in Parliament Building

Parliament Building and Government Enclave Tour

Modern African architecture meets working government facility. The building houses Botswana's National Assembly and House of Chiefs, blending traditional design elements with contemporary functionality. Guided tours explain Botswana's democratic system and the building's role in the country's post-independence development.

Booking Tip: Tours typically need to be arranged in advance through official channels and may require identification. Best to contact the Parliament information office directly, as availability depends on parliamentary sessions and security requirements.

National Museum and Art Gallery

Small but excellent museum covering everything from traditional Tswana culture to diamond mining. The exhibits provide perfect context for understanding modern Botswana, from cattle farming to wildlife conservation. The art gallery features local and regional artists worth checking out.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are quite reasonable at around 10-20 pula for adults. The museum is open most days except Mondays, and you can easily spend 2-3 hours here without rushing.

Three Dikgosi Monument

This bronze monument honors three chiefs who sailed to Britain in 1895. They petitioned against incorporating Bechuanaland into South Africa—and won. The monument sits in the city center and makes for good photos while telling an important story about Botswana's resistance to colonial pressure.

Booking Tip: The monument is freely accessible at any time, though it's best viewed during daylight hours. Consider combining this with a walking tour of downtown Gaborone's other civic buildings and monuments.

Gaborone Game Reserve

Wildlife without the long drive. This small reserve outside the city offers zebras, wildebeest, ostriches, and various antelope species for visitors who can't make it to the Okavango Delta. Perfect for a half-day trip when you want animals but don't have time for a proper safari.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 30 pula for citizens and 120 pula for non-citizens. The reserve is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon when animals are more active. A regular car can handle the roads.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Community-owned reserve 12 kilometers south focuses on conservation education and wildlife rehabilitation. White rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and plenty of bird species call this place home. Game drives, walking trails, and educational programs show how conservation works in modern Botswana.

Booking Tip: Day visits cost around 150 pula for adults, with additional fees for game drives (around 350 pula). Book game drives in advance, especially during peak season. The reserve also offers overnight accommodation if you want to extend your stay.

Getting There

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport sits 15 kilometers north of downtown. South African Airways and Air Botswana run regular flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town, making connections throughout the region easy. Driving from Johannesburg takes about four hours, and several bus companies run daily services between the cities—the Tlokweng border crossing rarely causes delays.

Getting Around

The city center is completely walkable. Taxis don't use meters, so agree on fares beforehand—expect 20-50 pula for short trips around town. Combis (shared minibuses) cost just 5-10 pula per trip but routes can confuse visitors, and they pack passengers like sardines. Car rental makes the most sense for tourists. International companies operate from the airport and downtown, giving you freedom to explore without negotiating fares or deciphering combi routes.

Where to Stay

City Center
Broadhurst
Phase 4
Phakalane
Gaborone West
Airport Area

Food & Dining

This is cattle country—the beef here is exceptional. Game restaurants serve kudu and ostrich at upmarket spots, while local joints dish out seswaa (shredded beef) and morogo (wild spinach) for a fraction of the price. Riverwalk Mall and Game City have food courts covering everything from Indian to Chinese cuisine. Try the small restaurants around Main Mall for authentic local food. Stick to bottled water and well-cooked dishes if you have a sensitive stomach—better safe than sorry.

When to Visit

Visit from May to September for perfect weather. Clear skies, no rain, and comfortable temperatures make this the ideal window—June to August stays around 20-25°C during the day. The wet season from November to March brings afternoon thunderstorms and oppressive humidity, though the landscape turns green and lush. Skip October and April entirely. These transition months combine the worst of both seasons—hot, humid, and unpredictable weather that can ruin outdoor plans.

Insider Tips

Parliament Building security is tight—leave large bags at your hotel and bring ID, even for photos from the street
Government buildings close early on Fridays and have limited weekend hours—plan civic attractions for weekday mornings
Gaborone feels quiet compared to Lagos or Nairobi—this reflects the relaxed pace, not any problems with the city

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