Riverwalk Mall
Riverwalk Mall, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide
Riverwalk Mall serves as a modern commercial hub in Gaborone, Botswana's busy capital city. This contemporary shopping and entertainment destination represents the growing urban sophistication of Botswana, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's economic development alongside traditional African culture. The mall sits within Gaborone, a city that has transformed from a small administrative center at independence in 1966 to a thriving metropolis that serves as the gateway to Botswana's renowned wildlife destinations.
While Riverwalk Mall itself provides shopping, dining, and entertainment options, its location in Gaborone makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Botswana's incredible natural attractions. The city combines modern amenities with easy access to game reserves, traditional villages, and the edge of the Botswana, making it a perfect base for travelers seeking both urban comforts and authentic African experiences.
Top Riverwalk Mall
Game Drive Safari Experience
start thrilling wildlife viewing adventures in nearby Mokolodi Nature Reserve or venture further to Botswana. These experiences offer opportunities to see elephants, lions, leopards, and diverse bird species in their natural habitat.
Booking Tip: Day trips to Mokolodi cost around $50-80 per person, while multi-day Chobe excursions range from $200-400. Book during dry season (May-September) for best wildlife viewing, and choose operators with experienced local guides.
Cultural Village Tours
Visit traditional Tswana villages to experience authentic local culture, traditional architecture, and time-honored customs. These immersive experiences often include traditional dancing, craft demonstrations, and storytelling sessions.
Booking Tip: Half-day cultural tours typically cost $30-50 per person. Best experienced in the morning when villagers are most active. Look for community-based tourism operators to ensure your visit directly benefits local communities.
Kalahari Desert Excursions
Explore the edge of the vast Botswana with guided tours that showcase unique desert ecosystems, traditional San Bushmen culture, and impressive landscapes. These adventures often include bushwalks and traditional survival skill demonstrations.
Booking Tip: Full-day Kalahari tours range from $80-120 per person including transportation and meals. Visit during cooler months (April-August) for comfort. Choose operators offering authentic San Bushmen cultural experiences.
Gaborone Dam Recreation
Enjoy water activities and scenic relaxation at Gaborone Dam, a popular local recreation spot. The area offers boating, fishing, picnicking, and beautiful sunset views over the water surrounded by hills.
Booking Tip: Entry fees are minimal (around $2-5). Boat rentals available for $20-40 per hour. Best visited in late afternoon for impressive sunsets. Bring sun protection and consider weekdays to avoid crowds.
National Museum and Art Gallery
Discover Botswana's rich history, traditional crafts, and contemporary art at this complete cultural institution. The museum showcases everything from ancient rock art reproductions to modern Botswana artists' works.
Booking Tip: Entrance fees are very affordable at around $2-3 per person. Open Tuesday-Sunday, best visited in the morning. Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Photography may require additional permits.
Getting There
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, located about 15 kilometers north of Gaborone, serves as the main gateway with connections to major African cities and some international destinations. From the airport, taxis cost around $15-20 to reach the city center, while shuttle services and rental cars are also available. Overland travel is possible via well-maintained roads from South Africa, with the border crossing at Tlokweng being the most convenient entry point for those driving from Johannesburg, approximately 370 kilometers away.
Getting Around
Gaborone offers several transportation options, with taxis and ride-hailing services being the most convenient for tourists. Combis (shared minibuses) provide an authentic local experience and are very affordable, though routes may be confusing for first-time visitors. Car rental is highly recommended for exploring attractions outside the city, with several international and local agencies available. The city center is relatively compact and walkable during cooler parts of the day, though the climate often makes walking less comfortable during midday hours.
Where to Stay
Gaborone City Center
Riverwalk Area
Airport Road Corridor
Broadhurst Residential Area
Village/CBD District
Food & Dining
Gaborone's dining scene reflects both traditional Botswana cuisine and international influences, with restaurants ranging from upscale establishments to local eateries. Traditional dishes like seswaa (shredded beef), morogo (wild spinach), and bogobe (sorghum porridge) can be found at local restaurants and hotel dining rooms. The city also offers excellent South African-style braai (barbecue) restaurants, Indian cuisine reflecting the local Indian community, and international options including Italian, Chinese, and continental fare. Riverwalk Mall itself houses several dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, making it convenient for visitors staying nearby.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Gaborone and explore from Riverwalk Mall is during the dry season from May to September, when temperatures are cooler and wildlife viewing is at its peak. This period offers pleasant daytime temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F) and minimal rainfall. October to April brings the hot, wet season with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) and afternoon thunderstorms, though this period offers lush green landscapes and excellent bird watching opportunities. The shoulder months of April and October can provide good weather with fewer crowds.
Insider Tips
Exchange money at banks or authorized dealers rather than informal exchanges, and keep US dollars or South African rand as backup since pula may not be widely accepted outside Botswana
Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting villages or traditional areas, and always ask permission before photographing people
Stock up on supplies in Gaborone before heading to remote areas, as amenities become scarce outside major towns, and always travel with extra water and emergency supplies for desert excursions