Things to Do in Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

Gaborone handles ~600,000 residents but won't find its way onto most travel wish lists. Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is the primary gateway to Botswana's capital, a surprisingly modern urban center in the southeastern part of this landlocked nation. Skip it entirely? That would be a mistake—the city has authentic insight into contemporary Botswana life, with traditional markets sitting alongside modern shopping centers and a growing arts scene. Gaborone works well as a base for Botswana's wilderness areas, plus it has earned recognition as one of Africa's most stable and well-planned capitals. Wide boulevards everywhere. Green spaces dot the landscape, and the pace stays refreshingly relaxed after the chaos of larger African cities.

Traditional meets international here. Gaborone's dining scene reflects both traditional Botswanan cuisine and international influences, with everything from street food vendors selling fat cakes and morogo (wild spinach) to upscale restaurants offering continental fare. The Main Mall area concentrates many dining options, while shopping centers like Riverwalk and Game City house food courts and chain restaurants. Seek out authentic spots. For real local food, find places serving seswaa (shredded meat), bogobe (sorghum porrel), and various game meats, though many restaurants cater to expatriate tastes with Indian, Chinese, and Western options.

May through September delivers the goods. Gaborone enjoys a semi-arid climate with the best weather typically occurring during these dry winter months, when temperatures stay mild and rainfall stays minimal. Summer months (October to April) can be quite hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, though this is also when the landscape turns greenest and most photogenic. April-May and September-October work best. These shoulder seasons offer the best balance of pleasant weather and reasonable prices, though you should prepare for occasional temperature swings.