Three Days in Botswana's Capital
City Sights and Natural Delights in Gaborone
Trip Overview
This itinerary shows you the real Gaborone. Walk through shaded government areas. Climb a quartzite ridge for city views. Find wildlife just outside town. The pace is moderate. It balances cultural sites with outdoor time. You will see the national museum's collections. You will climb Kgale Hill. You might spot resident rhinos at a nearby reserve. Evenings are for grilled local meats. Enjoy the relaxed mood in the city's cafes and lounges.
Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
80-120 USD per day
Best Seasons
April to October, when the air is dry and cool
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Botswana, Travelers interested in urban Africa, Those who enjoy light hiking
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A complete plan for every day of your trip
1
Monuments, Museums, and Main Mall
City Centre and Government Enclave
Spend a day in the civic heart of Gaborone. Explore national symbols and the central commercial district.
Morning
Three Dikgosi Monument and National Museum
Start at the Three Dikgosi Monument. See the tall bronze statues of three chiefs against a blue sky. Hear leaves rustle in the surrounding trees. Next, walk to the National Museum. View ethnographic displays and the art gallery. Feel the cool, quiet air inside its halls.
Lunch
Cafe Dijo
Afternoon
Stroll through Main Mall
Stroll the open-air Main Mall. It is the primary shopping street in Gaborone. Watch vendors sell colorful baskets and carved wooden crafts. Hear the murmur of conversation and occasional car horns. Feel the warm sun under the wide avenues. Peek into bookshops and local boutiques for souvenirs.
Evening
Dinner at a steakhouse
Eat at Bull & Bush Pub. Try grilled meats like seswaa (shredded beef) in a garden setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Business District (Protea Hotel by Marriott Gaborone Masa Square)
Its central location makes walking to the morning's sights simple.
See all Gaborone accommodation options →The National Museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays. Plan your visit to Gaborone with this in mind.
Day 1 Budget: 95
2
The Kgale Climb and Craft Discovery
Kgale Hill and Broadhurst Mall
Climb the city's famous hill for wide views. Then spend the afternoon shopping for local crafts.
Morning
Hike Kgale Hill
Take the trail up Kgale Hill. It is a distinctive landmark of Gaborone. Feel the rough quartzite underfoot. Smell the dry brush. Hear rock hyraxes chatter in the boulders. Your reward is a complete view of the city grid. See the distant blue haze of the Notwane Dam.
Start early to avoid the midday heat. Bring more water than you think you need.
Lunch
African Mall Food Court
Afternoon
Botswanacraft Marketing
Go to this non-profit store. See and feel handwoven baskets made from mokola palm. Smell the earthy scent of leather and carved wood. Find authentic crafts here. They directly support artisans from across Botswana. It is a quieter shopping experience than the main malls of Gaborone.
Evening
Relaxed dinner and drinks
Choose Town Lodge's restaurant for a sit-down meal. Or try a local shebeen in Broadhurst for something more informal.
Where to Stay Tonight
Broadhurst (Town Lodge Gaborone)
This is a convenient and quieter residential area. It is close to Kgale Hill and craft markets.
See all Gaborone accommodation options →The best light for photos from Kgale Hill is late afternoon. But the morning hike is cooler.
Day 2 Budget: 85
3
Wildlife on the City's Edge
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
This day is for seeing southern African wildlife. Visit a reserve just a short drive from the city center.
Morning
Mokolodi Nature Reserve Game Drive
Take a guided game drive through the Mokolodi Nature Reserve. See white rhinos grazing in golden grass. Hear the guide point out francolin bird calls. Feel the morning breeze in the open vehicle. Smell the dust from the track. This reserve brings a classic Botswana safari experience to the doorstep of Gaborone.
You need reservations for the game drive. Make them directly with the reserve.
Lunch
Mokolodi Reserve Restaurant
Afternoon
Gaborone Dam Recreation
Visit the Gaborone Dam wall. See the expanse of water against the dry land. Watch local fishermen in small boats. Feel the strong, constant wind across the dam. It is a popular spot for a walk or a picnic. It offers open space just outside the city limits of Gaborone.
Evening
Farewell dinner
Dine at The Square Restaurant at President Hotel. It is upscale and uses local ingredients.
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Business District (President Hotel)
This is a comfortable base for your final night. It has excellent dining on-site. It also offers easy access for departure.
See all Gaborone accommodation options →Have extra time at Mokolodi? Book their 'Meet the Rhinos' walking experience. It allows a closer encounter.
Day 3 Budget: 120
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Getting Around
Taxis are the most practical way to move around Gaborone. They are not metered. Agree on a fare before you start. For trips to Mokolodi Reserve, about 15 kilometers south, book a taxi for a return trip with waiting time. That is easiest. Walking works in the compact city center.
Book Ahead
Book your Mokolodi Nature Reserve game drive ahead of time. This is key for weekend visits. Hotel reservations are also a good idea.
Packing Essentials
Pack sturdy walking shoes for Kgale Hill. Bring a sun hat. Bring high-SPF sunscreen. Bring a reusable water bottle. Bring a light jacket for cool evenings.
Total Budget
Approximately 300 USD for three days
Customize Your Trip
Adapt this itinerary to your travel style
Budget Version
Focus on free activities. Hike Kgale Hill. Visit the Gaborone Dam. Stay in a guesthouse in Broadhurst. Eat at mall food courts. Use combis (shared minibus taxis) for transport. This will lower costs significantly.
Luxury Upgrade
Upgrade to a suite at a hotel like the AVANI Gaborone Resort & Casino. Book a private guided city tour. Book a longer, exclusive game drive at Mokolodi. Dine at the finest restaurants in the city each evening.
Family-Friendly
Skip the Kgale Hill hike. Try the gentler paths and playgrounds at the Gaborone Game Reserve instead. The Mokolodi Nature Reserve also has educational programs for children. Pick accommodation with a swimming pool. It will keep kids entertained.
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