Things to do in Gaborone
Gaborone is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts who want to go on safari in one of Botswana's famed game parks. Located near Johannesburg, this sprawling city lies on the doorstep of the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, and offers game drives and walks. The city itself boasts some good shopping opportunities, so visitors can purchase mementoes to take home from their holiday.
There are also numerous cultural attractions in Gaborone, including the National Museum and Gallery, which give visitors insight into the local culture of the region. Alternatively, tourists can take a look at the impressive Hare Krishna Temple or spend some time in the Thapong Visual Arts Centre.
The best time to visit Gaborone is during spring or autumn (September, October or March, April and May), as summers can be blisteringly hot and, during winter, it can be very chilly at night.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
This 300-hectare reserve is just nine miles (15km) from Gaborone and contains examples of most of the local flora as well as an impressive collection of indigenous animals such as …
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
This 300-hectare reserve is just nine miles (15km) from Gaborone and contains examples of most of the local flora as well as an impressive collection of indigenous animals such as the white rhino, mountain reedbuck, various antelope, zebra, giraffe, hyena, and warthog. The reserve was created by a non-profit organisation for the purposes of conservation and education, and was established in 1994. It offers thatched self-catering chalets for those wishing to spend a night or two, and game drives and guided walks with experienced rangers.
Website www.mokolodi.com
Gaborone Game Reserve
Although smaller than most, at just under 600 hectares, the Gaborone Game Reserve is the third busiest game reserve in Botswana, providing a very popular venue for city residents i…
Gaborone Game Reserve
Although smaller than most, at just under 600 hectares, the Gaborone Game Reserve is the third busiest game reserve in Botswana, providing a very popular venue for city residents in which to unwind. As a popular escape for city dwellers, Gaborone Game Reserve has a vast array of facilities despite its smallish stature, such as picnic sites, a bird and game hide, and a network of game viewing roads. The park is home to rhino, ostriches, zebra, a variety of antelope and, like most game reserves in Botswana, is very popular with bird watchers. Conveniently located just outside Gaborone, the reserve can be an easy day trip for those who land in the capital.
Khutse Game Reserve
Established in 1971, the Khutse Game Reserve encompasses 965 square miles (2,500 sq km) of semi-arid Kalahari bush savannah in the Bakwena tribal lands. Boreholes have been sunk in…
Khutse Game Reserve
Established in 1971, the Khutse Game Reserve encompasses 965 square miles (2,500 sq km) of semi-arid Kalahari bush savannah in the Bakwena tribal lands. Boreholes have been sunk into this undulating terrain to provide more water and encourage wildlife to stay in the area year-round. Visitors are now drawn to this undeveloped wilderness to see a wide range of herbivores including giraffe, gemsbok and wildebeest, as well as predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah, and birdlife ranging from wild ostriches to little browns. Visitors may only stay at marked campsites and there are no other tourist facilities available in the reserve.
Website www.botswanatourism.co.bw/explore/khutse-game-reserve
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, located in both Botswana and South Africa, extends over 15,000 square miles (38,000 sq km) of the southern Kalahari Desert. About three quarters o…
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, located in both Botswana and South Africa, extends over 15,000 square miles (38,000 sq km) of the southern Kalahari Desert. About three quarters of the park lies in the extreme southwest of Botswana, locally known as the Gemsbok National Park. Visitors to the park can witness the fragile balance between migratory animals and their predators in this harsh, semi-arid environment: a real African safari experience. There are campsites available for visitors but other tourist facilities are very limited.
Website www.sanparks.org/parks/kgalagadi
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
At 20,380 square miles (52,800 sq. km), the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is larger than some European countries, such as Denmark or Switzerland, and is bigger than Lesotho and Esw…
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
At 20,380 square miles (52,800 sq. km), the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is larger than some European countries, such as Denmark or Switzerland, and is bigger than Lesotho and Eswatini put together. Indeed, the reserve is the second largest on earth and its sand dunes, saltpans, riverbeds, mopane forests and vast open plains are home to an array of fascinating wildlife species, as well as settlements of local Basarwa or San tribes. It offers an exciting combination of both environmental and cultural experiences for visitors.
Website www.botswanatourism.co.bw/explore/central-kalahari-game-reserve