Gaborone, affectionately known as 'Gabs', is the vibrant capital of Botswana and the gateway to the southeast region. For families landing in the country, it offers a gentle introduction to Africa, combining modern malls, cinemas, and medical facilities with immediate access to the bush. The landscape here is defined by rocky hills and acacia scrub, dominated by the landmark Kgale Hill, which adventurous families can hike for a panoramic view of the city and the Gaborone Dam—though keep a close watch for the resident baboon troops!
The crown jewel for families is the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, located just 15 kilometers from the city center. Mokolodi is a non-profit education center dedicated to conservation, making it exceptionally child-friendly. They offer guided game drives where seeing giraffes, zebras, and warthogs is almost guaranteed. A highlight for older children is the chance to participate in rhino tracking (on a vehicle) or visit the reptile park to learn about local snakes and lizards in a safe environment. The reserve's restaurant serves hearty meals where kids can play on the lawns while parents watch impalas graze nearby.
Culturally, the southeast is rich in history. The Three Dikgosi Monument in the CBD features immense bronze statues of the three chiefs who traveled to London in 1895 to seek protection for the country, offering a bite-sized history lesson for school-aged children. Fans of Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency can visit filming locations and even have tea in the style of Mma Ramotswe. Just north of the city, the Matsieng Footprints offer a mythological connection to the ancestors, with rock engravings that spark the imagination.
Practical Considerations:
Gaborone is malaria-free, which is a significant relief for parents with toddlers or infants. The climate is semi-arid; summers (November to March) are hot with thunderstorms, while winters (May to August) are sunny with cold nights. Car rental is essential for getting around, and driving is on the left. The city provides a great opportunity to stock up on specific baby supplies, snacks, or medications before traveling to more remote camps in the north.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The region offers intimate wildlife encounters at Mokolodi Nature Reserve and unique birding at the Manyelanong Cape Vulture colony. Peak dry winter months (May-Aug) provide ideal mild temperatures for hiking and concentrated wildlife viewing, while the summer heat and rainfall (Oct-Feb) make bush exploration uncomfortable.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Gaborone showcases a sophisticated blend of modern Botswana and Tswana heritage through its upscale galleries and authentic artisan markets. The temperate winter months are perfect for exploring urban cultural sites; the summer months often see temperatures exceeding 31°C, which can be draining for city walking.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Rich in missionary history and archaeological significance, sites like Kolobeng and the National Museum offer deep insights into Southern African history. Dry, cool conditions from May to August are optimal for visiting outdoor historical sites, whereas high summer rainfall can restrict access to more remote locations.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The capital hosts major cultural events like the Maitisong Festival and the Gaborone International Music and Culture (GIMC) event. These authentic celebrations are best experienced during the drier months (Apr-Sept) to avoid the unpredictable heavy downpours of the summer season.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Excellent infrastructure connects the capital to the scenic rocky hills of Kanye and traditional villages like Otse. Clear winter skies provide spectacular visibility for scenic drives, while the summer wet season (Nov-Feb) can lead to muddy conditions on secondary village roads.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The region features high-quality golf courses and rugged terrain for trail running and hiking in the southern hills. The cool, dry winter months are internationally competitive for outdoor sports, whereas summer temperatures often reach levels that limit strenuous physical activity.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Luxury hotels and golf estates in Gaborone provide high-quality spa facilities for discerning travelers seeking a quiet retreat. The mild climate of the winter season is best for outdoor relaxation, as high humidity and heat during the summer months (Oct-Feb) reduce the comfort of wellness activities.
Attractions (24 total)
National Park / Nature Reserve
Gaborone Game Reserve
Gaborone
A compact and accessible city-based reserve featuring rhinos, zebras, and various antelope species, ideal for a quick family safari.
Manyelanong Game Reserve
Otse
A specialized sanctuary protecting one of the few remaining breeding colonies of the endangered Cape Vulture on dramatic cliffs.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Kgale Hill Trail
Gaborone
A popular 3.5km loop trail offering panoramic views of Gaborone and the Gaborone Dam. Moderate difficulty with rocky terrain and approximately 200m elevation gain. Typical duration is 1.5 to 2 hours. While primarily for hiking, the surrounding areas are popular for mountain biking. Bike rental: Bike Shop Botswana (bikeshopbotswana.com).
Visit website →Manyana Rock Paintings Trail
Manyana
An easy 1.5km walk leading to ancient San rock art sites and the historic Livingstone Tree. The trail is flat and well-marked, taking approximately 1 hour to complete. It combines cultural heritage with a scenic walk along the base of the Manyana granite hills.
Visit website →Notwane Dam Cycling Route
Notwane
A notable 25km gravel and sand cycling route circling the Notwane Dam area. Easy to moderate difficulty with minimal elevation gain. The route is popular for birdwatching and gravel biking. Bike rental: Bike Shop Botswana (bikeshopbotswana.com).
Visit website →Lentswe la Baratani (Otse Hill) Hike
Otse
A challenging 3.2km return hike to the summit of Botswana's highest point at 1,491m. Features steep, rocky inclines and a 300m elevation gain. Typical duration is 2.5 to 3 hours. The hill is steeped in local legend and offers expansive views of the southeast district.
Visit website →Mokolodi Nature Reserve MTB Trails
Gaborone
A network of well-maintained mountain bike trails ranging from 10km to 55km. Difficulty varies from easy to moderate. The terrain consists of sandy tracks and bushveld paths with mild elevation changes. Bike rental: Bike Shop Botswana (bikeshopbotswana.com).
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Gaborone
An active outdoor center offering rhino tracking, guided bush walks, and mountain biking trails through a scenic wildlife conservancy.
Visit website →Kgale Hill
Gaborone
The capital's most popular outdoor hiking destination, providing several trails that lead to a summit with panoramic city and dam views.
Lion Park Resort
Gaborone
Botswana's premier amusement park featuring a large water park, adventure rides, and a lion enclosure for safe wildlife viewing.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
National Museum and Art Gallery
Gaborone
The country's premier cultural institution featuring traditional African artifacts, natural history exhibits, and a dedicated gallery for contemporary fine art.
Thapong Visual Arts Centre
Gaborone
A vibrant art hub located in a historic building that showcases contemporary Botswana paintings and sculptures through rotating exhibitions.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Three Dikgosi Monument
Gaborone
An iconic bronze monument honoring the three tribal chiefs who traveled to London to secure the protection of Botswana, set in a modern plaza.
Bahurutshe Cultural Village
Mmankgodi
An immersive living museum where families can experience traditional Tswana housing, food, dance, and customs in an authentic rural setting.
Phuthadikobo Museum
Mochudi
Perched on a hill in a historic village, this museum offers deep insights into Bakgatla history and traditional life within an old colonial school building.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Trans-Kalahari Highway (A2)
Gaborone
Approx. 700km within Botswana (total 1,900km), 1-2 days, paved. A major international corridor crossing the Kalahari Desert, passing through Jwaneng and Ghanzi, offering vast savanna landscapes and San cultural experiences.
Visit website →The Southeast Hills Route
Gaborone
75km, 1 hour, paved. A scenic stretch of the A1 road connecting Gaborone to Lobatse, passing Botswana's highest peaks, the 'Hill of Lovers' in Otse, and the Manyelanong Game Reserve vulture colonies.
Visit website →Gaborone to Tuli Block Route
Gaborone
450km, 5-6 hours, paved with some gravel sections near the block. A popular touring route through the rugged eastern sector, featuring the Tswapong Hills, Moremi Gorge, and culminating in the wildlife-rich Limpopo River border region.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Crocodile Pools
Notwane
A rustic riverfront destination where visitors can observe crocodiles and diverse birdlife in a relaxed, rural setting near the Notwane River.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
National Assembly of Botswana
Gaborone
A major urban landmark located in the Government Enclave, representing the heart of the country's democracy with impressive architecture.
Visit website →Botswana National Museum and Art Gallery
Gaborone
An essential cultural attraction housing natural history exhibits, traditional crafts, and a notable collection of African art.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Kolobeng Mission Ruins
Kumakwane
The historic remains of the 1840s mission station founded by David Livingstone, offering a fascinating look at early missionary life.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Mokolodi Education Centre
Gaborone
An engaging wildlife education center and reptile park that provides families with interactive learning experiences about savanna ecosystems and conservation.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
National Botanical Garden
Gaborone
A tranquil national sanctuary dedicated to preserving Botswana's indigenous flora, offering educational walking trails and a peaceful environment for family exploration.
