What's to See In and Around Gaberone, Botswana

Nov 2, 2010
Fleur Hupston

Botswana, north east of Gaberone - Dlandi

Botswana's capital city, Gaberone is developing rapidly. The gateway to the parks further north, Gaberone has some good restaurants, hotels and sights.

Although cattle and goats still wander on Gaberone's main roads, the dusty and dry capital of Botswana is up and coming, with more to see and do around the capital city than in the past.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve

A small nature reserve 12 km from Gaberone from the border crossing of Labotse, Mokolodi offers a first glimpse of the wildlife on offer in Botswana. The reserve protects cheetahs, leopards, honey badgers, jackals, hyenas, giraffes, elephants, zebras, baboons and more. Guided walks, horse safaris and rhino tracking activities are available. Accommodation is available in chalets or camping.

Waterworld Gaberone

For those with small kids desperate to cool off for an afternoon, Gaberone offers a water world close by. Around 14 km from Gaberone, towards the Lobatse border post, drivers will see signs to the Gaberone Lion Park. While lions can be sighted here, the main attractions for kids are the swimming pools with slides, fairground rides, parks and picnic areas. Entrance fees are 180 pulas (around 18 Euros) for a family of four, or 55 pulas (5.50 Euros) per person. Cheaper rates can be had during the week. Taking food and drinks into the area is not allowed since food and drinks can be purchased at the site. Braai packs (barbecue packs) are available.

Phakalane Golf Estate

Built within the last 5 years, Pakalane offers a residential area, hotel, golfing club house and well maintained 18-hole golf course. A variety of golf, conference and private function packages are available. Fine dining is available at Drotsky's Restaurant.

The Phakalane hotel is located in the heart of the Golf Estate and encompasses spacious en-suite accommodation with panoramic views over the golf course.

Décor is modern and comfortable. Facilities include WIFI Internet connectivity, and an internationally recognized health spa as well as swimming pool facilities.

There is a lot to see and do around Gabrone capital city, with museums, shopping malls and plenty of restaurants and hotel accommodation available. A drive out to nearby villages will offer visitors a glimpse of rural Botswana life. Visitors will find local residents friendly and accommodating. One such village, Mochudi has a museum displaying the Kgatla history and showcases the various mud walled architectural designs.

Many people visit Gaberone only as a one night stopover before rushing off to the Okavango Delta, but the city has more to offer - spending a few nights here will enhance a visit to this part of the world.