Where to Stay in Gaborone
Botswana
|Pop. 246K
|3 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Sean Oulashin / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, Central Business District (CBD) is the best neighbourhood to stay in Gaborone. The modern heart of Gaborone, filled with businesses, shopping, and government offices. Ideal for first-timers, business travelers, foodies. Budget travellers can get by on BWP 500/day.
Areas to Avoid in Gaborone
Safety rated "moderate". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Business District (CBD) | The modern heart of Gaborone, filled with businesses, shopping, and government offices. | Mid-range | first-timers, business travelers | Generally safe during the day, but be aw... |
| Broadhurst | A large, diverse residential and commercial area with a mix of local life and modern conveniences. | Budget | families, budget | Daytime is generally safe for general ac... |
| Tlokweng | A growing area just east of the city center, known for its mix of residential areas and developing commercial zones. | Mid-range | couples, solo travelers | Reasonably safe during the day, especial... |
Central Business District (CBD)
Mid-rangeThe modern heart of Gaborone, filled with businesses, shopping, and government offices.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of petty theft in crowded areas; at ...
Broadhurst
BudgetA large, diverse residential and commercial area with a mix of local life and modern conveniences.
Daytime is generally safe for general activities, but be mindful of your surroun...
Tlokweng
Mid-rangeA growing area just east of the city center, known for its mix of residential areas and developing commercial zones.
Reasonably safe during the day, especially around shopping centers; at night, be...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in Gaborone
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
Tlokweng
A growing area just east of the city center, known for its mix of residential areas and developing commercial zones.
Our top picks in Tlokweng
A prominent hotel with a casino, multiple restaurants, and a large pool, offering a resort-like feel.
Book NowLocated within a golf estate, offering upscale accommodation and amenities for a quieter stay.
Book NowA charming guesthouse offering comfortable rooms and a peaceful environment with good service.
Book NowCentral Business District (CBD)
The modern heart of Gaborone, filled with businesses, shopping, and government offices.
Our top picks in Central Business District (CBD)
Offers a tranquil setting with an outdoor pool and spacious rooms, located on the edge of the CBD.
Book NowA modern hotel attached to a casino, offering convenient amenities and comfortable accommodations.
Book NowA large resort complex with multiple dining options, a casino, and extensive facilities.
Book NowBroadhurst
A large, diverse residential and commercial area with a mix of local life and modern conveniences.
Our top picks in Broadhurst
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Things to Do in Gaborone
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Gaborone at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for Gaborone
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Consider visiting during the dry season (May to October) for pleasant weather, but be aware that this is also peak tourist season, so book accommodations and tours in advance.
Getting Around
Always agree on the taxi fare *before* starting your journey, or ensure the meter is used if available. Have smaller denominations of Pula for payment.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by taxi drivers (agree on fare beforehand).
Solo Female Travel
While Gaborone is generally safer than many large African cities, solo females should exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Hidden Gems in Gaborone
Lesser-known spots the locals love
The Big Hole
FREEWhile technically a mine, the Big Hole offers a dramatic and immense view into the earth's crust, a stark reminder of Botswana's diamond mining history. It's a powerful sight that dwarfs anything around it.
Naledi House
This charming restaurant offers a taste of authentic Botswana cuisine in a relaxed, home-like setting. Locals rave about their traditional stews and grilled meats, providing a genuine culinary experience.
Botswana Craft
More than just a shop, Botswana Craft is a vibrant hub showcasing local artisans and their crafts. You can find beautiful handcrafted souvenirs, artwork, and even enjoy a meal or drink in their restaurant and bar.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Just a short drive from the city, this reserve offers a peaceful escape into nature with opportunities to see various wildlife like giraffes, rhinos, and zebras. It's perfect for a leisurely walk or a picnic.
Thapong Visual Arts Centre
This center is a hub for contemporary Botswana art, featuring rotating exhibitions by local artists. It's a great place to discover the evolving art scene and perhaps even meet some of the artists.
River Walk Trust
FREEThis isn't a single street but a network of paths along the Gaborone Dam, popular with locals for jogging, cycling, and enjoying the sunset. It offers scenic views and a breath of fresh air away from the city bustle.
Things to Do in Gaborone
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated Gaborone tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What It Costs in Gaborone
Daily budget per person in BWP
💡Premium destination pricing
BWP 500/day
BWP 1200/day
BWP 3000/day
Where to Stay in Gaborone
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Mlimani City Shopping Centre15 min
- National Museum and Art Gallery20 min
Pros
- +Central location with good access to amenities.
- +Many dining and shopping options.
- +Relatively safe and well-maintained.
Cons
- -Can feel deserted after business hours.
- -Limited authentic local experiences.
Top stays in Central Business District (CBD)
Mowana Safari Lodge
$$Offers a tranquil setting with an outdoor pool and spacious rooms, located on the edge of the CBD.
Peermont Mondior Hotel
$$$A modern hotel attached to a casino, offering convenient amenities and comfortable accommodations.
The Grand Palm Hotel Casino Convention Resort
$$$A large resort complex with multiple dining options, a casino, and extensive facilities.
Best for
Walk to
- Game City Mall25 min
- Various local markets10 min
Pros
- +More affordable accommodation and food options.
- +Exposure to daily local life.
- +Good access to shops and services.
Cons
- -Can be spread out, requiring transport within the neighborhood.
- -Less tourist-oriented infrastructure.
Top stays in Broadhurst
Cresta Lodge Gaborone
$$Offers a relaxed atmosphere with a swimming pool and garden, a comfortable option in a residential setting.
The Big 5 Guesthouse
$A friendly guesthouse providing a more personal touch and comfortable rooms.
Abo Guesthouse
$A well-regarded guesthouse known for its clean rooms and welcoming service.
Best for
Walk to
- Riverwalk Shopping Centre20 min
- Various restaurants and bars15 min
Pros
- +Increasing number of restaurants and entertainment venues.
- +Proximity to the city center and border with South Africa.
- +Developing infrastructure.
Cons
- -Can experience traffic congestion.
- -Some areas are still under development.
Top stays in Tlokweng
AVANI Gaborone Hotel & Casino
$$$A prominent hotel with a casino, multiple restaurants, and a large pool, offering a resort-like feel.
Phakalane Golf Estates Hotel
$$$Located within a golf estate, offering upscale accommodation and amenities for a quieter stay.
The Hill Guesthouse
$$A charming guesthouse offering comfortable rooms and a peaceful environment with good service.
Areas to be cautious
- Areas immediately bordering informal settlements or undeveloped plots, especially after dark.: These areas may lack street lighting, have poorer infrastructure, and can present increased risks of petty crime.
Insider tip: Consider visiting during the dry season (May to October) for pleasant weather, but be aware that this is also peak tourist season, so book accommodations and tours in advance.
Where to Stay in Gaborone
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in Central Business District (CBD)
The modern heart of Gaborone, filled with businesses, shopping, and government offices.
Stay in Broadhurst
A large, diverse residential and commercial area with a mix of local life and modern conveniences.
Stay in Tlokweng
A growing area just east of the city center, known for its mix of residential areas and developing commercial zones.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in Gaborone
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List Your PropertySafety in Gaborone
ModerateSolo Female Travel
While Gaborone is generally safer than many large African cities, solo females should exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
At Night
Nighttime requires extra caution. Stick to well-lit, busy areas or use reputable taxis/rideshares to get between locations. Avoid displaying valuables openly.
Emergency
997 (Police), 998 (Ambulance), 999 (Fire)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by taxi drivers (agree on fare beforehand).
- 2Distraction theft in crowded markets or shopping centers.
- 3Requests for money from strangers claiming to be in distress (use judgment and be wary).
Compare hotel deals in Gaborone
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for Gaborone
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in Botswana
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for Botswana and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around Gaborone
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The journey to the city center typically takes 20-30 minutes and costs around 150-250 BWP. Pre-paid taxis can sometimes be slightly more expensive but offer fixed rates.
🎫
Day Pass
Not applicable for tourists as there is no structured public transport system with day passes.
Single: Taxi fares are negotiable, especially for longer distances. A short ride within the city might cost 50-100 BWP.
🚶
Walkability
Car NeededUber
📶
WiFi
Good25 Mbps
Public Transport
Taxis are the primary mode of public transport for tourists. There are also minibuses (combis) for local travel, but these can be confusing for visitors and are generally not recommended for first-time tourists due to route complexity and crowding.
Ride-share
Uber operates in Gaborone, offering a convenient and often more transparent pricing system than traditional taxis. Typical rides within the city range from 40-100 BWP.
Transport Tip
Always agree on the taxi fare *before* starting your journey, or ensure the meter is used if available. Have smaller denominations of Pula for payment.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many hotels, shopping malls (like Mlimani City and Riverwalk), and some cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces. Some hotels and serviced apartments offer business facilities. For more options, consider cafes with good Wi-Fi. Daily costs for coworking facilities, where available, can range from 100-250 BWP.
Rent a Car in Gaborone
Compare prices from top rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: May, Jun, Jul
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Hotels & Accommodation in Gaborone
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Who Is Gaborone Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-time Visitors to Gaborone
Offers a central location with easy access to essential services, shopping, and dining, making initial navigation straightforward.
Budget Backpackers
Provides more affordable accommodation and food options, with opportunities to experience local life outside the main tourist hubs.
Couples Seeking Entertainment
This area is developing with a growing number of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, offering a lively atmosphere.
Families
Offers a mix of residential calm with proximity to shopping centers and amenities suitable for family needs, often with more space for the price.
About Gaborone
Gaborone (UK: GAB-ə-ROH-nee, HAB-, US: GAH-bə-ROH-nee, -nay, Tswana: [χabʊˈrʊnɛ]) is the capital and largest city of Botswana. It was formerly spelled as Gaberones during the colonial era, a name still occasionally used in older English texts and maps. With a population of 246,325 based on the 2022 census, about 10% of the total population of Botswana.
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