Capital city in South-East District, Botswana
Gaborone
Calm, spread-out capital with malls, a modest expat scene and good value. Easy base for business or long stays; it has little to see, nightlife is quiet and you really need a car.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$918–1,550Comfortable, one person · P13,000–22,000Details
- Value for money80/100Better value than 79% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–SepWarmest: Jan, 34°CDetails
- Internet52 MbpsFixed broadband, Botswana medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated tap water is generally drunk by locals, but cuts and old pipes vary.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$25–49Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundinDriveYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in malls, supermarkets and most restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Gaborone
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Gaborone CBD (The Main Mall) | Government offices, banks, and daytime shops |
| Phakalane | Gated housing, golf and quiet streets |
| Phase 2 and Block 8 | Mixed local areas with restaurants and apartments |
| Gaborone Village | Older neighbourhood with quieter rental houses |
Apps that work in Gaborone
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| inDrive | Set your own fare; check driver availability |
- Maps: Google Maps (download offline maps)
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Tracks4Africa: Offline maps for 4x4 and bush tracks
- Taxis: Taxis are used mainly by locals; hotels and restaurants will call trusted drivers. Agree the fare first.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Botswana.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in malls, supermarkets and most restaurants. Cash for combis, small stalls and taxis; ATMs are plentiful.
- Currency: Pula (BWP). US$1 ≈ P14.16 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs in Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane; few elsewhere, so withdraw before heading out.
- Tipping: About 10% in restaurants; lodges usually have a shared tip box plus a separate tip for your guide.
- Paying by phone: Tap-to-pay cards work in towns and lodges; mobile money (Orange Money, MyZaka) is mostly for residents.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Passport must be valid 6 months with 3 blank pages; make sure it gets an entry stamp, as unstamped passports raise suspicion.
- Minors need full birth certificates, plus a consent affidavit from any parent not travelling.
- Bring a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country; Ebola health screening applies to arrivals from affected regions.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 998
Plugs
Type D, G, M · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Mascom and Orange shops in Gaborone, Maun and Kasane malls; passport needed. No coverage in much of the Delta and Kalahari. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Botswana
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.