Capital city in South-East District, Botswana
Gaborone for solo travelers
Is Gaborone good for solo travel?
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.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 3/5 · Good, with some effort |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Spoken almost everywhere |
| Safety | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable by day; avoid walking alone after dark and use taxis or ride apps. |
How to meet people in Gaborone
Expat sports clubs, hash runs, church and volunteer groups, and a small cafe and market scene; coworking is limited, and travelers mostly pass through.
Good things to do alone
- Hike Kgale Hill for city views
- Visit the Mokolodi Nature Reserve
- See the National Museum and Art Gallery
- Join a hash run on weekends
- Day trip to Manyana rock paintings
Where to stay in Gaborone
| 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 |
Solo travel across Botswana
Quick answers
Is Gaborone good for solo travelers?
Good, with some effort (3/5). Calm, spread-out capital with malls, a modest expat scene and good value.
How do you meet people in Gaborone?
Expat sports clubs, hash runs, church and volunteer groups, and a small cafe and market scene; coworking is limited, and travelers mostly pass through. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Gaborone?
Spoken almost everywhere.
Is Gaborone safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable by day; avoid walking alone after dark and use taxis or ride apps.
More about Gaborone
Going to Gaborone solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Gaborone meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.