Visiting Gaborone as an American

My mom and I recently spent three weeks in Gaborone, and let me tell you—it was an amazing time! Most people tend to skip over Gaborone in favor of the luxury lodges and safari game drives up north in places like Maun or Kasane. And while those experiences are absolutely bucket-list-worthy, Botswana’s capital city has its own unique charm and plenty to offer.

Honestly, I don’t see many Americans visiting Gaborone—or Botswana, for that matter. Most of the tourists I noticed were European or Asian, along with a mix of foreign residents. So, if you’re an American planning to visit Gaborone—whether for work, a quick stop before heading to your next destination, or, like me, to visit family—it has more to offer than you think.

Where to Stay in Gaborone

Like in most countries, your accommodations in Gaborone will likely come down to two options: hotels or private rentals (like Airbnbs).

My mom isn’t the biggest fan of private rentals, so we opted for a hotel. But if you’re into Airbnb stays, Gaborone has plenty of great options, ranging from cozy apartments to spacious houses.

For hotels, you’ll find most of the highly rated ones in the Central Business District (CBD)—the heart of the city and conveniently close to great restaurants and shops. Some top picks include:

Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone
Protea Hotel Gaborone Masa Square
Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino

These usually cost between $90–$110 per night, depending on when you book.

But our personal best hotel to stay at in Gaborone? Room50Two. It’s a bit pricier, ranging from $130–$180 per night, but it’s totally worth it. Here’s why:

King Suite room in Room50Two — *King Suite bedroom in Room50Two*

The rooms are huge—think 400–700 square feet with a separate bedroom and living room.
Everything is very clean.
It’s a modern, sleek hotel (it opened in 2018).
It’s just a two-minute walk from several amazing restaurants.
It has its own rooftop restaurant, Table50Two (more on that later).

We’ve stayed at Room50Two twice now and loved it both times. If you’re looking for a mix of comfort, convenience, and style, it’s hard to beat.

For budget travelers (under $75 per night), you’ll want to check out private rentals or hotels a bit farther from the city center. A solid option that’s affordable, decently reviewed, and not too far away is the Grand Aria Hotel and Conference Centre.

How to Travel Around Gaborone

Getting around Gaborone is pretty straightforward, and you’ve got a few options depending on your preferences and budget. Here’s what I learned during my trip:

Taxis

InDrive in Gaborone — *InDrive taxi app in Gaborone*

If you need to get from one place to another, you can always call a taxi service. But I found the most affordable, efficient, and reliable way to travel around the city was with an app called InDrive. It’s similar to Uber or Lyft, but there are two key differences:

You set the price. Based on a recommended rate, you propose how much you’re willing to pay, and nearby drivers can either accept or decline. This is a big departure from Uber, where prices are set by an algorithm.
It’s cash only. Unlike Uber or Lyft, there’s no option to add your credit card to the app, so make sure you’ve got enough cash on hand.

Cost: For a 10-15 minute ride, expect to pay around 30-50 pula (roughly $2-$4). I also made it a habit to tip my drivers an extra 5-10 pula, depending on how much change I had.

Speaking of change, this can be a bit tricky. ATMs in Botswana often dispense larger bills—like a single 100 pula note or two 50s instead of five 20s with no option to choose your bills—making it hard to pay smaller fares for taxis. I found a workaround by withdrawing 80 pula at a time to ensure I had smaller bills. Alternatively, you can break larger bills at grocery stores, restaurants, or even your hotel if the staff is willing to help.

Buses (aka "Combis")

The local buses, referred to as combis (or kombis), aren’t what you’d picture as traditional buses in the U.S. They’re more like small vans with three rows of seating. Combis are super cheap, but they can get crowded and might not be the most comfortable option if you’re new to the city or don’t know the routes.

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience a slice of local life, they’re worth trying. Just ask someone at your hotel or a local for guidance on the right combi to take.

Driving

Driving is another great option if you’re comfortable adapting to a few differences. The biggest adjustment for Americans? Driving on the left side of the road.

That said, driving in Gaborone is surprisingly stress-free. Compared to chaotic cities like London or Accra (where I couldn’t even make sense of the driving logic), Gaborone feels calm. Here’s what stood out to me:

Light traffic: The roads aren’t overly crowded, so you won’t feel overwhelmed by a sea of vehicles.
Good road conditions: The streets are well-paved with almost zero potholes, and reliable traffic lights.
Respectful drivers: Most people are courteous on the road, but there’s one quirk—at stop signs, drivers don’t exactly wait their turn. It’s more of a “go when you see your chance” situation, which can be a little confusing at first.

Despite these small quirks, Gaborone is a very drivable city. I actually felt like I could get behind the wheel there if I needed to!

Do the locals speak English in Gaborone?

They do. You’ll actually have no issue finding someone who speaks English in this city, or probably throughout most of Botswana. Since the country had a close relationship with the British before its founding, many Batswana learn English in school and speak it very fluently. However, the country’s main language is Setswana, which is what you will notice most Batswana speaking with each other. If you visit a small village far from the capital, there may be more of a language barrier, but pretty much everyone you meet in Gabs speaks English.

What are the locals in Gaborone like?

While I’m not one to generalize an entire people, based on my experience, locals in Gaborone are very polite and kind, but also very soft-spoken and quiet. Botswana is known for it’s very easy-going and peaceful culture, and you can definitely see that attitude in its people.

Fun quirks I noticed about Batswana in Gaborone

The Botswana Shuffle
My mom always said there’s a saying in Botswana that goes, “There’s no hurry in Botswana.” And honestly, I felt that in my bones while watching people walk around Gaborone. The pace is chill—like, really chill. People seem to take their time getting from point A to B, no matter where they’re headed. Pair that with the common sight (and sound) of sandals on feet, and you’ll often hear the soft, rhythmic shuffle of soles gliding against the ground. I started calling it the “Botswana shuffle.”

For someone like me—used to the near-panicked speed-walking of always running late for something—this was both amusing and inspiring. I caught myself thinking, “Wow, imagine not rushing through life all the time.” It was a simple reminder to slow down and breathe a little. Although, full disclosure, I never quite mastered their pace.

City of Introverts
If you’re used to American-style friendliness—big smiles, quick “Hey, how are ya!”—you might feel a little thrown off in Gaborone at first. Batswana aren’t into sugary, over-the-top pleasantries. They’ll absolutely say hi or respond when you greet them, but their facial expressions? Cool as a cucumber. A quick, straight-faced “hi” or “dumela” (more on that in a second) is as far as it goes.

At first, I thought I was doing something wrong. Did I come on too strong with my enthusiastic “Hello!”? Did I offend them somehow? Nope—it’s just how it is. Batswana don’t put on a show with their emotions, and honestly, there’s something refreshing about that. It’s not that they’re unfriendly; they just keep things real. After a few days, I found myself adapting, ditching my exaggerated smiles for a more understated approach. It felt oddly freeing.

The Dumela Whisper
Speaking of greetings, let’s talk about dumela. In Setswana, that’s how you say “hello”, and I quickly picked it up because, well, it’s easy, and I wanted to be polite. But here’s the fun part: I noticed a quirky little habit whenever I walked past someone.

Picture this: someone I don’t know is walking in my direction with the intention of just passing by me, so I assume we’ll just pass each other without a word. No eye contact, no acknowledgment—just two strangers minding their business. But the moment they’re just past me, I hear a quiet “Dumela” slip out behind me, almost like they were sneaking it in at the last second. No turning back, no waiting for a response—just a stealthy little hello, and off they go.

It became this almost comical dance where I’d feel bad for not greeting them first, so I’d blurt out a delayed “Dumela!” just as they were already several steps behind me. They wouldn’t even glance back, and I’d laugh to myself at how smooth and low-key the whole interaction felt. It was like a secret handshake of politeness—minimal effort, maximum respect.

These little quirks were some of my favorite discoveries in Gaborone. They weren’t just interesting but they made me think differently about pace, expression, and connection. Batswana have this understated, no-frills way of being that’s calm, authentic, and just...cool. It’s the kind of vibe that sticks with you long after you leave.

Things to do in Gaborone

To be honest, Gaborone is a pretty laid-back city for tourists. It’s not the kind of place where you’ll stumble upon a museum or cultural landmark every few blocks. Instead, it’s a city full of locals living their everyday lives—commuting to work, meeting up with friends for dinner, running errands, and so on. If you enjoy immersing yourself in the rhythms of local life when you travel, Gaborone offers a safe and welcoming environment to do just that.

That said, it’s not like there’s nothing to do here. My experience largely revolved around two things: restaurants and malls—and I’m not exaggerating when I say the malls are an experience in and of themselves. I managed to visit four during my stay, and each one had its own unique vibe. More on those in a bit, but first, let’s talk food.

Food and Restaurants in Gaborone

Gaborone’s food scene truly surprised me in the best way. While many of the restaurants we visited had a very Westernized aesthetic (I honestly felt like I was still in California), the food was next-level—so much better than most restaurants back home. The city’s dining options reflect a fascinating mix of English, Indian, Lebanese, and Italian influences, with plenty of local flavors sprinkled in. Here are my top picks based on personal experience:

Doppio Zero

Location: The Fields Mall
Cuisine: Italian-inspired with plenty of variety
Highlights:
This spot became a staple for us—we ate here at least seven times! Their chorizo pizza and wood-fired prawns with chips (fries) were standout dishes. I also couldn’t get enough of the African ginger soda, which reminded me of Bundaberg ginger beer but even more refreshing, especially in Gaborone’s scorching November heat. You can even add a shot or two for a boozy twist. Breakfast is equally delightful, with hearty options to fuel your day.
Atmosphere: Casual with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for any time of day.

Daily Grind

Location: Independence Ave
Cuisine: Brunch café with SoCal vibes
Highlights:
This café easily made it into my top three restaurants. Their smoked salmon toast and French toast were perfection, and my mom’s Turkish eggs were so good I regretted not ordering them myself. Just a heads-up: because the doors are often left open, flies can sometimes be an issue. They do use pesticide to manage it, but seeing a few on the floor might not be the most appetizing sight. Still, the incredible food and laid-back atmosphere make it worth visiting.

Bukhara

Location: Airport Junction Mall & Riverwalk Mall
Cuisine: Indian and Middle Eastern
Highlights:
The tikka masala with garlic naan and the red wings appetizer were bursting with flavor. The Airport Junction location is my favorite—it’s larger, fully indoors (great for escaping the heat), and has a festive vibe with conga-line performances for special occasions. The Riverwalk rooftop location has a lovely aesthetic but lacked the same level of service. At the time I went, they had only been open for 2 weeks so I’m hopeful they’ll improve over time.
Pro Tip: If it’s your birthday—or you feel like fibbing—you might get a fun song and cake (though the cake can be a bit dry).

Table50Two

Location: Room50Two Hotel
Cuisine: High-end international fare
Highlights:
Dining 28 floors above the city with panoramic views is an experience in itself. The menu includes options like steak, ribs, pork chops, seafood, and pasta. It’s on the pricier side compared to other restaurants in the city, but it has the prestige of a fine-dining restaurant. The most expensive dish on the menu was only $21, much more reasonable than what you would pay at any high-end restaurant in the U.S.
Breakfast is a standout, served buffet-style with an eclectic mix of classics (eggs and bacon) and local specialties like ox tongue and chicken liver. The buffet is free for hotel guests and 200 pula for anyone else, which is about $15—worth every penny for the view and variety.

Mokolodi Bush Kitchen

Location: Mokolodi Nature Reserve (30 minutes from Gaborone)
Cuisine: Local and international
Highlights:
Nestled in a nature reserve, this restaurant offers a tranquil setting with a chance to spot wildlife nearby. The outdoor seating is the perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenery. While we didn’t see many animals during our visit, the Southern African-inspired decor and peaceful vibe made it a memorable experience.

Sip and Grill

Location: Near Room50Two
Cuisine: Primarily Lebanese
Highlights:
This was another frequent stop for us, thanks to its proximity and consistently delicious food. The lamb shank with pita bread and hummus was a flavor explosion, and the fajitas and half-chicken with chips were equally satisfying. If you’re staying at Room50Two, this place is a no-brainer for a quick and tasty meal.

Botswanacraft/The Courtyard Restaurant

Location: Near Airport Junction Mall
Cuisine: Traditional Setswana dishes
Highlights:
Although I didn’t get the chance to visit, this spot is high on my list for next time. It’s known for serving seswaa with pap, a must-try traditional Botswanan dish. Seswaa is a tender, slow-cooked meat dish that I would say tastes like pulled pork, but it has a unique flavor all its own. Pap, a solid porridge-like dish, pairs perfectly with it. You can find these dishes in grocery stores too, but Botswanacraft offers them in a charming restaurant setting that’s perfect for experiencing local culture.

Restaurant Etiquette in Gaborone (and other things)

Eating out in Gaborone comes with its own set of customs and quirks, and here are a few things to keep in mind:

Tipping at restaurants in Gaborone

Tipping at restaurants in Botswana is encouraged, though the amount might vary compared to what you’re used to in the United States. I stuck to my usual 20%, but it’s likely that tipping less—around 10–15%—is more customary. If in doubt, you can always round up the bill or ask a local what’s typical.

Payment Process

Unlike in the U.S., where you hand over your card and wait for it to be charged, Gaborone uses a much more efficient system. Servers bring a portable card reader directly to your table, so you can pay on the spot. It’s super convenient—no waiting for the check to come back and forth—and you can even add your tip directly on the machine.

Service Style

The attitude of servers in Gaborone is noticeably different from what you might encounter in the U.S. Like I mentioned earlier, servers tend to be more reserved and low-key, providing polite and professional service without the overt friendliness or chatty vibe that’s common with American waiters.

That said, if you become a regular at a restaurant, the staff might start to open up a bit more. For example, after a few visits to our favorite spots, servers would greet us warmly and even offer personalized recommendations. It’s a quieter, more understated style of hospitality that feels genuine once you get used to it.

Alcohol

The way alcohol is sold and served is very different from U.S. restaurants. For starters, if you’re hoping to order a glass of wine or champagne, you may find yourself with very few options. Instead, most restaurants sell drinks by the bottle, so you will need to purchase the entire bottle, with a few exceptions.

This is honestly the best thing to do if you’re dining with one or more people, especially since most bottles go for 200-500 pula ($15-$35), and the quality is great. Most menus also have plenty of cocktails, but don’t expect to ask the server to make something that isn’t on the menu.

Secondly, bottles are served in a rather fancy fashion. Most inexpensive to mid-range restaurants I’ve visited in the U.S. just open the bottle and serve it to you in a bucket of ice on the table. In Gaborone, they roll out a bucket of ice next to the table, open the bottle for you, serve it, and continue to pour it out for you as you dine. Maybe not a big difference to most, but it was a nice extra touch of service.

Shopping in Gaborone

Gaborone is all about malls, and each one has its own unique vibe and charm. Whether you’re looking for traditional Batswana goods, modern fashion, or just a good place to grab a bite to eat, there’s a mall for every kind of shopper. Here’s a breakdown of the five I visited.

Main Mall

Overview: The oldest mall in Gaborone, dating back to 1963, Main Mall has a rich history and serves as more of a marketplace than a modern mall. It’s largely outdoors, with street booths and brick-and-mortar shops lining both sides of the main street.
What to Find:

Traditional Batswana fashion, including beautifully patterned clothing in shades of blue and other vibrant colors.
Casual wear, shoes, jewelry, and unique bags.
Fresh food stalls selling grains, beans, fruits, and other local produce.

Food: We enjoyed a meal at Bravo Restaurant, which had tasty chicken and rice. I also spotted Main Deck, a highly recommended eatery I didn’t get a chance to try.
Unique Experience: I was hoping to try mopane worms (fried edible caterpillars), but sadly, they weren’t in season. My mom reminisced about eating them growing up and compared them to chips—something I’ll definitely try on my next visit.
Why Visit: It’s a must-see for tourists, especially for its traditional fashion and stress-free shopping experience. Vendors here are polite and won’t pressure you to buy, which made exploring the market much more enjoyable.

Riverwalk Mall

Overview: A modern, partially outdoor mall with a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and services.
What to Find:

A mix of local and international stores, including HIFI Corp (electronics), Pick n Pay (groceries), and Mr. Price (fashion).
Small booths selling traditional clothing.

Food:

Mugg & Bean and several fast-food spots offer quick bites.
The recently opened Bukhara is a great choice for Indian and Turkish cuisine.

Personal Note: I made a stop at Mr. Price to support my cousin, who manages some of their locations, and ended up buying a gorgeous dress and a brown tank top that I absolutely love.
Why Visit: Riverwalk has a little bit of everything, making it a great option for shopping, dining, or just hanging out.

The Fields Mall

Overview: Opened in 2022, this is one of Gaborone’s newest and most modern malls.
What to Find:

Popular chains like Woolworths, Mr. Price, and SuperSPAR.
A mix of casual and upscale clothing stores.

Food: Most of the eateries are located outside the mall. We grabbed smoothies at a café that also sells furniture and spotted fast-food spots like Debonair’s Pizza, which delivers via motorcycle. My favorite? Doppio Zero, which I mentioned earlier.
Why Visit: Fields Mall is sleek, stylish, and perfect for everyday errands or quick shopping trips.

Airport Junction Mall

Overview: A massive, multi-story indoor mall located near Gaborone’s airport.
What to Find:

A wide variety of stores, including Cotton On, furniture shops, electronics stores, and so much more.
Kid-friendly areas like a playground and even a large gym.

Food: The mall boasts plenty of dining options, including a sports bar outside. My top pick here was Bukhara, where I had some of the best Indian food in the city.
Why Visit: This mall is a favorite for non-African foreign residents and tourists, probably because it truly has everything you could need, all under one roof. Plus, it’s only about a 20-minute drive from Phakalane which is a ritzy community in Gaborone, where a bunch of expats also live.

Game City Mall

I only stopped by Game City briefly, but I could see why it’s one of Gaborone’s most popular malls. It’s big, bustling, and offers a similar variety to Airport Junction, with plenty of stores to choose from. While I only visited one store here, it felt like a hub for locals and visitors alike. If I had more time, I definitely would’ve explored it further.

Other Fun Activities and Day Trips from Gaborone

If you’re looking to explore more of Gaborone and its surroundings, here are some activities and day trips that add a little adventure and culture to your visit:

Hiking at Kgale Hill

What to Expect: As the highest point in Gaborone, Kgale Hill offers stunning views of the city from 4,222 feet (1,287 meters) above sea level.
Why Go: The hike to the top takes about an hour and is a great way to enjoy nature and get some exercise. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors, especially at sunrise or sunset when the views are truly breathtaking.

Botswanacraft

What to Expect: In addition to the restaurant, you can browse unique, handcrafted art pieces and souvenirs.
Why Go: It’s the perfect place to pick up one-of-a-kind gifts or keepsakes while supporting local artisans.

Visiting Manyana Village

What to Expect: This half-day tour (found on Viator) takes you to the outskirts of Gaborone to experience village life in Manyana. Highlights include:

Ancient rock carvings left by herders.
A cave once inhabited by a queen.
Meeting the locals of the village.

Cost: At $260 for two people, it’s on the pricier side for a 3-4 hour tour, but the cultural insights and historical significance might make it worth it if you’ve never had an experience like this.

Crocodile Pools River Safari

What to Expect: A boat safari through a crocodile-filled river with a guide.
Why Go: I stumbled upon this activity on TikTok, and while I didn’t try it myself, it looks like an adrenaline-pumping way to see wildlife up close. If you’re feeling adventurous, this could be a fun addition to your itinerary!

Mokolodi Nature Reserve

What to Expect: A wildlife reserve offering a variety of activities, including:

Game drives.
Bush braais (barbecues) and champagne brunches.
Rhino and giraffe tracking.
Visits to a reptile sanctuary.
Cycling through the reserve.

Why Go: It’s only about 30 minutes from Gaborone and provides an immersive experience in Botswana’s natural beauty. Whether you’re spotting wildlife or enjoying a gourmet meal in the bush, this reserve has something for everyone.

What is it like to visit Gaborone as a Black American?

It was a great experience. I definitely stood out, mostly because of my fashion (wearing shorts above my knees) and my hair (I was rocking a long, curly wig), but even though I got a few stares, no one was ever rude. I also never felt mistreated on a racial basis.

Unfortunately, in some African countries, the locals sometimes give preferential treatment to white tourists over black tourists, including Black Americans. But I encountered no such attitudes in Botswana.

Everyone truly did seem to be treated equally. I didn’t meet too many Americans in general, only two, including a Black man from Texas who was there for work. The majority of the non-African foreigners I saw were Europeans (namely Brits), Indians, and Chinese.

What is it like to visit Gaborone as a white person?

While I can’t speak to a white person’s experience, I can tell you what I saw and the people I met. Botswana’s white population is nowhere near as high as its neighbors, South Africa or even Namibia, but I still saw a handful of white people, mostly white residents or those visiting for work. And from what I saw, they fit in seamlessly.

The locals are certainly used to seeing white people, so there were no double-takes or shocked silences any time a white person would walk through a mall or into a restaurant. Everyone just co-exists. In fact, I met a white lady from Washington who relocated to Botswana 40 years ago. My mom also recalls attending boarding school in Gaborone with Europeans back in the 80s.

Final Thoughts

While Gaborone might be quieter than Botswana’s safari hotspots, it has its own charm and plenty of ways to keep you entertained. From exploring the malls and food scene to venturing out for hikes, village tours, and wildlife adventures, there’s a surprising amount to see and do. If you’re visiting, take the time to soak in the local culture, connect with the people, and enjoy the relaxed pace of life. You might just fall in love with this underrated city like I did!