Gaborone

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and located in the south of the country, near the border to South Africa.

[edit] Understand

Everyone in the capital will speak English.

[edit] Get in

Customs is very slow, but easy to get through (as appears to be the case for most of Africa). Have an address on hand for where you will be staying and they hardly give you a hassle.

[edit] By plane

• Air Botswana, in the Main Mall, Phone: 395 1921, [1]. Provides services to Francistown, Harare, Johannesburg, Kasane and Maun. Typical fares from Gabs are in USD 200 - 400 range. Air Botswana also has service to Lusaka from Gaborone.
• South African Express, Offices in the Game City Mall, Broadhurst Mall and Riverwalk Mall, Phone: 397 2397 (Game City), 309 5740 (Broadhurst), [2]. Flies in from Cape Town and Johannesburg. SAA has non-stop service from JNB. In order to fly from Cape Town, it is necessary to connect through JNB.

[edit] By bus

There is a daily bus that connects Pretoria, South Africa with Gaborone, Botswana. The bus is operated by Intercape and the tickets can be booked online at [3] or purchased at one of their offices. The bus departs from Pretoria Station on Paul Kruger & Scheiding Street at 13:15 and arrives at the Kudu Shell Service Station in Gaborone at 21:10 (an 8 hrs bus ride). This bus makes a brief stop at the Johannesburg bus station to pick up passengers. As of June 2011 the bus fare was R 195.00 rand per person (about $29 USD).
The bus is pretty nice: tourist class, reclining seats, and a working bathroom. However, be prepared for the “Christian materials on-board.” Basically, all the movies that are played on the Intercape bus have overly religious messages in them.
The border crossing between South Africa and Botswana is pretty straight forward. The passengers get off the bus (without the luggage, just the documentation) at the South African immigration check point to get their exit stamps, than they walk over to the Botswana side to get their entrance visa stamps. The bus attendant stays with the passengers for the process of the border crossing, so the bus is not going to leave anyone behind.

[edit] Get around

• Travelers not used to left side of the road driving should exercise caution while driving and crossing the street, as most of Southern Africa (Gaborone, Botswana included) drives on the left.

[edit] By taxi

Public transportation can be identified by their blue license plates. Many unoffical taxis do exist. To give directions, its usually better to give Plot numbers or easily identified places rather than street names (which aren't commonly used). If a driver gives you a good rate, ask him for his cell phone number and remind him of the place where you are staying. Using one driver the whole time you are in Gaborone can end up saving you money. Don't worry if you hail a cab with someone inside. Offer to split the fare for the destination and save each other some cash. Don't be afraid to try and discuss lower fares. Most trips should be P 20-30 (eg. Main Mall to Game City is around P30).

• AB Cab, tel. 390 2147.

[edit] By combi

Combis are white vans that are like mini-buses. Combis cost P 3. There are no route maps but there are different lines, so just ask the driver if that line passes where you need to go. If you know the direction you need to go, start walking ther-- combis will honk at you as they are passing to let you know they're behind you.

[edit] By bus

You can get to most big cities by bus. However, do arrive at the bus station early, as the buses can fill up very quickly, and sometimes just leave as soon as they are full. Bring water, as the buses are often not air conditioned, and if you do not manage to get a seat, it is likely you will have to stand until at least halfway to your destination, particularly on week-ends.

• Gabs - Francistown: approx. 6 hours, 52 Pula / person
• Francistown - Maun: approx 6 hours, 40 Pula / person

[edit] By train

The last daily passenger train service was withdrawn in April 2009.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

• Kgale Hill - Do not forget to make the pleasant climb up Kgale Hill, one of Botswana's largest hills (at about 100m). It provides a magnificent view over the city and surrounding areas. Be careful of the baboons, though, and do not stray off the path. There are no guides, and there is no entrance fee to worry about. DO GO - BUT ONLY when there are other cars in the parking lot. The best time is 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM M-F. The middle of a weekend day is not a good time. Going up without other cars in the lot near the quarry risks being robbed by knife.

[edit] Cinemas

Movies typically cost 25 Pula per seat. October 2008 - Cinema tickets P33 per person It is assigned seating, so tell the cashier your preference when buying the ticket. Theaters usually show big-name movies (as a small theater in the US would). There are two cinemas in Gabs, one in Riverwalk Mall and one in Game City Mall.

[edit] Game Reserves

• Mokolodi, [4]. The highlight of many people's time is a cheetah visit where you can actually pet a cheetah. On a two-hour game drive you might see baboons, giraffe, wart hogs, zebra, elephant, hippo, etc. The guides are always very nice.

• Gaborone Game Reserve, [5]. One of the smaller game reserves, if you have a car you can just drive yourself around. Mostly birds, but some monkeys, wart hogs and ostrich. Recently zebras, wild boars, kudus have been added. It has got picnic spots, but be careful of monkeys and ostriches.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Wood carvings and colorful prints are high quality and reasonably priced; most are imported from other African countries. There are very high quality, locally produced weaving from Oodi - well worth buying but expect to pay ~ $1,000 Pula for a good sized piece. The best place to buy is from Oodi (45 minute drive) or from "Botswana Craft".
• Game store in the Game City Mall is the largest super store in Botswana and has got variety of low-cost, medium quality items.
• While visiting Gaborone make sure to stop by the Green Shop for a unique shopping experience as it is housed in a traditional hut, a rare sight to see within the bustling city of Gaborone. The shop is located in the Eco-Park of Somarelang Tikologo (Environment Watch Botswana) which is an NGO dedicated to creating awareness about environmental planning, resource conservation and waste management through community projects and demonstrations. All merchandise sold in the Green Shop is made from recycled or natural products crafted from local women and out of school youth groups and range from skin care products and accessories to home furnishings. Shopping at the Green Shop will show your support for Botswana’s environment and contribute to the economic development of our suppliers. Learn more about the Green Shop by visiting our website at www.somatiko.org.bw, contacting us at 3913709 or visit our location at Plot 3491, Kaunda road.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Cafe Dijo, Kgale Mall, the small mall next to Game City. Free wireless, great coffee, delicious and healthy food. A great place for catching up on e-mail or chatting with friends on a lazy Saturday morning. Frequented by expats.

• Nando's Chicken - Nando's is a bit spicy, and much better chicken than that found a KFC. Costs about 50 Pula for a meal (chicken, soda, chips). Located in the African Mall, Game City Mall, BBS Mall and Riverwalk Mall, one is currently under construction in the Main Ball, at the east end adjacent to Orange. For a better taste than the commercial Nandos why not try Barcelos which is just across from Nandos in African mall.You won't be disappointed.

• Pie Time - Pies are flaky dough filled with meat or vegetables (called Patties in some other parts of the world). Costs about 5.50 Pula for a pie, 6.75 Pula for a soda. Wide variety of fillings. Located in the Main Mall and the African Mall.

• Deli's - One of the best lunch places in down. Real Italian food. Imported products. Amazing pastas and pizzas. Beef lasagna especially - P55 for huge portion. Located in the Craft Center in Broadhurst.

• Primi Piatti - South African chain of Italian restaurant expensive but very good. Located in the Riverwalk Mall.

• Embassy - Excellent Indian food - located in the Riverwalk Mall. Note: food can take up to one hour, especially if with large group.

• Chutney's - Excellent Indian food also - southern Indian, like dosas. Not much for ambiance but great food. Located next to OK Foods on the Western Bypass, also called the OK Foods Mall.

• Fresh Cafe - Nice lunch place, overpriced coffee, free wifi. Lots of expats. Located in the Middlestar Mall.

• Sanitas - Hidden gem. Actually a garden center but with a large cafe for breakfast/lunch/brunch 6 days/week (Closed Monday). Has a childrens' playground in it. Located about 2 KM east of Fairgrounds Mall. Turn beside Naledi Motors (beside mall) and follow signs.

• News Café, Village district (At the Mondior Summit Hotel). 6:30-22:30. Conveniently located for those staying at the Mondior Summit, News Café is popular even with outside guests. The menu centers on "European style" dishes, but with some interesting twists. The place really shines in the cocktail department, though. On Friday and Saturday nights, the music is often cranked up loud even though there is no dance floor, so sit outside if you want to make conversation. Staff is young and sometimes inexperienced, but most of the time the service is quite good. Prices are somewhat above the regular fare in Gaborone, but then so is the quality.  edit

• Mugg & Bean (tacobell, me). best grade d meat you will ever eat  edit

• Spurs, (Riverwalk). A grade beef, try the one by Riverwalk  edit

• Roadrunners, ☎ 3951555. Boasts of its efficient food delivery services. Delivered on time, be it to home, office or hotel from any restaurant of your choice. From Tlokweng to Mogoditshane, Mokolodi to Phakalane.  edit

• Debonairs. A popular pizza restaurant that also does deliveries P55 cheapest pizza.  edit

[edit] Groceries

• Prices for western goods are at EU prices; local goods (corn meal) are inexpensive at grocery stores.
• Choppies and OK Foods are local chains - they have the cheapest prices and are located in all areas of Gaborone.
• Woolworths is in several of the main malls and has much higher quality produce and more European food selections. If you want exotic fruits or vegetables or good cheese, definitely the store to go to.
• Pick-and-Pay, South African Chain, has better quality and is more expensive than Choppies.
• SPAR in the Main Mall seems to be the cheapest for juices (about 5.25 Pula for 1 Litre of 100% fruit juice).
• For a budget, buy a pie at Pie Time and then a drink at SPAR! (8.25 Pula for a full meal).
• In all super market malls, there is a grocery store.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Bull and Bush - English pub in north part of [Gaborone]. A common ex-pat hangout big-screen TV and pool tables. Friday night is usually for the younger kids, Saturday night for the adults. The food is excellent, especially the pizza and ribs. The last Wednesday of the month is quiz night (or quizzo) where teams compete on trivia for prizes. Monday night is Rib night there and well worth a visit!

• Irish Pub, in Game City Mall. Decent food, mix of ex-pats and Batswana

• Club Satchmo - Jazz club with decent drinks and great music.

[edit] Clubs

Covers range from 30 to 50 Pula. Many have dress codes. And like most places, the popular nights at each place vary. Check with local Batswana (people from Botswana) for time relevant information.

• Bull and Bush
• Fashion Lounge
• Lizzard Lounge

NB Lizard lounge mainl is full of students from tertiary institutions such as University Of Botswana, Limko

• Boulevard

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• Grand Palm Hotel - Easily the loveliest of hotels in Gaborone. Bordering 5 star status, this hotel is a modern oasis within Gaborone. The front has the tallest palm trees in Gaborone and well-kept grass, looking gorgeously tropical as you enter the site. You are then met with The Grand Palm Hotel (which has recently changed its name to the Walmont Ambassador, meaning the whole site is now The Grand Palm). It has modern front entrance, with a casino to the left and a gigantic and impressive conference centre (The GICC) to the right, marked by an eagle figure flying over a fountain. The Gaborone International Conference Centre is amazing, featuring wildlife artwork inside and massive conference halls with moveable walls to adjust the size. The Walmont Ambassador in the centre is an awesome venue and has well-stocked curio shop in the reception. The restaurant does lovely food, but if you can afford it go to The Beef Baron next to the restaurant, where you can get some of the tastiest steak you'll ever have. They also do cuts of wildlife, and you can even order oddities like escargot. Out back the hotel has a large swimming pool and a moderately sized lakes that birds frequent. There is also a pool bar that serves food, a childrens playground and furtehr afield their is a boma that does barbecue (braai) events and parties. There is also a tennis court and plenty of lush green grass. Inside there is a squash court and a leisure centre. On the same site, if the price of the Walmont is not up your street, there is a second, more reasonably priced hotel on site, closer to the entrance. The Metcourt Inn, immediately noticeable by it's orange lick of paint, is a quaint little hotel that gives you all the basics for an affordable price, and you can still use all the facilities of the Walmont. The rooms have their unique brand of style and are good value for money.
• Gaborone Sun Hotel
• Cresta Lodge
• The President's Hotel (Located in the Heart of the city center)
• Mondior Summit, known locally as the best hotel in town. Four-star service with small outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi. Wifi Internet available in all rooms, for a charge.
• African Home, Nyerere Drive (Two streets west of Middlestar shopping centre). Small hotel with a larger wing being constructed out back. Basic but charming design. Staff and amenities are still working out some glitches, for instance assuring that plugs on appliances match outlets. P400/double, including cont. bkfast.  edit

[edit] Contact

There are internet cafes all over the city, in practically every shopping centre. Prices range from P10-P20 per hour. Many cafes have memberships of 5-20 hours which provide cheaper rates. Network speeds are moderate to good. Many cafes also offer photocopying services.

[edit] Stay Safe

People in Botswana are very friendly and the crime rate is relatively low. However the recent contrast between rich and poor has seen crime on the rise. Always be aware of your surroundings. When going out at night to a restaurant take a taxi called from your hotel. Take the mobile number of your driver and call him when you want to go home. Do not walk around at night away from places with lots of people. At night, do not walk back 5 blocks to your hotel from a pub. Do walk around during the day. Basic common sense will keep you safe from criminals. You should have a safe and pleasant trip as hundreds of thousands of other people have each year. If your staying at a hotel it is safe, beware for some residential areas affected with burglars.
Stay alert when driving in cars for smash and grabs when using mobile devices near traffic lights (talking on the phone without a handsfree kit is illegal anyways). Beware when walking at evenings/night in street corners as muggings occur, displays of wealth and property make you a target, particularly tempting objects such as mobile phones, laptops. Crowded public areas are a heaven for pick pockets. Be cautious especially if you are a women with a handbag.Areas often affected with such crimes are near Old Naledi, Mogoditsane, Broadhurst, Phase I and II. Police are honest and helpful but sometimes can be late to respond.
When driving to rural areas be extra careful as cows and wildlife often walk in the middle of the road. Be prepared to stop for a herd of goats. Do not drive at night unless you know what you are doing. Drunk driving on weekends and holidays is common and dangerous. Drivers do not look out for or give way to pedestrians. Be very cautious when crossing any street day or night. Do not immediate ly get out of your car if bumped/hit from behind - drive to a pubic place (service station/restaurant) to inspect for damage. Do enjoy the beauty!
Police: dial 999 for the helpline or 351161 Fire Brigade: 998

[edit] Health

Gaborone Private Hospital Emergency number: 997
Princess Marina Hospital Tel: 362 1400
Med Rescue ambulance (+267) 3901601 Emergency number: 992 Mascom Cell phone Emergency: 147
If for you are headed to the North of Botswana like the Okavango Delta, haven't pack any anti-malaria pills with you and it is possible to get a prescription and have it filled in Gaborone. Try Capital Medical Center at the Riverwalk Shopping Center, Dr. Banu Khan(narrow glass door on the left-hand side of the Pharmacy that is right behind the stairs that go up to the second floor) for a drop-in appointment. The consultation visit to get a prescription will cost you 165.00 pula (about $23 USD). As of June 2011 the cost of an anti-malarial drug called Doxycycline was 1.00 pula per pill (about $0.15 USD) and Malarone was 44.33 pula per pill (about $6.70 USD). Tel: 370-0066/7

[edit] Cope

[edit] Consulates and Embassies

• Consulate of Canada, [6].  edit

• Embassy of China, [7].  edit

• Embassy of the United States, [8].  edit

[edit] Get out