Things to do in Gaborone
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Bull & Bush Pub
This long-standing Gaborone institution is deservedly popular with expats, tourists and locals alike. Though there's something on the menu for everyone, the Bull & Bush is renowned for its thick steaks and cold beers. On any given night, the outdoor beer garden is buzzing with activity, and you can bet there's always some sports event worth watching on the tube.
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Gaborone Game Reserve
The Gaborone Game Reserve was established in 1988 by the Kalahari Conservation Society to give the Gaborone public an opportunity to view Botswana's wildlife in a natural and accessible location.
Although the reserve is only 5 sq km, it boasts wildebeests, elands, gemsboks, kudus, ostriches and warthogs. The bird life, which includes kingfishers and hornbills, is particularly plentiful and easy to spot from observation areas. The reserve also has several picnic sites and a small visitor education centre.
All roads in the reserve are accessible by 2WD, and guided drives are not offered. The reserve is located about 1km east of Broadhurst Mall, and can be accessed from Limpo…
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National Museum, Monuments & Art Gallery
The small but diverse National Museum, Monuments & Art Gallery is a good way to kill an afternoon in the capital, especially if you're into taxidermy. For those not aroused by stuffed wildlife, there are also a number of ethnographic exhibits on precolonial and colonial history as well as a permanent collection of traditional and modern African and European art.
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Orapa House
Owned by Debswana diamond company, the Orapa House is designed to make use of natural daylight - without direct sunlight - for the purpose of sorting and grading diamonds from the world's largest diamond mine at Jwaneng. If you have time and aren't put off by red tape, you can muster a group and arrange a tour.
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Gaborone Golf Course
Visitors are welcome at the 18-hole Gaborone Golf Course. Temporary membership, which includes use of the swimming pool, bars and restaurants, costs around US$10 per day. Green fees for 9/18 holes are around US$3/US$6 extra, and equipment is available for rental at the pro shop.
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National Stadium
The National Stadium plays host to matches between teams in the country-wide Super League as well as the occasional international game. Matches start at 16:00 on Saturday and Sunday and are usually advertised and publicised in the local English-language newspapers.
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Terrace Restaurant
On the terrace of the Cresta President Hotel, this eclectic restaurant is a good spot for surveying the passing Mall scene below. The Terrace serves up a variety of dishes including curries, grilled meats, continental cuisine and a few local specialities.
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The Mall
During the day, several stalls along the Mall sell reasonable carvings and tacky souvenirs at negotiable prices. But it's cheaper if you go straight to the source by visiting the nearby workshops in Oodi, Gabane and Thamaga.
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Botswanacraft - Airport
Botswana's largest craft emporium sells traditional souvenirs from all over the country including weavings from Oodi and pottery from Gabane and Thamaga. If you're a deficient at bargaining, fear not - prices are fixed.
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Botswanacraft - The Mall
Botswana's largest craft emporium sells traditional souvenirs from all over the country including weavings from Oodi and pottery from Gabane and Thamaga. If you're a deficient at bargaining, fear not - prices are fixed.
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Botswanacraft - Warehouse
Botswana's largest craft emporium sells traditional souvenirs from all over the country including weavings from Oodi and pottery from Gabane and Thamaga. If you're a deficient at bargaining, fear not - prices are fixed.
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Grand Palm Hotel Casino Resort
Located 4km west of the city centre, this Las Vegas-inspired resort complex boasts a mini-city complete with restaurants, bars, a casino, cinema and spa. You'll pay to stay, but it's the swishest accommodation in town.
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Gaborone Film Society
Screens classic films (mostly in English) every two weeks for members, but nonmembers are welcome. Contact the society for details, locations and prices, or check out the notice board at the National Museum.
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Jewel of Africa
This attractive shop offers an eclectic range of carvings, sketches, shawls and other assorted African knick-knacks. Although not everything is made in Botswana, prices here are reasonable (and fixed).
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Craft Workshop
This small complex of shops sells crafts and souvenirs, and also plays host to a flea market on the morning of the last Sunday of each month. To get there take the 'Broadhurst Route 3' combi.
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25ยบ East
If you can believe it, there is in fact a sushi restaurant on the edge of the Kalahari. Asian-inspired mains are probably a safer bet, though it's hard to say no to nigiri-zushi.
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Sportmans Bar
This friendly, local watering hole is conveniently located on the Mall, and has a couple of pool tables in case you're looking to do something else other than get wasted.
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Chatters Bar
This classy bar is located in the Cresta Lodge, and features smooth, easy-listening live music most nights of the week. The bar is well stocked, though it's a bit pricey.
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Maharaja Restaurant
The 'stylish' decor is a bit dated, though the large selection of Indian dishes (including vegetarian options) is perfect if you're looking for relief from pap and stew.
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Riverwalk Mall
Gaborone is home to a number of Western-style malls that contain bars, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, takeaways, banks, office parks and petrol stations.
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African Mall
Gaborone is home to a number of Western-style malls that contain bars, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, takeaways, banks, office parks and petrol stations.
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Broadhurst Mall
Gaborone is home to a number of Western-style malls that contain bars, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, takeaways, banks, office parks and petrol stations.
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South Ring Mall
Gaborone is home to a number of Western-style malls that contain bars, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, takeaways, banks, office parks and petrol stations.
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Keg & Zebra
This popular bar packs in the crowds for its Sunday night sing-along jam sessions, though there's fun to be had here most nights of the week.
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Maitisong Cultural Centre
This 450-seat theatre holds anything from Shakespearean plays to Batswana music most weeks, and is home to the annual Maitisong Festival.
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