Gaborone

This outfit offers half- and full-day No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency tours endorsed by author Alexander McCall-Smith himself, with more wide-ranging excursions around Gaborone and beyond also possible. Among the latter are 'Predator Weekends' – weekend safaris to Khutse Game Reserve.

This 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. It seems to be working: although the reserve is only 5 sq km, it’s the third busiest in the country and boasts wildebeest, elands, gemsboks, kudus, ostriches and warthogs. The birdlife, which includes kingfishers and hornbills, is particularly plentiful and easy to spot from observation areas.

In the garden area out the back of Botswanacraft, this tranquil spot serves up imaginative African cooking (including guinea-fowl pot), with other local staples making a rare appearance. It also serves salads and sandwiches and there's even occasional live music.

Botswana’s largest and best craft emporium sells traditional souvenirs, including pottery from Gabane and Thamaga, San jewellery and baskets from across the country, at fixed prices. It also has books, jewellery, carvings and textiles, but most of these are from elsewhere in Africa, from Mali to the Congo. There’s also the good on-site Courtyard Restaurant.

This classy but casual place is one of our favourite haunts in Gabs. The lunch specials change regularly, but usually include Thai chicken curry, chicken tandoori wraps and excellent salads, alongside toasted ciabatta, wraps and Botswana’s best carrot cake. With free wi-fi and great coffee (from filter coffee to Australian iced coffee), you could easily spend hours here.