Gaborone, Botswana: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Gaborone, Botswana? If you're planning to go to Gaborone, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Gaborone, Botswana

Based on the climate and weather in Gaborone, Botswana, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Gaborone, Botswana

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Gaborone, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Gaborone, Botswana by month

January

If you visit Gaborone during January, you are likely to find that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to choose the right type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Gaborone is really hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

If you go to Gaborone in March, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to find the correct kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April is warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most places.

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

In May, Gaborone is a perfect temperature. Temperatures routinely are in the low 70s F (low 20s C) and 5-10 days this month jump into the low 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 50s F (low 10s C). This is also a rainy time for Gaborone, with most of the days of the month having rain. In May, humidity reaches as high as 40%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you find the right type. Most adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

Traveling to Gaborone in June, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to choose the correct type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you are traveling to Gaborone in July, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry. Expect it to rain nearly every day this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be careful to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August for Gaborone is warm and very dry. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect yourself with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

If you visit Gaborone during September, you might notice that it is hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain nearly every day this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you are traveling to Gaborone in October, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain most days. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Room protection door lock

    If staying a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For added protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

If you visit Gaborone during November, you might find that it is extremely hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Room protection door lock

    If you stay in a hostel or AirBNB, protect your room with a portable door lock.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For additional peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Botswana has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For some more protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Gaborone may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Room protection door lock

    If going to a hostel or AirBNB, get some added protection with a portable door lock.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to get the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to National Botanical Garden, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Gaborone, Botswana

Gaborone may not be as famous as other African cities like Cape Town or Nairobi, but this Botswana capital city has a lot to offer to tourists from all over the world. From stunning national parks to fascinating museums, Gaborone is full of surprises and adventures.

Here are the top tourist attractions in Gaborone, Botswana.

1. Gaborone Game Reserve - The Gaborone Game Reserve offers tourists the opportunity to see over 50 species of animals at close range, including warthogs, zebras, and giraffes. Spanning over 6 square kilometers, the reserve is perfect for a picnic or walking safari.

2. Mokolodi Nature Reserve - Located just outside of Gaborone, the Mokolodi Nature Reserve is home to some of Botswana's most exotic wildlife like cheetahs, rhinos, and giraffes. The reserve is ideal for those who love natural environments and a good outdoor activity.

3. Botanical Gardens - The Botanical Gardens serve as a relaxing and educational environment for tourists to learn about the flora and fauna of Botswana. The gardens offer visitors an opportunity to see different species of plants from all over the world, including aquatic plants, medicinal plants, and desert plants.

4. National Museum and Art Gallery - This is one of the best museums in Botswana that tells the story of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The collections include traditional crafts, archaeological finds, and archives and libraries of traditional and modern art. Live events showcasing local artists and musicians are also held here.

5. Kgale Hill - Kgale Hill provides a stunning view of Gaborone and its surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike up to the top, where they will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The hill is also a great spot for a picnic and watching the sunset.

6. The Three Chiefs' Statues - The Three Chiefs' Statues, located in the heart of Gaborone, commemorate the leaders of the Tswana people who resisted colonial rule in the 19th century. The statues are a symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage and resistance against foreign oppression.

7. Main Mall, Gaborone - This modern shopping center is home to high-end stores, restaurants, and cafes. It is also a great place for people-watching and socializing with local residents.

In conclusion, Gaborone may not be as famous as other African destinations, but it is rich in culture and offers tourists a unique experience. The city's wildlife reserves, museums, and scenic views are a must-see for visitors to Botswana.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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