Botswana.Name

Botswana.Name

Top cities - Botswana.* Gaborone* Francistown* Ghanzi* Kasane* Maun* Nata* Gweta* Kanye* Tsabong

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

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. If you are worried about customs, a useful place to visit is the Botswana Embassy  in Washington, DC.

By plane - Visit flight to Botswana.

* Air Botswana, in the Main Mall, Phone: 395 1921, . Provides services to Francistown, Harare, Johannesburg, Kasane and Maun. Typical fares from Gabs are in USD 200 - 400 range.
* South African Express, Offices in the Game City Mall, Broadhurst Mall and Riverwalk Mall, Phone: 397 2397 (Game City), 309 5740 (Broadhurst),. Flies in from Cape Town and Johannesburg.

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.

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.

By Combi

Combis are white vans that are like mini-buses. Combis cost P 2.70. 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.

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.

Hotels in Gaborone.

1. Grand Palm Hotel - Easily the loveliest of hotels in Gaborone. Bordering 5 star status, this hotel is a modern oasis within Gaborone.
2. Gaborone Sun Hotel
3. Cresta Lodge
4. The President's Hotel (Located in the Heart of the city center).
5. 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.
6. African Home, Nyerere Drive (Two streets west of Middlestar shopping centre). Small hotel with a larger wing being constructed out back.

Index Botswana