Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and located in the south of the country, near the border to South Africa. Today Gaborone has all the amenities of any modern capital city. The international airport is right out of town. Travelers not used to left side of the road driving should exercise caution while driving and crossing the street, as most of Gaborone, Botswana drives on the left.
The Pula is the currency of Botswana. International code for Pula is BWP and is subdivided into 100 Thebe. 1 British Pound is equivalent to approximately 10 Botswana Pulas (please always check existing exchange rates when you need to convert any currency as the exchange rate above is just an approximate value).
Public transportation can be identified by their blue license plates. Many unofficial taxis do exist. To give directions, its usually better to give Plot numbers or easily identified places rather than street names. Locals do share cabs. 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 20-30 Pulas.
Combis are white vans that are like mini-buses. Combis cost 2.70 Pulas. There are no route maps but there are different lines, so just ask the driver if that line passes where you need to go.
Buses are commonly used to travel to other cities. 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.
There are two cinemas in Gaborone, one in Riverwalk Mall and one in Game City Mall.
Places to eat out:
Cafe Dijo, Game City, next to Woolworth's Simply Food. 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. Costs about 30 Pulas for a meal (chicken, soda, chips). Located in the African Mall, Game City Mall, BBS Mall and Riverwalk Mall. 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 Pulas for a pie, 6.75 Pulas for a soda. Wide variety of fillings. Located in the Main Mall and the African Mall.
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.
If you love your own dishes, prices are very reasonable at many grocery stores.
Many clubs have dress codes. Some of the clubs are Bull and Bush, Fashion Lounge and Boulevard.
Hotels in town vary in star ranking, the highest is a 5 star property. Among famous one are Grand Palm Hotel, Gaborone Sun Hotel, Cresta Lodge, The President's Hotel, Mondior Summit and African Home. |
