Gaborone

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

Gaborone Halal Travel Guide

Botswana Gaberone1 - Ministry building, Gaborone From a dusty one horse town in the 1960s, Gaborone has now developed into a substantial city of 420,000 inhabitants in the metro area (as of 2022). Generally it is a clean, safe and functioning city that is spreading ever further outwards into a suburban sprawl that today measures about 15 kilometers from east to west. There is a definite downtown based around the train station and the government enclave of Khama Crescent. However, numerous shopping malls are dotted all over the city, diluting the prominence of the downtown area. Gaborone's nomenclature confuses most new arrivals. Different parts of town are called blocks, extensions, phases, etc., and there can be several names for the same place. Below is a rough guide: - The Extensions - to the east of the railway line radiating out from the Government Enclave. Extensions 9 and 11 are probably the wealthiest parts of Gaborone. Extension 15, out near Riverwalk Mall is known as 'the Village' Gabs West - the inner blocks to the West of the railway line, inside the Western Bypass. Gabs West is sub-divided into Phases 1, 2, 4 and industrial.

• The Blocks - to the West of the railway line, outside the Western Bypass. The blocks number 5 - 10 running south to north (although Block 9 is an outlier being the southernmost of the blocks, and there is a Block 3 directly north of the downtown area). Some maps (including Google Maps) label the Blocks as high numbered Extensions (e.g. Block 8 is made up of Extensions 35 & 36) but everyone will refer to an area by its block number.

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• The Central Business District refers to a patch of undeveloped land in the centre of the city that is being developed into overly modern hotels and offices (including the new Lansmore hotel)

Phakalane a new-build suburb 12 kilometers north of the centre of Gaborone - based around a golf estate - on the east side of the A1 Francistown road. South-west of Phakalane is the still to be developed Glen Valley Gaborone North - a developing suburb out towards the airport to the West of Phakalane.

• Broadhurst is an older suburb to the northeast of the centre. On the southern edge of Broadhurst are Partial and Maru-a-Pula

Tlokweng a poorer suburb to the east of the Notwane river, home to several nice lodgings. Knight Frank, a real estate agent with an office near the Shell Garage on the Main Mall, has a useful map of the city.

Travel to Gaborone

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.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Gaborone

Aeropuerto Internacional Sir Seretse Khama - Sir Seretse Khama International airport and an Air Botswana aircraft - GPS -24.557, 25.923 Sir Seretse Khama International Airport caab.co.bw/caab-content.php?cid=253 (IATA Flight Code: GBE) about 15 kilometers north of central Gaborone, is the Botswana's main airport. It is mainly served by Flights from other Southern African countries, but there are also Flights to Addis Ababa and Nairobi.

• Air Botswana, in the Main Mall, ☎ 395 1921, HTTPS://WWWW.Wirbotswana.co.bw. Provides services international connections to Harare (Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays) Johannesburg (daily), Lusaka, as well as domestic Flights to Francistown, 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, ☎ 397 2397 (Game City), 309 5740 (Broadhurst), . Flies in from Johannesburg. SAA has non-stop service from JNB. In order to fly from Cape Town, it is necessary to connect through JNB.
• Air Namibia flies to / from Windhoek on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Air Kenya flies in from Nairobi on Mondays, Wednesdays and Sundays providing a useful alternative to Johannesburg for connections to the rest of the world.

Taxi rides from the airport to the downtown cost BWP 150. It costs less going to the airport, BWP 60-80.

Travel on a Bus in Gaborone

Domestic

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.

• Gabs - Francistown: approx. 6 hours, 96 Pula / person
• Francistown - Maun: approx 6 hours, 110 Pula / person

To and from South Africa

There is a daily bus that connects Pretoria, South Africa with Gaborone, Botswana. The bus is operated by Intercape and the tickets can be booked online at or purchased at one of their offices. The bus departs from Pretoria Station on Paul Kruger & Scheiding Street at 13:15 and arrives at the Kudu Shell Service Station in Gaborone at 21:10 (an 8 hrs bus ride). This bus makes a brief stop at the Johannesburg bus station to pick up passengers. As of March 2022 the bus fare was R 195.00 rand per person (about $29 USD). The bus is pretty nice: tourist class, reclining seats, and a working bathroom. However, be prepared for the “Christian materials on-board.” Basically, all the movies that are played on the Intercape bus have overly religious messages in them. The border crossing between South Africa and Botswana is pretty straight forward. The passengers get off the bus (without the luggage, just the documentation) at the South African immigration check point to get their exit stamps and then they walk over to the Botswana side to get their entrance visa stamps. The bus attendant stays with the passengers for the process of the border crossing, so the bus is not going to leave anyone behind.

Travel by train to Gaborone

Botswana Railways operates two daily train services, one day and one overnight service, linking Gaborone with Francistown as well as Lobatse, near the border with South Africa. Gaborone station GPS -24.661941,25.904605 is centrally located on Station Road, behind the huge Station mall.

Get Around

-24.659|25.911 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.

Best way to travel in Gaborone by a Taxi

Public taxis are generally small white cars and can be identified by their blue license plates. These cars travel designated routes, generally going to areas/neighbourhoods that combi routes do not. The fare for a taxi is P5.00. Since taxis can only hold a maximum of 5 passengers they also tend to be quicker than a combi in completing their route. You can catch a taxi at many combi stops and ask them to drop you off anywhere along the route. For route information simply ask the driver of the taxi. If you need to go to a particular destination not on the taxi route then ask for a "special", see cab section below.

By cab

A cab is a private taxi or a "special" which takes you directly from your origin to destination. This may be a public taxi with a blue licence plate or a privately run cab. Generally you must request a cab by phone. There are several cab companies in Gabs and many display contact information on the cab itself. You can also hail public taxis on the road and request a special. 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 (e.g. 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 P4. 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 there -- combis will honk at you as they are passing to let you know they're behind you.

What to See

Hindu temple gaborone02 - Detail of the Hindu Hall Three Dikgosi Monument - March 2010 - The Three Dikgosi Monument

• Botswana National Museum - -24.6568, 25.9196 - Botswana National Museum Showcases traditional art and craft as well as the history of the nation.
• The Hindu hall - BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mission | -24.6434, 25.9310 - A large Hinduism|Hindu temple and a major landmark. Major Hindu festivals are celebrated here.
• Three Dikgosi Monument -24.6448, 25.9074 - Three bronze statues of the chiefs Khama III of the Bangwato, Sebele I of Bakwena and Bathoeng I of Bangwaketse, who travelled to the Great Britain in 1895, to ask the British to rule Botswana directly rather than letting it be incorporated into the British South Africa Company and Southern Rhodesia. The monument was a gift from North Korea and inaugurated in 2005.
• Statue of Seretse Khama -24.6581, 25.9118 - Statue of the nation's first president.
• National Botanical Garden - GPS -24.6660, 25.9458 3 kilometers southeast of the downtown - Operated by the National Museum, here you can see indigenous plants from all six different ecological regions in Botswana.

Modern architecture

Gaborone was constructed as a planned city in the 1960s, much like Brasília. Therefore you will find a great deal of modern architecture, in particular in the Government Enclave. Such buildings include:

• The parliament - GPS -24.6581, 25.9105
• Southern African Development Community headquarters -24.6543, 25.9101
• National Stadium - GPS -24.6569, 25.9329
• New Ministry Building - GPS -24.6560, 25.9082
• Debswana (mining company) Headquarters -24.65839, 25.91351

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Gaborone

Kgale Hill 2 - View from Kgale Hill

• Kgale Hill -24.6967, 25.8669 - Do not forget to make the pleasant climb up Kgale Hill, one of Botswana's highest hills (at 1,287 m elevation). It provides a magnificent view over the city and surrounding areas. Be careful of the baboons, though, and do not stray off the path. There are no guides, and there is no entrance fee to worry about. Do go - but only when there are other cars in the parking lot. The best time is 4PM - 6PM Monday - F. The middle of a weekend day is not a good time. Going up without other cars in the lot near the quarry risks being robbed by knife.
• Gaborone Cycling Club | ☎ +267 71811472 - Actually a mountain biking rather than cycling club.
• Gaborone Dam -24.713, 25.906 - The Gaborone Dam is the only large body of water near Gaborone and the source of water for the city and a recreational area. There are yacht and fishing clubs based here, as well as playgrounds and parks. It's a great place for activities such as birdwatching, windsurfing or angling, but unsuitable for swimming due to the risk of bilharzia and crocodiles.

Cinemas

Movies typically cost 40 Pula per seat (February 2012). It is assigned seating, so tell the cashier your preference when buying the ticket. Theaters usually show big-name movies (as a small theater in the U.S. would). There are three cinemas in Gabs, one in Riverwalk Mall, one in Game City Mall and one in Masa Centre.

Game Reserves

Overlooking Mokolodi Nature Reserve - View of Mokolodi Nature Reserve

• Mokolodi - -24.704, 25.822 - The highlight of many people's time is a cheetah visit where you can actually pet a cheetah. On a two-hour game drive you might see baboons, giraffe, wart hogs, zebra, elephant, hippo, etc. The guides are always very nice.
• Gaborone Game Reserve Maaloso -24.635, 25.965 ☎ +267 318 4492 - One of the smaller game reserves, if you have a vehicle you can just drive yourself around. Mostly birds, but some monkeys, wart hogs and ostrich. Recently zebras, wild boars, kudus have been added. It has got picnic spots, but be careful of monkeys and ostriches.

Local events in Gaborone

• Maitisong Festival -

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Shopping

Gaborone abounds with shopping malls, and pretty much every South African chain store has at least one branch somewhere in the city. Unfortunately this crowds out local independent shops. Coupled with seemingly rampant collusion and price fixing among retailers makes Gabs a disappointing and quite expensive place to shop, despite the 12% VAT rate undercutting the 14% in South Africa. That said there are a smattering of arts villages and local workshops that buck the trend, and a visit can make a pleasant diversion for an afternoon. MainMall - Main Mall, a pedestrianised street in central Gaborone

Independent art

• Oodi Weavers - -24.56304, 26.03485 about 5km east of Phakalane on the road to Modipane - Opening Hours: 10AM - 4.30pm Monday - Friday (closed weekends) Established in 1972 by Swedish apartheid refugee Peder Gowenius this small enterprise produces pleasing tapestries of village scenes and the like (P1,000 Pula for a good sized piece). Any visitor will be encouraged to see the workshop and chat with the weavers.
• Wood carvings and colorful prints are high quality and reasonably priced; most are imported from other African countries. There are very high quality.

Shopping Malls

• Game Store -24.6862, 25.8802 - Game store in the Game City Mall is the largest super store in Botswana and has got variety of low-cost, medium quality items.
• Botswana Craft - Nakadi Street, Broadhurst Industrial -24.6184, 25.9127 - Curiously located in the middle of an industrial estate, Botswana Craft is a little oasis comprising a handful of little cafes and art shops. It's a little too Arikaaner flavoured for some, but an interesting place to browse if you are passing. If you want to buy a Buddhist statue or some scented candles thit is the place to go.
• The Bike Shop - Macheng Way GPS -24.6645, 25.9062 look for lots of yellow trucks belonging to a neighbouring freight company ☎ +267 71306146 - Great little bike shop selling refurbished cycles shipped over from the US, together with fancy new mountain bikes and accessories. Considerably more professional than nearby Gaborone Garage and Cycles.

Halal Restaurants

Seswaa avec bogobe - Seswaa with Bogobe, boiled -food Meat with maize porridge, a traditional Botswanan dish Gaborone is not an exciting place to eat – and the city suffers more than most from South African culinary hegemony. However if you keep your expectations low there are some interesting nooks and crannies to interest your taste buds. The restaurants below are organised by compass point from the downtown. Downtown

• White box food sold all over the government neighborhood on weekdays - Quick and simple lunch of Rice and veg (P10) or Rice, veg and -food Meat (P20). Tasty and filling.
• Cafe Khwest | Queens Road -24.65789, 25.91647 in the main mall, above Spar - Nice option for slow lunch where you can overlook the bustle of the street whilst tucking in to a Pasta Burgers or a salad is more of a bar in the evenings. Mains around P50.

North-east

• Deli's - GPS -24.6273, 25.9358 located in the Craft Center in Broadhurst Mall - One of the best lunch places in down. Real Italian food. Imported products. Amazing Pastas and Pizzas.Beef lasagne especially - P55 for huge portion.
• Fresh Cafe -24.6425, 25.9204 Middle star Mall - Nice lunch place, overpriced Coffee, free wifi. Lots of expats.
• Funyama Holdings Chinese Restaurant -24.6440, 25.9312 in Marua Pula mall ☎ +267 3957254 - Authentic and good value Chinese with an extensive menu, including such delights as Crispy Pork Intestines with Hot Dry Chili. Also covers more standard ' beef in black bean sauce' type dishes. The Devil Soup at P10 and the Noodles dishes at P30 are particularly good value.
• Bull & Bush -24.6395, 25.9105 down a track north of Sebone Road, just east of the railway line - Cafe & restaurant serves up a range of meat-centred dishes – and does a pretty good job.
• Par 5 Indian Restaurant Phala GPS -24.65468, 25.92956 in Gaborone Golf Club next to Gaborone Sunday Hotel ☎ +267 3912299 Unfussy south Asian cuisine serving a range of -food Meat and veg dishes, including several daals. Nice setting overlooking the golf course, with indoor and outdoor seating. Closed Mondays. Mains P40-60.

]] North-west

• Beef Baron - ant+detail&pid=23524 in the Grand Palm Walmont hotel -24.6408, 25.8772 Opening Hours: Lunch and dinner Mains from P120 Perhaps Gaborone's most expensive restaurant - the Beef Baron serves up excellent and huge -food Meat dishes - including some game - but cow -food Meat is in the ascendancy. Desserts are good also (inc. the lovely malva pudding). Atmosphere is pretty nice for a hotel restaurant, although there are no windows.
• Chutney's - GPS -24.63735, 25.89331 Located next to OK Foods on the Western Bypass, also called the OK Foods Mall - Excellent Indian food also - southern Indian, like dosas. Not much for ambiance but great food.

South-east

• Caravela -24.6618, 25.9209 off Kgasa Road - One of the few suburban house restaurants in the city. Nominally Portuguese menu including a good selection of seafood, and Mozambican soft drinks. The outdoor patio area has a very nice ambiance. Open for dinner 7 nights a week. Food is a little hit and miss, and the prices are in expat territory, but worth giving a try.
• Sanitas -24.6921, 25.9145 located around 2 kilometers southeast of Fairgrounds Mall. Turn beside Naledi Motors (beside mall) and follow signs - A hidden gem. Actually a garden center but with a large cafe for breakfast/lunch/brunch 6 days/week (Closed Monday). Has a children's playground also.
• News Café - Village neighborhood -24.6696, 25.9281At the Mondior Summit Hotel - Opening Hours: 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 and the music is often cranked up loud even though there is no dance floor, so sit outside if you want to make conversation. Staff are 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.
  They have Happy Hour from 5PM Monday - 6PM. Buy 1 get 1 free on all cocktails.
• Pavilion Restaurant - Private Bag BO3 -24.6801, 25.9211 Plot 50381, Moedi Close, Fairgrounds Office Park ☎ +267 365 1600, +267 3975555 Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00-22:30, including holidays BWP 100 upwards Upmarket restaurant which serves buffet lunch, a la carte lunch and dinner. It seats 96 people inside and has a terrace which seats 120 people. One can also relax in the Pavilion Cafe for Snacks and beverages.
• Gold Coin | -24.6644, 25.9169 in Africa Mall - Opening Hours: lunch & dinner P30 for a simple Noodles dish. P70 for a green Curries & Rice The only (Thai) restaurant in the nation? Well almost. The Mandarin on the sign lets slip that thit is a Chinese resto with a smattering of (Thai) dishes on the menu and Bangkok posters on the wall. Still if you are craving coconut milk with your Curries its the only option in town.
• Primi Piatti - -24.6766, 25.9358 - Stylish branch of the South African Italian restaurant chain. A wide variety of Meat, Pizzas and pastas. Mains from P80 up to P120+ for a big chunk of beef - but quality is among the best in the city. Located in the Riverwalk Mall. Free wifi.
• Spurs | -24.6769, 25.9354 Riverwalk - A grade beef, try the one by Riverwalk
• Embassy -24.6774, 25.9358 - Excellent Indian food - located in the Riverwalk Mall. Note: food can take up to one hour, especially if with large group. Mains around P60.
• Abyssinia Ethiopian Cafe -24.6774, 25.9347 Riverwalk mall - Botswana's only Ethiopian cuisine. On Fridays through Sundays this cafe serves up pretty good injera with all the trimmings for P80. Also does great coffee and is cleaner and quieter than Equatorial Coffee around the junction. Closed evenings Sunday-Thursday.

Mopane-Raupen gekocht - Adventurous? Try some mopane worms, a specialty of Southern Africa Tlokweng

• The Moghul | 171 Tlokweng Road -24.6836, 25.9551 inside Oasis Motel ☎ +267 397 5346 P50 for a veg Curries up to P80 for a Rogan Josh Set under a thatched roof at the back of the Oasis Motel this place serves up flavoursome Indian & (Pakistani) cooking. However, perhaps because of its hotel location, prices are a little steep and portion sizes disappointing. Takeaway and delivery feasible.

South-west

• Cafe Dijo -24.6876, 25.8819 in Kgale Mall and the small mall next to Game City - 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. Inside Game City.
• Mugg & Bean -24.6857, 25.8798 - South African chain coffee and lunch place. Located upstairs in Game City Mall, makes for a noisy indoor shopping mall vibe with adequate Coffee.

Chain restaurants with multiple outlets

• Nando's Chicken - Nando's is a bit spicy, and much better Chicken than that found a KFC. Costs about 50 Pula for a meal (chicken, soda, chips). Located in the African Mall, Game City Mall, BBS Mall and Riverwalk Mall, one is currently under construction in the Main Mall, at the east side adjacent to Orange. 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 -24.6583, 25.9156 - Pies are flaky dough filled with -food Meat or vegetables (called Patties in some other parts of the world). Costs about 5.50 Pula for a pie, 6.75 Pula for a soda. Wide variety of fillings. Located in the Main Mall and the African Mall.
• Debonairs | 13141 Segoditshane Way GPS -24.6273, 25.9362 P55 cheapest Pizzas A popular Pizzas restaurant that also does deliveries
• Cherry Pepper | 6 Nakedi Road -24.6193, 25.9125 in Botswana Craft ☎ +267 7631 4797 Opening Hours: breakfast & lunch Setswana cuisine for the European palette. Excellent lunch option. They serve 3 different dishes each day for P25 - P35 and hence is great value. Try the sauteed goat on Wednesdays of the fried breem on Fridays.

Groceries

• Prices for Western goods are at EU prices; local goods (corn meal) are affordable at grocery stores.
• Choppies and OK Foods are local chains - they have the best prices and are located in all areas of Gaborone.
• Woolworths is in several of the main malls and has much higher quality produce and more European food selections. If you want exotic fruits or vegetables or good Cheese, definitely the store to go to.
• Pick-and-Pay, South African Chain, has better quality and is more expensive than Choppies.
• ShopRite, South African chain has stores all over Gaborone with lower prices.
• SPAR in the Main Mall seems to be the cheapest for juices (about 5.25 Pula for 1 Litre of 100% fruit juice).
• For a budget, buy a pie at Pie Time and then a drink at SPAR! (8.25 Pula for a full meal).
• In all super market malls and there is a grocery store.

Gaborone Dam 1 - The Gaborone Dam

• Bull and Bush -24.6407, 25.9108 - English pub in north part of Gaborone]. A common ex-pat hangout big-screen TV and swimmingpool tables. Friday night is usually for the younger kids, Saturday night for the adults. The food is excellent, especially the Pizzas and ribs. The last Wednesday of the month is quiz night (or quizzo) where teams compete on trivia for prizes. Monday night is Rib night and well worth a visit!
• Club Satchmo Ntimbale Road -24.6602, 25.8887 - Jazz club with decent drinks and great music.
• Gaborone Yacht Club | Off the old Lobaste road near the railway crossing -24.7079, 25.9063 ☎ +267 72471977 Opening Hours: Evenings Wednesday & Fridays, lunch Saturdays & Sundays P10 entrance Hidden away down a dusty track to the side of Gaborone dam the Yacht Club bar makes a great sun-downer location. Opening hours are limited, simple food available (e.g., steak-burger & chips P45).

Clubs

Covers range from 20 to 100 Pula. Many have dress codes. And like most places and the popular nights at each place vary. Check with local Batswana (people from Botswana) for time relevant information.

• Fusion Lounge | -24.5696, 25.9748 in Phakalane
• Notwane Club -24.6555, 25.9305 Used mainly to host private or special DJ events.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Gaborone

Gaborone - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Gaborone, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gaborone. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Gaborone and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Gaborone. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Gaborone. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Gaborone: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Gaborone. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Gaborone: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Gaborone, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Gaborone. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Gaborone, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Gaborone, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Gaborone and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Gaborone, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Gaborone, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Gaborone without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Gaborone is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Gaborone. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Gaborone is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Gaborone, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Gaborone Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Gaborone

eHalal Group Gaborone is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Gaborone. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Gaborone. At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Gaborone ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property. For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Gaborone. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living. If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Gaborone, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values. For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Gaborone are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

BotswanaParliament - The parliament Gaborone compares to South Africa in terms of lodging choice and costs. There are a handful of large chain hotels costing P800+ offering conference facilities, curio shops, evening restaurants, gyms and bars - and dozens of smaller guesthouses, lodges and bed & breakfasts varying in quality, cleanliness and price. However it is difficult to go much below P400 per day for a room. For those staying for months rather than days there are a handful of relativity expensive serviced apartments, although these are often full. Finally if you have your own vehicle and want to keep away from the city there are some good options out in the bush 15 kilometers to the south of Gabs that cost about the same as a guesthouse in town. There is also one Backpackers hostel in Gaborone.

Budget

If you travel on a budget or are staying in Gabs for weeks or months the following may be of interest.

• Motheo Apartments - Plot 4710, Moremi Road -24.6527, 25.9204 off Independence Avenue ☎ +267 318 1587 - Slightly aging compound offering serviced studio, one and two bed apartments and town houses. Daily, monthly and yearly rates available with prices from P9,500 pcm for a studio up to P13,500 pcm for a town house. Book well in advance. Internet is available at a price.
• Innisfree Apartments - Plot 5004 Boteti Road, The Village GPS -24.6733, 25.9352 near Riverwalk Mall ☎ +267 3953603 - Comfortable serviced studio and one-bed apartments offering monthly rentals. Wifi is included. P9,000pcm for a double room up to P13,500pcm for a one bed apartment. Pretty popular so book well in advance.
• Hantom House - @Gabz.Biz G-West Phase 1 GPS -24.6597, 25.8880 - Long running expat houseshare for multi-month long stays.
• Mokolodi Backpackers Hostel - Plot 86 Mokoadi Gaborone GPS -24.7394, 25.8276 10 kilometers south of Gaborone. ☎ +267-74111164 p 120/210 per person Camping with own tent. and dorm beds. just off the Gaborone Lobatse highway. has to be the most low cost place to stay in Gaborone.
• African Home | Nyerere Drive -24.6430, 25.9177 Two streets west of Middlestar Shopping Centre - P400/double, including cont. bkfast Small hotel with a larger wing being constructed out back. Basic but charming design. Staff and amenities are still working out some glitches, for instance assuring that plugs on appliances match outlets.
• Linville Bed & Breakfast | Plot 59865, Block 7 -24.6019, 25.9068 ☎ +267 3185622, +267 71498622 - Boutique bed & breakfast
• Riverside Lodge - GPS -24.6767, 25.9444 first left after crossing the Notwane river on the Tlokweng road, signposted ☎ +267 3928805 from P360 inc. breakfast Small lodge comprising about 10 rooms a few minutes from Riverside mall. The grounds are quiet, but it does feel a little like a vehicle park. Rooms have a/c and DSTV. No internet / wifi. Some rooms only have baths (no shower). Not a bad option if looking for somewhere affordable to crash overnight. The prices on the website are long out-of-date.
• Royal Apartments Lodge Plot 256, Tlokweng -24.67961, 25.94742 Behind Senn Foods, along Tlokweng Road ☎ +267 3906033 from P400 per room Good value recently built lodge a 1 kilometers walk from Riverside Mall. Rooms have a/c, flatscreen DSTV, fridge, free wi/fi, and are clean and sunny. There is a small swimmingpool and pleasant garden out back, with plenty of birdlife contributing to the atmosphere. Cooked breakfasts also nice.
• Oasis Motel - -24.6835, 25.9555 2km past Riverwalk Mall along Tlokweng Road ☎ +267 392 8396 From P590 room only Opened in 1983 Oasis Motel is one of the older hotels in the city. Currently (2023) undergoing a renovation and the hotel boasts 110 rooms, good sized pool, internet, a/c and DSTV is a bit far from town if you don't have a car, and lots of noise from the road. The Moghul Indian restaurant is on site.

Luxury

Gaboronecitycentre - A planned city and there's much glass and steel architecture in Gaborone

• Masa Plaza Hotel | Plot 54353, New CBD corner Khama Crescent & Western Bypass -24.6524, 25.9039 In the CBD ☎ +267 315 9954 Rack rates from US$250 (P1,750). Gaborone's flashy business hotel, opened in June 2012 and is already something of a landmark. Architecture is akin to what you find in the financial neighborhoods of European capitals. The highlight is the rooftop pool.
• Gaborone Sunday - -24.65125, 25.92991 next to the golf course east of the downtown ☎ +267 361 6000 From P900 per room per day Once the premier hotel in the city and the Gabs Sunday is now getting a little old and flabby, with the better staff having been poached by the Monidor and Grand Palm hotels, and hence service can be a bit grumpy and slapdash. Nevertheless it has a lovely swimmingpool and bar area (happy hour 6-7PM), and some of the rooms (in particular rooms 203–231 odd numbers) are nice, catching the morning sun glinting off the pool. Facilities comprise ubiquitous casino (read: slot machines), squash courts, small gym, conference facilities, buffet breakfast, pay-as-you-go internet etc. At P900+ a night its poor value, but with most guests being Government / businesspeople it can get away with these rates.
• Grand Palm - Peermont Walmont - +Detail&pid=23513 -24.6407, 25.8780 west of the downtown ☎ +267 3637777 from P1770 per room Easily the loveliest hotel in Gaborone. Bordering 5 star status, this hotel is a modern oasis with a modern front entrance, a casino to the left and a gigantic and impressive conference centre (The GICC) to the right, marked by an eagle figure flying over a fountain. Out back the hotel has a large swimming swimmingpool and a moderately sized lakes that birds frequent. There is also a swimming swimmingpool bar that serves food, a children's playground and further afield there is a boma that does barbecue (braai) events and parties. There is also a tennis court and plenty of lush green grass. Inside there is a squash court and a leisure centre.
• Grand Palm - Peermont Metcourt Inn - -24.6398, 25.8799 west of the downtown ☎ +267 363777 From P720 per room excluding breakfast. The cheaper 3 star hotel on the Grand Palm site - but rates are still steep, in part because you can still use all the facilities of the Walmont. Breakfast is served in the F.L.A.G. Café.
• Cresta Lodge Machel -24.6820, 25.9083 ☎ +267 397 5375
• Cresta President's Hotel - Botswana Road GPS -24.65867, 25.91619 Located in the Heart of the downtown ☎ +267 395 3631
• Mondior Summit -24.6694, 25.9279 ☎ +267 319 0600 - With small outdoor swimming swimmingpool and jacuzzi. Wifi Internet available in all rooms, for a charge.

Telecommunications in Gaborone

There are internet cafes all over the city, in practically every Shopping Centre. Prices range from P10-P20 per hour. Many cafes have memberships of 5-20 hours which provide cheaper rates. Network speeds are moderate to good. Many cafes also offer photocopying services.

Stay Safe

Princess Marina Hospital - Administration Building - Princess Marina Hospital People in Botswana are very friendly and the crime rate is relatively low. However the recent contrast between rich and poor has seen crime on the rise. Always be aware of your surroundings. When going out at night to a restaurant take a taxi called from your hotel. Take the mobile number of your driver and call him when you want to go home. Do not walk around at night away from places with lots of people. At night, do not walk back 5 blocks to your hotel from a pub. Do walk around during the day. Basic common sense will keep you safe from criminals. You should have a safe and pleasant trip as hundreds of thousands of other people have each year. If you're staying at a hotel it is safe, but beware for some residential areas affected by burglars. Stay alert when driving in cars for smash and grabs when using mobile devices near traffic lights (talking on the phone without a handsfree kit is illegal anyways). Beware when walking at evenings/night in street corners as muggings occur, displays of wealth and property make you a target, particularly tempting objects such as mobile phones, laptops. Crowded public areas are a heaven for pickpockets. Be cautious especially if you are a Muslima with a handbag. Areas often affected by such crimes are near Old Naledi, Mogoditsane, Broadhurst, Phase I and II. Police are honest and helpful but sometimes can be late to respond. When driving to rural areas be extra careful as cows and wildlife often walk in the middle of the road. Be prepared to stop for a herd of goats. Do not drive at night unless you know what you are doing. Drunk driving on weekends and holidays is common and dangerous. Drivers do not look out for or give way to pedestrians. Be very cautious when crossing any street day or night. Do not immediately get out of your vehicle if bumped/hit from behind - drive to a public place (service station/restaurant) to inspect for damage. Do enjoy the beauty! Police: dial 999 for the helpline or 351161 Fire Brigade: 998

Health

Gaborone Private Hospital Emergency number: 997 Bokamoso Private Hospital ☎ 369 4000 Princess Marina Hospital ☎ 362 1400 Med Rescue ambulance (+267) 3901601 Emergency number: 992 Mascom Cell phone Emergency: 147 If you are headed to the north of Botswana like the Okavango Delta and haven't packed any anti-malaria pills, it is feasible to get a prescription and have it filled in Gaborone. Try Capital Medical Center at the Riverwalk Shopping Center, Dr. Banu Khan (narrow glass door on the left-hand side of the Pharmacy that is right behind the stairs that go up to the second floor), for a drop-in appointment. The consultation visit to get a prescription will cost you 165.00 pula (about $23 USD). As of March 2022 the cost of an anti-malarial drug called Doxycycline was 1.00 pula per pill (about $0.15 USD), and Malarone was 44.33 pula per pill (about $6.70 USD). ☎ 370-0066/7

Cope in Gaborone

Consulates and Embassies

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• Consulate of Canada -

Embassy of China - Embassy of the United States | Embassy Drive ☎ +267 395-3982

Travel Next

• Otse Village -25.03661, 25.74885 approx. 55 kilometers along A1 road south of Gaborone - Opening Hours: 30 minutes' drive from Gaborone Otse village commonly known as "Letsekela" by its inhabitants of Balete origin is surrounded by hills with Manyelanong on the East and Baratani hill on the West.Manyelanong is one of the only two sites that one has the opportunity to see Cape vultures. Because of its height, difficulty to navigate and cliffs, it provides a perfect breeding ground for vultures. Hence the Mannyelanong Game reserve , established solely for the purpose of protecting these endangered vultures. Baratani hill is popularly known for its one of the most outstanding stories of young lovers who were in a forbidden relationship. They decided to elope and hid in a nearby hill but never came back.Residents ever since then have never climbed this hill for fear of not returning.
  The village has many stories about its people, one outstanding story is of the brave woman "Bosetlha" who killed a 3m Python which had wrapped itself around her body. Though she is now old but still active, Nkuku Bosetlha confirms she got attacked by the snake on her way coming from the lands and the snake wrapped itself around her body. After unsuccessful shouts for help, she desperately fought for her life by tightly opening the python's mouth wider for roughly 30minutes until good samaritans passed by and cut the snake head with a knife.
• Kanye, 100 kilometers south, accessible by bus.
• Francistown is a 5-7 hour bus ride away and there is also an overnight train service.
• The South African border is just a little more than 10 kilometers away. Nearby destinations in South Africa include Rustenburg, Pilanesberg National Park and Sun City (South Africa) | Sun City. Johannesburg is about 8 hours away by bus.

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