Gaborone, Botswana's capital, was named after Kgosi Gaborone, leader of the Batlokwa people who settled in the Tlokweng area in 1881. At first it was just a tiny settlement on the railway line known as 'Gaborone's Village'. The town expanded rapidly when plans developed for Bechuanaland (now Botswana) to receive independence from Britain; Gaborone was selected to become its new administrative capital as it was strategically located on the cross-continental railway line and there was a reliable water supply to fulfill the requirements of a growing population.

Technical experts from Europe assisted with planning and building the town, while labour was drawn from surrounding areas in Botswana and Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Gaborone dam was completed in 1964 and within 18 months the new town had taken shape next to it. The capital got off to a flying start with a National Assembly, related government office blocks, a hospital, schools, radio station, airfield, telephone exchange, police stations, post office, banks, shops, church, hotel, brewery, a sport stadium and more than a thousand houses.

Gaborone gained city status in 1986 and is today a commercial, industrial and financial centre, with several housing estates. More than 300 000 people call it home.

Gaborone is a vibrant and cosmopolitan African city with a variety of good accommodation, modern shopping centres, banks, vehicle and tyre repair services, golf courses, a casino and excellent restaurants. The Gaborone dam is the largest dam in Botswana and sports a yacht club and picnic spots, it's also popular with local fishermen.

ACCOMMODATION:
Mokolodi Game Reserve southwest of Gaborone offers good campsites and affordable self-catering accommodation.

BIRD WATCHING:
For birdwatchers, nearby Gaborone dam is home to 71 species of water birds and an important breeding ground for the Great Crested Grebe.

CULTURAL VILLAGES:
Bahurutshe Cultural Lodge and Cultural Village is a great place to learn more about the culture of the Batswana. It offers neat and clean accommodation in chalets or traditional huts, while the restaurant serves both international and traditional meals. Cultural activities offered by the lodge includes traditional dancing, story-telling, a visit to Kobokwe Cave (see Molepolole) and Manyana Rock Paintings, as well as day visits or overnight stays at a local school. Bookings are essential.

DWNP:
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) has a booking office in Gaborone, one could for example pay your park fees there and make some reservations if required.

EMERGENCIES:
An alternative number for the police is: +267 315 9022.

HEALTHCARE:
Doctor's number is for Dr M H Patel's Surgery, who is a general practitioner. (Oct-17).

POTTERY:
Thamaga Pottery, 45km west of Gaborone, has been producing beautiful ceramic bowls, platters and goblets since the 70s, these are highly sought after by collectors.

ROAD INFO:
Roads are generally well-maintained compared to many other African cities, so driving is fairly orderly and easy.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
There are several modern shopping malls with large grocery stores such as Spar, Pick ‘n Pay and Woolworths; you’ll also find restaurants, banks, clothing stores and a variety of department stores, all offering everything travellers may need.

Immigration & Customs Services in town.

TOW-INS:
Tow-In contact added is for the Petmos Towing Services in Gaborone West.
Alternatively for Auto Repair/ Breakdown services call Patrick on cell: +267 73 777 204 or +267 73 902 112.

USEFUL NUMBERS:
Thamaga Pottery: +267 599 9220.
Hi-Range Safari City: +267 318 7003.

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