29/04/2015
GABORONE: GO HERE, DO THIS
Botswana’s capital city of Gaborone is is the country’s largest city and center of business. Here are some things for visitors to do.
1. Three Dikosi Monument: This monument memorializes three chiefs from Botswana’s colonial era who actually argued the country should stay a protectorate of Britain, rather than fight for independence. In hindsight, this was probably a good idea as the British Crown was preferable to being controlled by the more exploitive Cecil Rhodes, who ran the neighboring countries at the time.
2. Gaborone Game Reserve: You won’t see any big cats here, but this reserve located 5km outside of the city center has lots of hoofed and smaller game animals. It was established so locals could see the natural wildlife in a non-zoo-like setting without having to travel too far. As such, it is Botswana’s third most popular reserve!
3. World’s Smallest Operahouse: Fans of the TV series No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (set in Gaborone) will dig this collaboration between the fiction series author Alexander McCall Smith and the local arts scene. It hosts local singing, community theater and even operas (it is the smallest opera house in the world) in a variety of showcases just a few kilometers south of Gaborone.
4. Garcin Safaris: Gaborone is trying to hop on board with the success of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books and TV series and fans should check out resident Marilyn Garcin’s city tours focused on the book series among other topics.
5. Thapong Visual Arts Center: Although Botswana is not famous for its handicrafts, you will find some unexpected fine art galleries with exquisite creations for purchase in Gaborone. Thapong Visual Arts Center is one such venue, and features contemporary local art for sale that goes beyond the imported and now mass produced wooden giraffes and masks next to the road.
6. Outdoor workout: Head to Kgale Hill on the outskirts of Gaborone for a morning workout. It’s a popular spot to go for a run or hike with locals looking to get fit.
7. Top End Sleep: The most luxurious property in Gaborone is the Gaborone Sun, which boasts a pretty swimming pool area plus a casino.
8. Business Class: The Cresta President was the city’s first luxury hotel and today remains a solid business class choice overlooking the mall in the heart of Gaborone.
9. Local Legend: The Bull & Bush Pub has been around for ages now and is pretty much a Gaborone legend — the place where locals and expats bring their visiting house-guests. The menu features pretty much everything, including vegetarian options, but it is most famous for its thick cut steaks and cold beers. There are different themes each night and the al fresco beer garden is the place to see and be seen in this laid back city.
10. More beef: Gaborone has a reputation for serving fine steaks, and another excellent choice beyond the Bull & Bush Pub, is the Beef Baron Restaurant. It serves the best steaks in town.
11. More Shopping Experiences: One option for local crafts is Botswanacraft, which is in the Kgale View Shopping Mall, and which sells made in Botswana pottery, jewelry and baskets as well as wood and stone carvings, textiles, jewelry and handicrafts from across the continent. This is the largest craft emporium in the country. It’s also home to the previously mentioned Courtyard Restaurant, serving excellent local creations.
12. Cafe Dijo: Located near the Kgale View Shopping Mall, this is one of the best places in Gaborone for lunch: there are daily food specials like tandoori chicken wraps and a pepper steak pie, as well as excellent coffee and free WiFi.
13. African Mall: A lot of Gaborone’s social scene takes places in its numerous indoor shopping malls, including the African Mall (probably the best of the bunch) that include everything from retail shops to restaurants, bars, supermarkets and petrol stations. For a slice of local culture, don’t skip this experience.
