Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Gaborone is an important economic and cultural hub, acting as a gateway to the interior of Botswana, as well as to neighboring countries. With a population of about 230,000, Gaborone is an important commercial and trade center, as well as an attractive tourist destination. In this article, we will explore the history, geography, and attractions of Gaborone, as well as its culture and its economic significance for Botswana.
Getting to Know Gaborone
Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana, with a population of 228,817 as of the 2011 census. It is located in the south-east of the country in a flat area which is divided by the Notwane River.
Gaborone lies in the Central African Time Zone which is two hours ahead of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) during Standard Time and it observes Central African Summer Time (CAST) during Daylight Savings Time.
The official language of Gaborone is English, but Tswana and Setswana are also commonly spoken amongst the people.
The currency of Gaborone is the Botswana Pula (BWP).
Climate and Weather
Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, located in the southern part of the country. Its climate is subtropical and semi-arid, with hot, sunny days most of the year and minimal precipitation. Summers in Gaborone, which run from October to April, are hot and dry with temperatures ranging between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. The city also experiences a very high rate of sunshine with some days recorded to have more than 12 hours of daylight. Winters, which run from May to September, are mild and dry. Temperatures range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius at their warmest, although the evenings can get cool. Rainfall is virtually non-existent and occurs only during the summer months, with the majority of rainfall occurring between December and February.
Touring Gaborone: Airport and Transportation
There is only one airport in Gaborone, officially known as Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE).
You can get from the airport to downtown in Gaborone by taking a taxi. It usually costs around 100 Pula (around 10 USD).
Yes, there is a foreign exchange bureau at the arrivals lounge of the airport.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Gaborone
- Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, is the country's commercial and cultural centre, and its fastest-growing city
- The city's history is intertwined with the Serowe Palapye peoples, whose origins can be traced back to the 10th century
- Gaborone is home to some of the country's most popular tourist attractions, such as the National Museum and Art Gallery, the Gaborone Game Reserve, and numerous shops and restaurants