Gaborone, Botswana 🇧🇼
Nomad Score:
58%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gaborone is the capital city of Botswana, known for its modern architecture and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 231,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BWP (Botswana Pula) ≈ 0.079 USD; ATMs are widely available and accept international cards. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, plugs type D and M. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Mascom, Orange, and BTC for prepaid SIM options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | FNB Botswana, Stanbic Bank, and Standard Chartered; mobile banking is widely used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and guesthouses like The Capital Guesthouse. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, and mobile money services like Orange Money are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, with average prices around BWP 500 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Gaborone Backpackers provide affordable lodging options. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Regus Gaborone offers flexible workspaces with good internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Meet and Eat Cafe provides a quiet atmosphere and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Botswana Innovation Hub hosts tech meetups and networking gatherings regularly. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Gaborone Expats' facilitate social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is the most popular ride-hailing service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; electric scooters are increasingly available through local rental services. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Not applicable; nearest beach is approximately 7 hours drive to the coast. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Botswana services regional flights within Southern Africa. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | South African Airways and Kenya Airways operate flights from Gaborone. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads include the A1 highway connecting to South Africa. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gaborone Railway Station serves regional train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly via combis (minibus taxis), which do not operate on passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel by bus or taxi to nearby towns like Molepolole and Francistown. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Center of Excellence for comprehensive healthcare. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Gaborone offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Funky Fitness Gym provides a good workout environment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many serviced apartments offer laundry services; stand-alone laundromats are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Gaborone has options like Jumia Food for quick delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Seswaa, a traditional meat dish served with maize porridge. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Tuckshop Café offers a range of vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kaylani's offers great pastries and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit the Gaborone Main Mall for budget shopping on local produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce platforms include Shop Botswana for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Spar Botswana offers online grocery shopping with delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Gaborone CBD has several bars, including The Venue and The Olives. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Kgalagadi Breweries products are well-known, especially their Castle Lager. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Check out Wine & More for a selection of imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Molepolole Road offers various street food options for budget-friendly eats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various eateries serve Indian, Chinese, and Italian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the National Museum and Art Gallery for Botswana's rich history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gaborone Cultural Centre offers local art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Three Dikgosi Monument reflects Botswana's traditional leadership. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The churches in Gaborone offer insight into the local faith landscape. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Botswana International Trade Fair takes place every August. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the Arts and Culture District near the CBD for local crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Botshelo Theatre regularly hosts performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Gaborone Weekend Market is vibrant for local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Look for live music at local venues like The Zambezi. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Gaborone features street art in various locations, mainly around the CBD. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking courses at restaurants like The Bull and Bush incorporating local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery at the National Museum showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Old Supreme Court is a notable historic structure in Gaborone. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Botswana's heritage is celebrated in numerous festivals throughout the year. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Mokolodi Nature Reserve for game drives and hiking. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is about 10 hours drive. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Gaborone Dam provides trails for outdoor activities. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the Kgale Hill for panoramic views of Gaborone. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Gaborone Dam is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires; check local regulations first. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix offers phone and laptop repair services in Gaborone. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Botswana Language Institute offers Setswana language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Gaborone Library is a good place to study and read. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community centers offer cultural programs and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming lounges can be found in various areas of Gaborone. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Grand Palm Resort has a casino for nightlife entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BWP 400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = BWP 320,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 9,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BWP 570,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 7,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = BWP 450,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 8,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BWP 640,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = BWP 520,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 7.5% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Botswana has a residents-based tax system on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for income above BWP 300,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Botswana has CFC rules for taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual taxation based on property's market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% on property purchases. |