Sports & nature
What makes Gaborone so unique, however, is that the visitor can enjoy all the familiar modern conveniences of home, but can gain entry into rural Africa, or wildlife areas, within minutes – having then the best of both possible worlds.
Government Enclave
Adorned with trees and flowers and several important monuments, the attractive Government Enclave is open to the public. It contains the National Assembly, where Parliament convenes, the Office of the President, and a number of Ministry Offices. One historical statue commemorates those Batswana who served in the Second World War; whilst another honors those Botswana Defence Force soldiers who perished in the Rhodesian war of liberation. (It is advised that permission be obtained before taking photos of Government buildings.)
Sir Seretse Khama Statue
Unveiled on the occasion of Botswana’s 20th anniversary of independence in 1986, this striking bronze statue now faces the National Assembly, having recently been turned 180 degrees from its previous position where it overlooked the Main Mall. The statue was sculpted by British artist Norman Pearce, and cast in Britain, then flown to Botswana for its unveiling.
Three Chiefs Monument
Crossing the railway tracks over the flyover, and turning into a newly developed Central Business District, the Monument of the Three Chiefs is another impressive historical statue that marks an important turning point in the history of Botswana. The monument was sculpted and cast by North Korean artisans, using a photograph of the three chiefs. It was unveiled on the occasion of the country’s 39th anniversary of independence in 2005.
The National Museum and Art Gallery
Established in June 1967 and officially opened in September, 1968 by the then Acting President of Botswana, Dr. Q.K.J. Masire, the National Museum has been a vibrant focal point of artistic and cultural activity since its inception. The mandate has always been to display and promote the country’s natural and cultural heritage, and to acquire artifacts relating to Africa south of the Sahara. The adjoining National Art Gallery was opened in 1975 and it continually stages quality exhibitions of art, crafts and photography, of increasing diversity.
The Village
Established in 1890 and for some time serving as an administrative centre for the southern part of Bechuanaland Protectorate, the Village once held a fort, (constructed 1890-91), the area’s first post office, a prison, a grave yard, and the ‘Gaberones’ magistrate’s house. Of these buildings, only the prison remains, albeit in rather poor condition; and the graveyard still contains the grave markers of the men who died in the Anglo-Boer War. A few late 19th and early 20th century buildings in the Village are still in use.
Thapong Visual Arts Center
Situated in the former magistrate’s house (1902), the Thapong Visual Arts Center is home to Botswana’s young, gifted – and sometimes avant-garde – artists. In addition to the exhibitions it regularly stages, this very active center also periodically offers art courses for children. Enquire at their offices for a schedule of upcoming activities, or check the local newspapers.
Botanical Gardens
The recently opened National Museum Botanical Gardens is a welcome addition to the city of Gaborone. It features walking trails (with labeled trees and plants), exhibits on the flora of Botswana, a library of botanical books, and historical buildings, including a colonial guest house. This is a pleasant place for a family outing, also providing an educational perspective on the country’s flora.
Ecological Park
Initiated in 2002 by the highly active environmental NGO Somarelang Tikologo, Gaborone’s Ecological Park – situated on the corner of South Ring Road and Kaunda Road – is a welcome retreat for city dwellers. It also is a highly instructive facility that familiarizes visitors with simple but effective technologies for resource conservation and waste management. The park has been developed to inspire people to live in an environmentally friendly life, whilst at the same time save money.
Gaborone Game Reserve
Possibly one of the few national reserves to be situated inside a city, this relatively small (5 square kms) but well stocked park is home to a number of Botswana’s indigenous species, including zebra, eland, gemsbok, red hartebeest, blue wildebeest, impala, kudu, steenbok, vervet monkeys, warthog and rock dassies, as well as numerous resident and migrant bird species, best viewed from the small dam in the park. Terrain includes tree savanna, riparian woodland, marsh and rocky outcrops. The park is popular for weekend outings and picnics, with two well appointed picnic sites. There are also animal and bird observation hides and a visitors’ center; and pre-booked educational tours can be arranged for both school children and visitors.
Gaborone Dam
The life source of Gaborone and its surrounding areas, the Gaborone Dam is often part of people’s conversations during the dry season, or drought years, during which time a neon signboard in town regularly informs residents of how full the dam is. In this desert country prone to prolonged drought, water – and having enough of it – is an over-riding preoccupation. Construction on the dam began in 1963, capturing water from the Ngotwane River, to supply the country’s planned new capital city. The reservoir filled, and overflowed, during the 1965-66 rainy season. Ten years later, the dam wall was raised by eight meters. Other sources of water to supply the ever-growing metropolitan area have been built further north at Bokaa and Letsibogo. The Gaborone Yacht Club is situated at the south end of the dam; this very active club offers canoeing, yachting, picnics, and bush walks and is open to the public.
Kgale Hill
Gaborone’s most visible hill – and one of the city’s major landmarks – overlooks both the Gaborone Dam as well as its largest mall, Game City, providing a beautiful panorama of the city, and in the late afternoon, dramatic African sunsets. Kgale (meaning ‘the place that dried up’) is popular for climbers and picnickers, and has clearly defined routes up and down. Some wildlife still lives in the hills, and the most visible are the ubiquitous baboon troupes. The climb takes approximately one hour.
