Botswana Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Botswana, BW, Southern Africa)

Botswana is one of Southern Africa's leading tourist destinations and yet remains relatively unspoiled. The most popular tourist attractions in Botswana are without question the wildlife species that flourish in its endless hills, plains and desert regions.

Animal and bird sanctuaries abound. In recent years, Botswana's attractions have also grown to include traditional craft work and the village workshops in which they are made, which are especially appealing to visitors looking for that illusive Southern Africa souvenir.

The Mall / The Main Mall

Address: Gaborone, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
No visit to Gaborone would be complete without a visit to The Mall, also known as The Main Mall. Designed in the 1960s, The Mall was intended to be the new city's centre. Today, it retains its central role as home to numerous shops and offices. Here, visitors can also take in the Pula Arch, built to commemorate Botswana's Independence from Britain, as well as the attractions of the War Memorial, the National Assembly, and a statue of Sir Seretse Khama - the first of the country's presidents.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday
Admission: free

Orapa House

Address: Nelson Mandela Drive / Khama Crescent, Gaborone, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 395 1131
The architecture of Orapa House is perfectly designed for grading diamonds taken from Botswana's diamond mines. Natural, rather than direct sunlight is essential for the sorting process. The building itself was built some 25 years ago, amidst Gaborone's government buildings. Orapa House handles in the region of 30 million carats every year.
Open hours: tours may be available, on prior arrangement
Admission: charge

St. Claire Lion Park

Address: Gaborone, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
On the edges of Gaborone city is St. Claire Lion Park. As well as being home to some of the region's lion population, the park is a great place to while away a few hours. Local families and visitors often come to enjoy a picnic in pleasant surroundings. There are also trails for horse riders, a restaurant, children's playground, an opportunity to view game, and a chance to relax amidst the backdrop of Gaborone's dam.
Open hours: daily (restaurant closed on Monday)
Admission: charge

Botanical Gardens

Address: Gaborone, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Visitors have a chance to relax in the peaceful atmosphere of this relatively new addition to Gaborone's list of tourist attractions. Some 4 hectares / 9 acres of land in the city are devoted to Botswana's indigenous plant species, including common weeds and plants known for their traditional healing properties. The garden also features a rock amphitheatre.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 16:30
Admission: free

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Address: Serowe, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 463 0713
As well as protecting Botswana's last remaining rhino population, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is also home to dozens of species of zebra, giraffe, impala, leopards and other African wildlife attractions. The sanctuary was formed in 1989, with growing concern about dwindling rhino numbers. The roads within the sanctuary are passable in two-wheel drive vehicles for most of the year. However, in times of heavy rainfall, some roads may become off limits.
Open hours: 08:00 to 18:30
Admission: charge

Livingstone Memorial

Address: Kolobeng, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Some 40 km / 25 miles from Gaborone, on the site of the Kolobeng mission, is a memorial to the famous explorer Livingstone. David Livingstone travelled through Africa for some 40 years, covering vast distances of previously unmapped territory. Together with his wife Mary Moffat, he lived in a house by the Kolobeng mission from 1847 to 1852. Here, Livingstone converted Kgosi Sechele I, the chief of the Bakwena people, to Christianity. The mission was eventually closed because of drought in the area. Little remains of either the house or mission today.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kazangula Crocodile Farm

Address: Kazangula, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Located near the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, and approximately 1 km / 0.5 miles to the north of the town of Kazangula, this privately run crocodile farm is home to over 1,000 reptiles, including some veritable giants. Guided tours are included, complete with feeding demonstrations, allowing visitors to learn more about these vicious creatures.
Open hours: daily - 10:30 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 16:00
Admission: charge

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Address: Nata, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Just 15 km / 9 miles south-east of Nata, this bird sanctuary is a relatively recent addition to the country's many nature reserves. Nata Bird Sanctuary is home to numerous species of birds, including pelicans, flamingoes, ostriches and eagles. A small number of mammal species can also be found there, although its winged inhabitants are by far the main draw card here.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:00
Admission: charge

Gantsi Craft

Address: Ghanzi, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 659 6241
In the heart of the Kalahari is a cooperative that offers a fascinating insight into local craftwork. On display is a wide range of traditional items, from dyed textiles and bags, to bows and arrows, and hats. Gantsi Craft was originally set up by Danish volunteers back in the 1950s in order to support local artists through the sale of their work.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free