Gaborone: The Heartbeat of Botswana

• HelloDumela
  [doo-meh-lah]
• GoodbyeTsamaya sentle
  [tsah-mah-yah sen-tleh]
• YesEe
  [ee]
• NoNnyaa
  [nn-yah]
• Please/You're welcomeKe kopa
  [keh koh-pah]
• Thank youKe a leboga
  [keh ah leh-boh-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryPeleka
  [peh-leh-kah]
• How are you?O kae?
  [oh kah-eh?]
• Fine. And you?Ke teng. Le wena?
  [keh te-ng. leh weh-nah?]
• Do you speak English?O bua se se tsotlhe?
  [oh boo-ah seh seh tsot-leh?]
• I don't understandGa ke itse
  [gah keh eet-seh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKe kopa go bona menu
  [keh koh-pah goh boh-nah meh-noo]
• I don't eat meatGa ke itse nyama
  [gah keh eet-seh nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Tlala
  [tlah-lah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKe kopa go dira
  [keh koh-pah goh dee-rah]

• Help!Boitumelo!
  [boy-too-meh-loh!]
• Go away!Tshameka!
  [tsah-meh-kah!]
• Call the Police!Bula mpolele!
  [boo-lah mm-poh-leh-leh!]
• Call a doctor!Bula mogopolo!
  [boo-lah mo-go-po-lo!]
• I'm lostKe a kgotsofatsa
  [keh ah koh-tsow-fat-sah]
• I'm illKe a bolawa
  [keh ah boh-lah-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Ke kopa go aga...
  [keh koh-pah goh ah-gah...]
• I'm just lookingKe gopola
  [keh goh-poh-lah]
• How much is it?E be ke eng?
  [eh beh keh ehh-ng?]
• That's too expensiveKe e le mahala
  [keh eh leh mah-hah-lah]
• Can you lower the price?O ka dira pele?
  [oh kah dee-rah peh-leh?]

• What time is it?E monate jang?
  [eh moh-nah-teh jah-ng?]
• It's one o'clockKe moepeng
  [keh moh-eh-peng]
• Half past (10)Boraro jwa (le kgotla)
  [boh-rah-roh jwah (leh koh-tlah)]
• MorningMosetsana
  [moh-seh-tsah-nah]
• AfternoonMotsogata
  [moh-tsuh-gah-tah]
• EveningSentle
  [sen-tleh]
• YesterdayNgwaga o tswa
  [ng-wah-gah oh tswah]
• TodayNaledi
  [nah-leh-dee]
• TomorrowNnyaa
  [nn-yah]
• 1Moepeng
  [moh-eh-peng]
• 2Bobedi
  [boh-beh-dee]
• 3Boraro
  [boh-rah-roh]
• 4Bone
  [boh-neh]
• 5Boroko
  [boh-roh-koh]
• 6Borarong
  [boh-rah-rong]
• 7Bosenyegile
  [boh-seh-nyeh-gi-leh]
• 8Borobetse
  [boh-roh-beh-tseh]
• 9Borotlhe
  [boh-roh-tlhe]
• 10Lesepe
  [leh-seh-peh]

• Where's a/the...?Eng ke ya...?
  [eh-ng keh yah...?]
• What's the address?E tla ka kae?
  [eh tlah kah kah-eh?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O ka nka o itse (go nkupelele)?
  [oh kah n-kah oh eet-seh (goh n-koo-peh-leh-leh)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Ke eng metsi a ka nna?
  [keh ehh-ng meh-tsee ah kah n-nah?]
• A ticket (to ....)Motikete (go ....)
  [moh-tee-keh (goh ....)]

Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, was founded in 1964. The city was named after Chief Gaborone of the Tlokwa tribe, who once lived in the area. Initially called Gaberones, it was chosen as the capital due to its strategic position near the railway and proximity to South Africa.

Botswana gained independence from British colonial rule on September 30, 1966. Prior to independence, the capital was in Mafeking, South Africa. Gaborone was selected as the new capital because it was centrally located, had access to clean water from the Gaborone Dam, and had enough space for expansion.

The Gaborone Dam, completed in 1965, is a critical infrastructure project that has shaped the development of the city. The dam provides water to Gaborone and the surrounding areas, making it possible for the city to sustain its population and industries.

Since its establishment, Gaborone has experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization. The discovery of diamonds in Botswana in the 1960s significantly contributed to the country's wealth, with Gaborone becoming a hub for business and government activities. The city has expanded with modern infrastructure, shopping centers, and residential areas.

Gaborone is home to several cultural landmarks and institutions that reflect the rich heritage of Botswana. The National Museum and Art Gallery, established in 1968, showcases Botswana's art, culture, and history. The Three Dikgosi Monument, unveiled in 2005, honors three tribal chiefs who played crucial roles in Botswana's independence.

Gaborone is the political heart of Botswana, known for its stable and democratic governance. The city houses the National Assembly, the Office of the President, and various government ministries. Botswana's commitment to democracy and good governance has made Gaborone a symbol of political stability in Africa.

Gaborone is a center for education and research in Botswana. The University of Botswana, established in 1982, is the country's premier institution of higher learning. Gaborone also hosts several research institutes, including the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI) and the Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership.

As Gaborone continues to grow, it faces modern challenges such as urban sprawl, traffic congestion, and environmental sustainability. The city is working on various development projects to address these issues, including urban planning initiatives, public transportation improvements, and green energy solutions.

Gaborone is served by Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), located approximately 15 kilometers north of the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use a shuttle service to reach your accommodation in the city. Alternatively, Gaborone is accessible by road from neighboring countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe. Regular bus services connect Gaborone with Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Gaborone has a variety of transportation options. Taxis are readily available and a popular choice for getting around the city. Public buses and combis (minibuses) offer an affordable way to travel, although they can be crowded and less punctual. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are not yet widely available, so plan accordingly.

The official currency in Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger retail stores. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Gaborone, but ensure your card is compatible with local machines. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and some hotels.

Gaborone is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Neighborhoods such as Old Naledi and Broadhurst have higher crime rates, so exercise extra caution if you need to visit these areas. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoid displaying expensive items.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, 998 for fire, and 997 for medical emergencies. Hospitals and clinics are available in Gaborone, with Princess Marina Hospital being the largest public hospital. Private clinics and hospitals such as Gaborone Private Hospital offer high-quality care. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available throughout the city.

Fashion: Do dress modestly in public places; avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and places of worship. Remove your shoes when entering mosques and avoid taking photographs inside without permission. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer seats to the elderly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It is polite to use titles and surnames unless invited to use first names. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like seswaa and morogo. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals as it is considered impolite.

To experience Gaborone like a local, visit the Gaborone Dam for a relaxing picnic or a walk. The Main Mall is a popular spot for shopping and people-watching. Engage with locals at the Botswana Craft Centre, where you can purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the chance to visit the Kgale Hill for a hike, offering panoramic views of the city. For a unique dining experience, try the local street food at places like the Gaborone Bus Rank.