National Botanical Garden, Gaborone Travel Guide

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Discover Botswana's indigenous flora and natural heritage in a tranquil riverside setting, just minutes from Gaborone's city center.

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National Botanical Garden

Escape the city bustle at Gaborone's National Botanical Garden, a 7-hectare haven showcasing Botswana's indigenous plant life and ecological diversity. Established in 2007, the garden offers a tranquil setting to explore native flora and learn about the country's natural heritage.

A brief summary to National Botanical Garden

8WMV+4X4, Okwa, Gaborone, BW

Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring National Botanical Garden.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for photography.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the expansive lawns, taking advantage of the shaded areas.
Engage with the knowledgeable guides to learn more about the unique plant species and ecological regions represented in the garden.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

The Three Dikgosi Monument

National Museum and Art Gallery

Pula Arch

Christ the King Cathedral

Tsholofelo Park

Explore National Botanical Garden on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near National Botanical Garden, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

If you are near the Gaborone Bus Rank, head southwest on Machel Drive for about 1.5 kilometers until you reach the junction with the A1 road. Turn right and continue for another 1.5 kilometers. The garden will be on your left. This walk takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Public Transport

From various points in Gaborone, take a 'Kombi' (minibus taxi) to the Gaborone Bus Rank. From there, you can either walk (approximately 3 kilometers) or take a local taxi to the National Botanical Garden. A taxi ride from the bus rank will cost around 15-20 Pula. Kombi fares typically cost no more than 0.47 EUR (approximately 6.50 Botswana Pula).
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Gaborone. A taxi ride from the city center to the National Botanical Garden, located approximately 3 kilometers southeast of the city center, will cost an estimated 50-80 BWP. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about National Botanical Garden

The National Botanical Garden in Gaborone is a serene escape dedicated to preserving and showcasing Botswana's rich botanical heritage. Opened in 2007, the 7-hectare (17-acre) garden is located along the Notwane River, approximately 3 kilometers southeast of Gaborone's city center. Managed by the Natural History Division of the Botswana National Museum, it is the first botanical garden in Botswana, housing indigenous plants from around the country.The garden is divided into six sections, each representing a different ecological region of Botswana. Visitors can explore plant life from the Chobe, Okavango and Salt Pans, Mophane Woodland, North-Eastern Kalahari, Mashatu, and South Western Kalahari regions. Notable plants include the Moporota (Sausage Tree) and Mukusi (Pod Mahogany) from the Chobe region, and the Tsaro (Wild Date Palm) and Mokolwane (Ilala Palm) from the Okavango Delta.Beyond its botanical collections, the garden also maintains botanical monuments, including the historic morula tree under which the first meeting of the Botswana Democratic Party was held. The garden provides a peaceful environment for picnics, leisurely strolls, and reconnecting with nature. It also serves as a venue for educational programs and events promoting environmental awareness and conservation.