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National Botanical Garden: A Sanctuary of Botswana's Flora

Discover Botswana's natural heritage at Gaborone's National Botanical Garden, a serene sanctuary of indigenous flora and historical significance.

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Escape the city bustle at Gaborone's National Botanical Garden, a serene oasis showcasing Botswana's indigenous plant life across six ecological zones. Established in 2007, the 7-hectare garden offers a tranquil retreat with historical monuments and diverse flora, providing a unique glimpse into 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

Local tips

  • Visit during the weekdays for a quieter, more tranquil experience.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns, as shaded spots are available.
  • Engage with the guides to learn more about the unique plant species in the garden.
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Getting There

  • Car

    If driving from the Southern District, take the A1 road towards Gaborone. Continue for approximately 40 kilometers, following signs for the National Botanical Garden near the city center. Parking is available on-site, with a possible parking fee.

  • Public Transport

    From the Southern District, take a bus or shared taxi to the Gaborone Bus Rank. From there, either walk southwest on Machel Drive for about 3 kilometers (approximately 30-40 minutes) or take a local taxi to the garden. A taxi ride should cost around 15-20 Pula.

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Discover more about National Botanical Garden

The National Botanical Garden in Gaborone is a 7-hectare sanctuary dedicated to preserving and showcasing Botswana's diverse indigenous plant life. Opened in 2007, it stands as the country's first botanical garden, managed by the Natural History Division of the Botswana National Museum. The garden is located along the Notwane River, approximately 3 kilometers southeast of Gaborone's city center, offering a peaceful escape from the urban environment. The garden is thoughtfully divided into six sections, each representing a distinct ecological region of Botswana. Visitors can explore the unique flora of the Chobe, Okavango Delta and Salt Pans, Mophane Woodland, North-Eastern Kalahari, Mashatu, and South-Western Kalahari regions. Each section features plants typical of its respective region, such as the iconic sausage tree and pod mahogany from Chobe, and the wild date palm and ilala palm from the Okavango. Beyond its botanical displays, the garden also maintains botanical monuments, including the historic morula tree where the first meeting of the Botswana Democratic Party was held. The Old Gaberones Hotel, constructed in 1890 and now a Natural History Museum, is also located within the garden. While some visitors have noted that the garden could benefit from improved signage and maintenance, it remains a valuable resource for education, research, and conservation. The garden promotes awareness of the region's biodiversity and conserves rare indigenous plant species.

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