Free South-East District Travel Guide & Mobile App

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South-East District
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Explore Botswana’s South-East District for Mokolodi wildlife, village heritage, rocky hills and easy access to Gaborone’s culture and services.

South-East District forms a compact, historically layered corner of Botswana around the capital, Gaborone, and the villages and hills to its south and east. It borders South Africa and combines a semi-arid landscape of thornveld, rocky ridges and seasonal watercourses with some of the country’s most accessible wildlife experiences. Although Gaborone is administered separately from the district, it is the principal gateway for visitors and the practical base for exploring the surrounding area.
Read more about South-East District
The district’s communities include Tlokweng, Ramotswa and Otse, each with its own social and historical character. Tlokweng lies east of Gaborone beneath the wooded slopes of Kgale and Oodi-area hills, while Ramotswa, the home of the BaLete, has long been an important settlement south of the capital. Otse, set among distinctive rocky hills, provides a quieter contrast to the capital’s expanding suburbs. Villages, cattle enclosures, modern businesses and open bushland often stand close together, making the district a useful introduction to the relationship between urban Botswana and its rural hinterland.
Wildlife is a major reason to travel beyond the capital. Mokolodi Nature Reserve, south of Gaborone, protects a varied area of bushveld where visitors may encounter species such as giraffe, zebra, antelope and rhinoceros, subject to conservation conditions and seasonal visibility. The reserve also supports environmental education and guided outdoor activities. For a more strenuous outing, the hills around Otse and the wider Gaborone area provide opportunities for walking and panoramic views, although routes should be approached with local guidance, water and sensible precautions in hot weather.
South-East District is also a place to learn about Botswana’s living culture. Traditional village settlements, kgotla compounds and local crafts give context to the country’s customary leadership and community decision-making, while Gaborone supplies museums, galleries, restaurants and shopping. The nearby capital is not part of the district, but its institutions are closely connected to any visit here. Food ranges from everyday Botswana dishes such as seswaa, bogobe and morogo to South African-influenced cuisine and contemporary urban dining. The result is a region best understood through short journeys between town, village, reserve and hill rather than through a single concentrated sightseeing circuit.

When is the best time to visit South-East District?

Best: April–May, September · 21–25°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January3075
February3060
March2850
April (best)2535
May (best)2120
June1810
July1710
August2020
September (best)2430
October2750
November2960
December3175

Getting to and around South-East District

How to get there

Most international visitors reach South-East District through Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, which lies outside the district but is its principal air gateway. Gaborone is connected by roads to South Africa and to major Botswana towns, and long-distance buses and shared taxis commonly serve the capital. From Gaborone, the district’s villages, reserves and southern approaches are reached by road. Visitors arriving overland from South Africa should check border requirements and allow time for formalities; routes and services can change seasonally.

Transportation

Road travel is the most practical way to explore the district because attractions and settlements are dispersed and public transport is oriented towards local commuting rather than sightseeing. Taxis and combis, or shared minibuses, are useful around Gaborone and nearby villages, while a hired car or guided excursion gives greater flexibility for Mokolodi Nature Reserve and rural areas. Main roads are generally the simplest option, but secondary roads may be unpaved or affected by heavy rain. Avoid driving after dark in unfamiliar rural areas and watch for livestock and wildlife.

Top city travel guides in South-East District

The cities of South-East District, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in South-East District

South-East District’s attractions are varied for its modest size, combining accessible wildlife, community heritage and outdoor landscapes. Mokolodi Nature Reserve is the principal nature destination, with bushveld habitats, guided drives, walking opportunities and environmental programmes subject to current conservation arrangements. Around Tlokweng, Ramotswa and Otse, visitors encounter living villages rather than staged heritage sites, with opportunities to understand local history, traditional leadership and contemporary Botswana when visits are arranged respectfully. The rocky hills around Otse and the wider Gaborone area offer viewpoints and short hikes, although hot conditions and limited waymarking call for preparation. Gaborone, outside the district, adds museums, galleries, cultural institutions and restaurants, making it a useful companion to rural excursions. The area is not a substitute for Botswana’s large northern wildlife reserves, but its proximity to the capital makes it well suited to a first wildlife outing, a half-day nature trip or an introduction to the country’s urban-rural connections.

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Best landmarks in South-East District

The clearest landmarks of South-East District are its hills, villages and conservation landscapes rather than a long sequence of monumental buildings. The rocky Otse Hills form a conspicuous natural backdrop and help define the character of the southern part of the district, where exposed stone and dry woodland contrast with the built-up capital region. Tlokweng and Ramotswa are important cultural landmarks in a broader sense: their settlement patterns, kgotla institutions and community histories express the continuing presence of Botswana’s traditional societies within a modern state. Mokolodi Nature Reserve is also a recognisable regional landmark because its protected bushveld survives close to Gaborone and has become associated with accessible conservation. Gaborone’s major civic and cultural buildings should be treated as nearby capital sights rather than district landmarks, since the city has separate administrative status. The most meaningful way to read the landscape is to connect the hills and villages with the roads, cattle areas and expanding urban edge that have shaped the south-east over time.

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Explore South-East District on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in South-East District

Dining in South-East District is closely tied to Gaborone, which lies just outside the district and provides the broadest choice of restaurants, cafés and international food. In the district’s villages and along major roads, look for straightforward local meals, casual eateries and establishments serving Botswana staples such as seswaa, a slow-cooked shredded meat dish, bogobe or pap, morogo greens and grilled meat. Chicken, beef and goat are common, while South African culinary influences are also evident. Mokolodi-area outings may involve pre-arranged meals or refreshments rather than a dense restaurant scene, so visitors should check what is available before setting out. Markets and small food sellers can offer a more everyday perspective, though opening arrangements vary. For a fuller contemporary dining experience, return to Gaborone for cafés, bakeries and restaurants reflecting the capital’s cosmopolitan population, while treating regional dishes as part of Botswana’s wider national food culture rather than exclusive specialities of the district.

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Best bars in South-East District

Nightlife in South-East District itself is generally quiet and community-oriented, centred on local pubs, casual restaurants and social venues rather than a concentrated club district. The greatest choice is in Gaborone, outside the district, where visitors find hotel bars, contemporary lounges, live music and late-evening restaurants. Tlokweng and other settlements may have informal evening venues, but facilities and opening arrangements change, so local advice is useful. In rural areas, evenings are more likely to revolve around a lodge, guesthouse or private gathering than a public nightlife circuit. Botswana’s licensed alcohol venues operate within national regulations, and sensible transport planning is important because walking between scattered venues is rarely practical. Some lodges near nature areas offer an evening drink or quiet outdoor setting, but wildlife rules and darkness should be respected.

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Best nightclubs in South-East District

Nightlife in South-East District itself is generally quiet and community-oriented, centred on local pubs, casual restaurants and social venues rather than a concentrated club district. The greatest choice is in Gaborone, outside the district, where visitors find hotel bars, contemporary lounges, live music and late-evening restaurants. Tlokweng and other settlements may have informal evening venues, but facilities and opening arrangements change, so local advice is useful. In rural areas, evenings are more likely to revolve around a lodge, guesthouse or private gathering than a public nightlife circuit. Botswana’s licensed alcohol venues operate within national regulations, and sensible transport planning is important because walking between scattered venues is rarely practical. Some lodges near nature areas offer an evening drink or quiet outdoor setting, but wildlife rules and darkness should be respected.

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Best shops in South-East District

Shopping in South-East District is primarily practical and local, with small village shops, roadside traders and services concentrated in settlements such as Tlokweng and Ramotswa. For a wider choice of crafts, books, clothing, groceries and contemporary retail, Gaborone, outside the district, is the main destination. Visitors may find woven goods, beadwork, carved items and other Botswana-made crafts through established retailers, markets or cultural outlets, although stock varies and not every item labelled as local is made nearby. Regional food shopping can include dried produce, baked goods and everyday Botswana ingredients, while larger supermarkets in the capital are useful for provisions before a reserve excursion. Buy crafts thoughtfully, ask about materials where wildlife products are involved and avoid purchasing items whose legal origin is uncertain. The district is better suited to small-scale local purchases and craft encounters than to luxury shopping or a dedicated retail itinerary.

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South-East District essentials

Currency and Payment
Botswana uses the pula, coded BWP, as its national currency. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted by larger hotels, formal restaurants, fuel stations and established attractions in and around Gaborone, but smaller traders, local transport and rural businesses may require cash. Carry modest pula notes for village visits and incidental purchases, while avoiding carrying more cash than necessary. South African rand may sometimes be accepted near the border or in tourist-facing businesses, but payment in pula is more dependable.
Safety
South-East District is a practical area for visitors, but normal precautions remain appropriate, particularly in busy urban and transport areas. Keep valuables discreet, use reputable taxis and avoid walking alone in poorly lit places at night. Outside built-up areas, heat, dehydration, thorny vegetation, uneven ground and encounters with animals are more relevant hazards than urban crime. Follow reserve instructions, remain in vehicles where required and do not approach wildlife. Driving requires care because pedestrians, cyclists, livestock and sudden roadside hazards are common.
Emergency Situations
Botswana’s national emergency arrangements apply in South-East District. Dial 999 for police emergencies and 997 for ambulance services; 998 is used for fire emergencies. Mobile coverage is generally strongest around Gaborone and larger settlements but may be less reliable in open bushland. Keep accommodation, reserve and vehicle-rental contact details available, and tell someone about independent excursions. In a serious outdoor incident, contact the relevant reserve staff or local authorities rather than attempting to approach injured people or animals without guidance.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly and neatly when visiting villages, traditional authorities, churches or kgotla spaces, and ask before taking photographs of people or community activities. Greet people politely and follow local guidance about where visitors may sit or stand. Do not enter a private compound, cattle enclosure or ceremonial space without permission. In reserves, never feed animals, leave the vehicle where prohibited or remove plants and other natural material. Tipping is appreciated for good service but is not a substitute for fair payment or respectful behaviour.
Local Tips
Combine a capital-based cultural itinerary with one or two carefully planned excursions into the district rather than assuming every site can be reached spontaneously. Early mornings are usually best for wildlife and walking, while the middle of the day can be intensely hot. Ask accommodation staff about current road conditions and reputable local guides. Markets and village areas are better places to look for locally made crafts than airport-style souvenir displays, but buying directly should be done courteously and without aggressive bargaining.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloDumelang[Doo-meh-lahng]
GoodbyeTsamaya sentle[Tsa-mah-yah sen-tleh]
YesEe[Ee]
NoAowa[A-oh-wah]
Please/You're welcomeO kgotsofe[O kgo-tso-feh]
Thank youKe a leboga[Keh ah leh-boh-gah]
Excuse me/SorryNtshwarele[Nts-hwa-reh-leh]
How are you?O kae?[O kah-eh?]
Fine. And you?Ke teng, wena o kae?[Keh teng, weh-nah o kah-eh?]
Do you speak English?A o bua Senyesemane?[Ah o boo-ah Sen-ye-seh-mah-neh?]
I don't understandKe sitwa go utlwa[Keh sit-wah go oot-lwah]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKe kopa go bona menu, tsweetswee[Keh ko-pah go boh-nah meh-noo, tswee-tswee]
I don't eat meatKe sitwa go ja nama[Keh sit-wah go jah nah-mah]
Cheers!A re kgotsofe![Ah reh kgo-tso-feh!]
I would like to pay, pleaseKe kopa go lefa, tsweetswee[Keh ko-pah go leh-fah, tswee-tswee]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Thusang![Thoo-sahng!]
Go away!Tsamaya![Tsa-mah-yah!]
Call the Police!Calla mapolesa![Kah-lah mah-poh-leh-sah!]
Call a doctor!Calla ngaka![Kah-lah ngah-kah!]
I'm lostKe a sitwa[Keh ah sit-wah]
I'm illKe a bolawa[Keh ah boh-lah-wah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ke kopa go reka...[Keh ko-pah go reh-kah...]
I'm just lookingKe just go lebelela[Keh just go leh-beh-leh-lah]
How much is it?E bokae?[Eh boh-kah-eh?]
That's too expensiveSeo se a senya[Sey-oh seh ah sen-yah]
Can you lower the price?O ka kgona go fokotsa theko?[O kah kho-nah go fo-kot-sah teh-koh?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ke nako e kae?[Keh nah-koh eh kah-eh?]
It's one o'clockKe ngwaga e le nngwe[Keh ng-wah-gah eh leh ng-wah]
Half past (10)Haf e feta (10)[Haf eh feh-tah]
MorningMosong[Moh-sohng]
AfternoonMantsibanye[Mahn-tsee-bah-nyay]
EveningMafelo a motshegare[Mah-feh-loh ah mo-tseh-gah-reh]
YesterdayMaabane[Mah-ah-bah-neh]
TodayKajeno[Kah-yeh-noh]
TomorrowKamoso[Kah-moh-soh]
1Nngwe[Nn-gweh]
2Pedi[Pe-dih]
3Tharo[Thah-roh]
4Nne[Nn-eh]
5Tshela[Tseh-lah]
6Ntsatsi[Nn-tsah-tsee]
7Nkhwe[Nn-khweh]
8Borai[Boh-rah-ee]
9Borai[Boh-rah-ee]
10Lesome[Leh-soh-meh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kgorong e kae...?[Kho-roh-ng eh kah-eh?]
What's the address?Kgang e kae?[Kah-ng eh kah-eh?]
Can you show me (on the map)?O ka nthusa go bontsha (mo mapeong)?[O kah n-thoo-sah go bon-chah (mo mah-peh-ohng)?]
When's the next (bus)?Nako ya bus e latelang ke eng?[Nah-koh yah bus eh lah-teh-lang keh eng?]
A ticket (to ....)Tiket (go ....)[Tee-ket (go ....)]

History of South-East District

Early settlement and archaeological landscapes

The hills and open country of south-eastern Botswana preserve evidence of long human occupation, including Stone Age activity and later Iron Age settlement patterns. Communities used seasonal water sources, grazing areas and elevated ground in ways adapted to a dry environment. Archaeological interpretation across the region points to changing movements, technologies and livelihoods rather than a single uninterrupted population. Today, the district’s rocky outcrops, village surroundings and bushveld offer reminders that the modern road network and capital city occupy a much older human landscape.

The BaLete and Ramotswa

Ramotswa is closely associated with the BaLete, a Tswana-speaking community whose settlement history forms an important part of the district’s identity. Like other communities in south-eastern Botswana, the BaLete developed political and social institutions centred on the village, the kgotla and the authority of traditional leadership. Ramotswa’s continuing importance lies not only in its past but also in its role as a living settlement, where customary structures, family histories, farming and modern economic life exist alongside one another.

Tlokweng and regional community history

Tlokweng, east of Gaborone, has its own community history and remains associated with the BaTlokwa. Its position near the capital has brought extensive urban growth, but the settlement retains village institutions and cultural landmarks that distinguish it from the capital’s administrative and commercial core. The area illustrates a wider pattern in Botswana: traditional communities were not replaced by modern state structures, but continue to operate alongside local government, churches, schools, businesses and expanding metropolitan development.

The Bechuanaland Protectorate and colonial change

During the period of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, established in the late nineteenth century, south-eastern Botswana became increasingly connected to colonial administrative routes, railways and commercial networks linking the interior with southern Africa. Colonial rule altered patterns of taxation, labour migration, land administration and transport without eliminating the authority of local communities. The railway and later roads strengthened the importance of settlements in the south-east, helping create the geographic conditions for the rise of the modern capital region.

Railways, roads and the emergence of Gaborone

Transport infrastructure transformed this part of Botswana during the twentieth century. Rail connections and improved roads linked the south-east with South Africa and other parts of the protectorate, while new administrative planning gave growing weight to the area around Gaborone. Gaborone was selected as the capital before independence because of its central position within the populated south-east, access to transport and available space for expansion. The capital’s growth subsequently reshaped neighbouring villages and rural districts.

Independence and the modern capital region

Botswana became independent in 1966, with Gaborone as its national capital. The event began a period of rapid institution-building, urbanisation and economic development that affected South-East District as well as the separately administered capital. Villages such as Tlokweng and Ramotswa became increasingly connected to metropolitan employment, education and services, while roads and tourism facilities improved access to nearby landscapes. Contemporary South-East District reflects this continuing transition between traditional community life, conservation, agriculture and the expanding capital economy.

Mokolodi and community-minded conservation

Mokolodi Nature Reserve represents a modern conservation response to the pressures of development and habitat loss around Gaborone. Established as a private, non-profit reserve in the 1990s, it combined wildlife protection with environmental education, research and public access. Its significance lies in showing that meaningful conservation landscapes can exist close to a major city. The reserve has also helped make the South-East District an accessible place for visitors seeking wildlife without travelling to Botswana’s more distant northern parks.

South-East District in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to South-East District, Botswana

Discover the wonders of South-East District with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide. Covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy hotel, tour, ticket, and experience booking through the app
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More about the Evendo app

Explore South-East District like never before with Evendo, the comprehensive and free travel guide app. Plan your trip with ease and uncover hidden gems.

  • History of South-East District
  • Travel essentials and local advice
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips to experience the destination like a local
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs
  • Coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app designed to make your journey to South-East District, Botswana, unforgettable. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo offers detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in South-East District. Imagine exploring the historic **Three Dikgosi Monument** or taking a tranquil stroll through the **Gaborone Game Reserve**. With Evendo, every location is enriched with images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it effortless to plan and organize your trip.

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Moreover, Evendo is equipped with features that ensure you get the most out of your visit. Learn about the history of South-East District and get travel essentials and curated local tips to make your stay even more enriching. The app's easy navigation and 'Near Me' feature enable you to find and explore attractions around you effortlessly. Best of all, Evendo is completely free – no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

Evendo doesn't just stop at South-East District. The app covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, making it a versatile tool for all your travel needs. Download Evendo today and have the world in your pocket.

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