National Botanical Garden, Southern District Travel Guide

The National Botanical Garden in Gaborone offers a unique opportunity to explore Botswana's diverse flora within a compact and accessible setting. Established in 2007, the 7-hectare garden is the first of its kind in Botswana, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the country's indigenous plant species. Managed by the Natural History Division of the Botswana National Museum, the garden plays a vital role in botanical research, conservation, and public education.The garden is divided into six sections, each representing a different ecological region of Botswana. Visitors can wander through these distinct zones, encountering plant species typical of the Chobe, Okavango Delta and Salt Pans, Mophane Woodland, North-Eastern Kalahari, Mashatu, and South-Western Kalahari regions. This provides a comprehensive overview of Botswana's botanical diversity in one location. Signature plants like the Sausage Tree (Moporota), Wild Date Palm (Tsaro), Mophane, and Hoodia can be found within their respective zones.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 also incorporates historical buildings, such as the Old Gaberones Hotel, which now serves as a Natural History Museum. The garden is located along the Notwane River, approximately 3 kilometers southeast of Gaborone's city center.