Plizio Visual Lab

Gaborone Dam

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Gaborone Dam was completed in 1964 and serves as the primary water source for the capital city, Gaborone, and the town of Lobatse. This earth-fill embankment dam stands 25 meters high with a crest length of approximately 3.7 kilometers. With a storage capacity of about 141 million cubic meters, the dam is essential for the region's economic stability and ongoing urban development. During severe drought periods, the water level often drops to critical lows, highlighting Botswana's reliance on seasonal rainfall and the challenges of water management. The reservoir and its surroundings are managed by the Water Utilities Corporation and offer various recreational activities, including fishing, sailing, and birdwatching. The dam marks a significant infrastructure milestone from the independence era and remains a symbol of the nation's efforts to secure water resources in a semi-arid environment. Its proximity to the city makes it a popular weekend getaway for residents seeking natural surroundings.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	25	21	18	14	14	17	22	25	26	27
Rain mm	90	77	69	40	8	7	1	1	11	34	68	96

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

Gaborone Dam as an infrastructure landmark is visible from outside at all times. Access to the dam wall is usually restricted or closed.

🕒

Typical hours

The structure itself has no visiting hours as it is not publicly accessible. The surrounding recreation areas are typically open from sunrise to sunset.

📷

Photography

Photographing the dam from the outside is easily possible. Drone shots are often not allowed for security reasons.

⏱️

Time needed

A quick photo stop takes about 10 to 15 minutes. For a walk along the shore, allow 30 minutes to an hour.

➕

Combine with

The dam is near the Botanical Garden and Christ the King Cathedral. A tour of Gaborone can link these points.

🧭

Getting there

The dam is easily accessible by car or taxi from the city center. There is a viewpoint with parking facilities.