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Gaborone Nature Trail

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Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)

Weather…

The Gaborone Nature Trail is located on the outskirts of Botswana's capital, providing a vital green space for the urban population and serving as an educational hub for children. The trail extends near the Gaborone Dam and winds through a typical bushveld ecosystem dominated by indigenous tree species such as acacias and Combretum varieties. Designed with young visitors in mind, the path explains the local flora and fauna in an engaging way, with information boards highlighting the ecological importance of water management in a semi-arid region. Visitors can regularly spot smaller mammals like vervet monkeys, various antelope species, and an impressive array of birds, making it a well-suited destination for school groups and families. The nature trail not only serves recreational purposes but also actively promotes environmental awareness through reforestation programs and the protection of local resources. Its proximity to the dam, completed in 1964, links modern urban development with the preservation of the original natural landscape of the Notwane River basin.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272725211814141722252627
Rain mm90776940871111346896

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Gaborone Nature Trail is an easy hiking trail specially designed for children. The entire path is freely accessible and runs through natural bush landscape.
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Typical hours
The trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset. There are no fixed opening hours, but a visit in early morning or late afternoon is most pleasant.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the entire trail, great for nature and family photos. Please respect the environment and avoid disturbing wildlife.
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Time needed
The full circular walk takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on pace. Allow extra time for breaks, a picnic, and bird watching.
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Combine with
The nature trail is near the Gaborone Game Reserve, which you can also visit. A picnic afterwards in the nearby park makes a nice combination.
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Getting there
Access is via a small road on the outskirts of Gaborone, best reached by car. There is a small parking lot at the trailhead.
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Insider tip
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent as it can be hot and buggy outdoors. Closed shoes are recommended for the children.

Geography

Coordinates
-24.64000, 25.93000

Facts

  • The nature trail is situated in the direct vicinity of the Gaborone Dam, built in 1964.
  • The area is home to over 200 registered bird species, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers.
  • Indigenous tree species such as the Leadwood (Combretum imberbe) are marked along the path.
  • The trail is part of a larger protected area that secures the water quality of the drinking water reservoir.
  • Regular sightings of vervet monkeys and bushbucks are documented for visitors.
  • Educational programs for schools focus on the preservation of biodiversity in Botswana.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Diamond Technology ParkDiamond Technology Park1 km · SEExplore →
Botswana Dry Port TerminalBotswana Dry Port Terminal1 km · SWExplore →
Kgalagadi BreweriesKgalagadi Breweries3 km · WExplore →
Botswana National MuseumBotswana National Museum3 km · SExplore →
Gaborone Hindu TempleGaborone Hindu Temple3 km · SWExplore →
Gaborone ZooGaborone Zoo3 km · NEExplore →
Gaborone International Convention CentreGaborone International Convention Centre5 km · SExplore →
Notwane RiverNotwane River5 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Gaborone Nature Trail (1)

Maitisong🎭 culture

This theatre is a major cultural venue in Gaborone.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Gaborone nature trail?
There are various routes, most are between 2 and 5 km long.
Is the trail tiring for small children?
No, the terrain is mostly flat and manageable for families.
What should we bring on the hike?
Plenty of water, a sun hat, and comfortable walking shoes are important.
Can animals be seen along the trail?
You often see small mammals, lizards, and many different birds.
Is the trail marked?
Yes, the trails are well signposted and easy to find.
Gaborone Nature Trail: where is it located?
Gaborone Nature Trail is located in Botswana.
Gaborone Nature Trail: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Gaborone Nature Trail: why is it worth visiting?
The Gaborone Nature Trail is located on the outskirts of Botswana's capital, providing a vital green space for the urban population and serving as an educational hub for children.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Avani Gaborone Resort — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Avani Gaborone Resort
Now known as Avani Gaborone, this hotel and casino is a long-standing hospitality landmark in the capital city.
Botswana Bureau of Standards — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Botswana Bureau of Standards
The BOBS headquarters is a modern institutional landmark responsible for maintaining quality and safety standards in Botswana.
UB Administration Block — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
UB Administration Block
The University of Botswana Administration Block is a central architectural landmark on the main campus in Gaborone.
Princess Marina Hospital — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Princess Marina Hospital
Princess Marina is Botswana's premier referral hospital and a vital healthcare landmark in the capital city.
Christ the King Cathedral — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Christ the King Cathedral
This prominent Catholic cathedral is an architectural and spiritual landmark located in the heart of the capital city.
Bank of Botswana Headquarters — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Bank of Botswana Headquarters
The Bank of Botswana building is a financial landmark, housing the central bank responsible for the nation's monetary policy.
SADC Headquarters — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
SADC Headquarters
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) headquarters is a modern office complex and a symbol of regional cooperation.
Botswana National Museum — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Botswana National Museum
The National Museum complex is a cultural landmark in Gaborone, housing the nation's most important art and historical collections.

More places

Gaborone Botanical Garden — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Gaborone Botanical Garden
The Gaborone Botanical Garden is a serene green space showcasing indigenous plants and providing an educational park for children.
Gaborone Game Reserve — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Gaborone Game Reserve
A small, city-adjacent wildlife reserve.
Gaborone Zoo — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Gaborone Zoo
A small zoo for children for wildlife observation.
Notwane River — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Notwane River
A river that flows through Gaborone.
Moshaweng River — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Moshaweng River
The Moshaweng is a seasonal river in southern Botswana, typical of the dry drainage systems found in the Kalahari region.
Gaborone Dam — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Gaborone Dam
A popular recreation area at the dam.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
An educational center for nature conservation with many interactive opportunities.
Limpopo River — Gaborone Nature Trail (Botswana)
Limpopo River
A significant African border river.