Africa > Botswana > Gaborone (GBE)
The Car or no Car advice for Gaborone can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Gaborone ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Gaborone ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Gaborone?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
📍 Getting Around Gaborone — the Reality
Gaborone is spread out and car-oriented.
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Wide roads and separated districts
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Long distances between residential, commercial, and government areas
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Heat makes walking impractical for anything beyond short trips
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Traffic is generally light
The city is designed around driving rather than walking or transit.
🚌 Public Transport: Functional but Limited
Public transport exists, but it’s basic and locally focused.
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Minibuses and shared taxis are common
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Routes are informal and not well signposted
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Services cater to residents rather than visitors
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Not ideal for predictable sightseeing
Most visitors do not rely on public transport alone.
🚕 Taxis vs Renting a Car
Taxis are available, but they have limits.
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Useful for short, point-to-point trips
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Can become inconvenient if used frequently
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Less practical for day trips or multiple stops
For longer stays, taxis rarely replace the flexibility of having a car.
🚗 Why Renting a Car Makes Sense
A rental car provides comfort and independence.
A car is useful for:
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Moving easily between distant parts of the city
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Travelling in air-conditioned comfort
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Visiting sites outside the urban area
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Day trips into surrounding countryside
Driving conditions are calm compared with many African capitals.
🌍 Gaborone as a Gateway
Gaborone often functions as a base rather than a destination.
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Easy road access to nearby reserves
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Longer journeys toward national parks and borders
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Sparse transport options once you leave the city
In these cases, driving becomes essential.
⚠️ Practical Considerations
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Rental cars are widely available
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Roads are generally good
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Wildlife can appear on roads outside the city
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Fuel and services are easy to find
Driving is straightforward, but awareness is important.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Gaborone?
Yes — for most visitors.
Gaborone is not a city where walking or public transport easily replaces driving. A rental car offers convenience, comfort, and the flexibility that the city’s layout demands.
