Area Info - Gaborone
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Gaborone is the capital, and largest, city of Botswana. Gaborone is located in south the eastern corner of Botswana in a flat valley between Kgale and Oodi Hills. This is the administrative capital of the South-East and just 15 kilometres from the South African Border. Gaborone was chosen because of its strategic location, its proximity to the railway line and Pretoria, its already established administrative offices, its accessibility to most of the major tribes, its non-association with any particular tribe, and, most importantly, its closeness to a major water source.
Gaborone is the fastest growing city in Africa with the majority of the country’s infrastructural budget going towards the improvement of the city’s roads, buildings and services.
Phakalane a posh suburb lies north just outside the city’s boundary. It is here, in Phakalane, that one will find 5 star hotels, good restaurants and a buzzing night life. Originally planned as a small town its rapid development has necessitated construction of a larger city dam to provide adequate water supply.
Attractions
| Kgale Hill |
Kgale Hill dominates Gaborone on the western edge of the city. Visitors can choose from one of three well-defined routes up the hill, each offering a pleasant climb with breathtaking views of the Dam and city. Wildlife in the area includes a troop of baboons and a pair of black eagles that nests in the cliff-face just below the peak. There have been reports of early morning sightings of leopard.
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| St Claire Lion Park |
The lions may be the major attraction but St Claire Lion Park has much more to offer. Just 14km from Gaborone and set in open woodland St Claire Lion Park offers a variety of outdoor activities making it a popular spot to relax. An entrance fee is charged, and facilities include a restaurant, bar, extensive children's playground, horse trails, motorbike rides, a vulture restaurant (where Otse's Cape vultures are fed), three dams, game viewing, picnic sites and the camping grounds.
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| The Main Mall (The Mall) |
This between the Railway Station and the Army Garrison was originally planned to be the town centre. Now the heart of Gaborone offering shops, banks and business offices. At the eastern end of The Mall you will find the Civic Centre that also houses a public reference library. The Pula Arch, a landmark commemorating the Independence of Botswana, can be found opposite the Civic Centre.
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Schools
| Westwood International School |
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| University of Botswana |
| Physical Address: |
Plot 4775 Notwane Road, Gaborone |
| Contact Number: |
+267 355 0000 |
| Website: |
http://www.ub.bw/ |
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Other Info
| Emergency Numbers |
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Police Department: |
+267 999 |
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Fire Department: |
+267 998 |
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Ambulance Service: |
+267 997 |
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| Website Links |
| Botswana Tourism - http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/ |