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Gaborone Sir Seretse Khama Layover Guide (GBE)

What are you looking for in GBE?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Gaborone Airport (GBE) is an international airport located in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. It’s situated about 15 km (9.3 miles) from downtown Gaborone. The airport officially opened in 1984. Gaborone is the largest city in Botswana and serves as its economic and political hub. The city is known for its rapid development, vibrant culture, and proximity to natural attractions like the Kgale Hill and the Gaborone Game Reserve.

Can you leave Gaborone Airport (GBE) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers may leave Gaborone Airport during a layover once they clear immigration. Botswana grants visa-free entry to nationals of over 100 countries for up to 90 days; others must secure an e-Visa beforehand. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Gaborone Game Reserve A compact wildlife sanctuary home to antelope, zebra and giraffe. Ideal for self-drive and birdwatching, witness nature close to city limits. Explore short walking trails, picnic spots among mopane woodlands. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min (~ZAR 200) or rental car.)
• Mokolodi Nature Reserve Just outside Gaborone, Mokolodi offers ethical wildlife experiences with rescued rhinos, cheetahs and safari drives. Enjoy guided walking trails and cultural village tours showcasing Tswana traditions and conservation educational efforts. (Time required: 4–5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 30 min (~ZAR 300).)
• Kgale Hill Popular urban hike offering panoramic views of city skyline and distant hills. Trail ascends through balmy bushveld, rewarding trekkers with sunrise or sunset vistas and occasional sightings of vervet monkeys. (Time required: 2–3 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min to trailhead.)
• National Museum and Art Gallery Explore Botswana’s cultural heritage through archaeological artifacts, vibrant traditional crafts and contemporary art exhibitions. Interactive displays narrate prehistoric settlements, colonial history and post-independence, offering insight into national identity and pride. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi or Uber 15 min.)
• Three Dikgosi Monument Iconic bronze statues honouring three tribal chiefs who unified Botswana pre-independence. Located at Parliament Square, it offers photo opportunities and educational plaques detailing historical legacies of Khama, Sebele and Bathoen. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi 20 min or public bus plus 10 min walk.)
• Main Mall Vibrant pedestrian precinct featuring local boutiques, art galleries and cosy cafés. Sample traditional Botswana dishes, shop for designer wear, and soak up colorful, lively street performances amid bustling urban ambiance. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or local combi bus.)
• Gaborone Dam Scenic water reservoir offering peaceful strolls along embankment and birdwatching. Spot kingfishers, pelicans and egrets against tranquil blue backdrop while enjoying shaded picnic areas under leadwood trees and photography opportunities. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi 25 min or guided tour.)
• Botswana Craft Market Discover authentic Botswana handicrafts at the Botswana Craft market, with wood carvings, woven baskets and jewelry. Support local artisans while browsing colorful stalls in outdoor setting where bargaining is allowed. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi 15 min or local bus.)

Things to Do in Gaborone Airport (GBE)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport features two airside VIP lounges—Nthula Lounge and Pula Lounge—open daily for international passengers. Both offer air-conditioning, plush seating, complimentary snacks, hot beverages, alcoholic drinks, newspapers, magazines and free Wi-Fi, creating a quiet, restorative space before departure. Access is available via Priority Pass or pay-per-entry. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Several hotels near Gaborone Airport offer comfortable rooms and round-the-clock service. Popular options include Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone, Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, Protea Hotel by Marriott Gaborone Masa Square and Travelodge, all providing free airport shuttle, Wi-Fi, on-site dining and fitness facilities for restful stays. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Sir Seretse Khama Airport closes nightly from 22:00 to 06:00 and has no dedicated quiet or rest zones. Overnight stays are prohibited. There are no cots or sleeping pods on site. Travellers seeking uninterrupted rest should book accommodation at nearby hotels with shuttle services.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available airside within VIP lounges, limited to 60 minutes per session for complimentary users. Economy travellers can pay for lounge access to connect. There is no public Wi-Fi outside lounges, so passengers without lounge entry should purchase data or use mobile hotspots for internet access.

SIM/eSIM Card: Passengers can purchase Botswana SIM cards from kiosks operated by Mascom, Orange and BTC Mobile in the arrivals terminal between 06:00 and 22:00. Prepaid SIMs cost around 10–20 BWP with data bundle options. eSIM packages are available online for instant activation via QR code before arrival. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Gaborone Airport (GBE) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metred and fixed-rate taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. A journey to downtown Gaborone takes about 15 minutes, costing approximately 80–100 BWP. Drivers may speak limited English. For assured service and upfront pricing, travellers can pre-book private transfers or ride-hail via local apps prior to arrival.

Train: There is no direct rail link to Sir Seretse Khama Airport. The nearest station is Gaborone Railway Station, located in the city centre approximately 17 kilometres away. Passengers wishing to travel by train can take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to the station. more info

Bus: No dedicated airport bus service operates at GBE. Regional coach operators and shared minibuses serve routes between Gaborone and neighbouring countries, but passengers must travel to central bus terminals. For cross-border connections and city-centre shuttles, private coach bookings are advised. more info

Shuttle: Many nearby hotels provide complimentary or paid airport shuttle services; confirm availability when booking. Additionally, private shuttle companies offer shared and chartered van transfers to Gaborone suburbs and neighbouring towns. Reservations should be made in advance to secure space and confirm pick-up times aligned with flight arrivals.

Car rentals: Major international and local agencies (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, SIXT and Botswana Rent-A-Car) operate desks in the arrivals hall. They offer a range of vehicles, including compact cars and SUVs, with options for GPS, child seats and unlimited mileage. Advance online reservations guarantee availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Sir Seretse Khama Airport features automated short-term and long-term surface parking adjacent to the terminal. The first 30 minutes are free; 30–60 minutes cost 15 BWP. Rates escalate up to 500 BWP for ten-day stays, with an additional 40 BWP per day thereafter. Payment is via pay stations using cash or card.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A manned left luggage facility operates landside in the arrivals area during terminal hours (06:00–22:00). Bags are stored securely for a daily fee per item. There are no self-service lockers. Collect and retrieve items at the desk; identification is required upon drop-off and pickup. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Gaborone Airport (GBE) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks