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Gaborone Dam

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Gaborone Dam (Botswana)

Weather…

The Gaborone Dam is the primary source of water for Botswana's capital city, located directly south of the city center. It was completed in 1964, just prior to the country's independence, to facilitate the rapid expansion and development of Gaborone. The dam impounds the Notwane River and has a maximum capacity of approximately 141 million cubic meters, although water levels fluctuate dramatically due to the region's unpredictable rainfall patterns. Beyond its critical infrastructure role, the dam serves as a major recreational hub for urban residents. The surrounding landscape features hiking trails, picnic spots, and bird-watching opportunities, as the reservoir attracts a diverse array of waterfowl. Fishing and non-motorized water sports, such as sailing and canoeing, are popular leisure activities when water conditions permit. The dam stands as a symbol of the water management challenges in a semi-arid nation and is supported by modern treatment facilities to provide safe drinking water to over 230,000 residents.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262624201714131721242526
Rain mm10388744912923103970108

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Gaborone Dam is a public recreation area, freely visitable during the day. The shores and picnic spots invite relaxation.
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Typical hours
The area is typically open from sunrise to sunset. There are no fixed hours as it is an open space.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere, especially popular are shots of the water and birdlife. Drones may require a permit.
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Time needed
A visit lasts one to three hours depending on activity. Walks, picnics and birdwatching combine well.
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Combine with
The dam is near the Botanical Garden and Christ the King Cathedral. A trip can be easily combined with these attractions.
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Getting there
The dam is accessible by car or taxi from the city center. There is a parking lot at the entrance to the recreation area.
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Insider tip
Arrive early morning for birdwatching and to enjoy the quiet. Bring insect repellent and plenty of drinks.

Geography

Coordinates
-24.76000, 25.88000

Facts

  • Construction of the dam took approximately two years, from 1962 to 1964.
  • The dam wall is 3.7 kilometers long and reaches a height of 25 meters.
  • At full capacity, the reservoir covers an area of about 19 square kilometers.
  • The Gaborone Yacht Club is located on the northern shores of the dam.
  • In 2015, the dam's water level dropped to a historic low of just 7%.
  • The facility is managed and operated by the Water Utilities Corporation.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mokolodi Nature ReserveMokolodi Nature Reserve3 km · SExplore →
Moshaweng RiverMoshaweng River6 km · EExplore →
Gaborone DamGaborone Dam7 km · NEExplore →
Gaborone Hindu TempleGaborone Hindu Temple10 km · NEExplore →
Orapa HouseOrapa House11 km · EExplore →
Kgalagadi BreweriesKgalagadi Breweries11 km · NEExplore →
Gaborone International Convention CentreGaborone International Convention Centre11 km · EExplore →
Botswana Dry Port TerminalBotswana Dry Port Terminal12 km · EExplore →

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 nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Gaborone Dam good for kids?
Yes, for picnics and bird watching, but supervision near the water is essential.
Are there play areas?
At the yacht club, there are often small play sets or open spaces for kids to run.
Can kids fish there?
Fishing is allowed in certain spots but often requires a permit.
Are there toilets on-site?
Basic toilets are usually available near picnic areas or at the yacht club.
Is there an entrance fee for children?
Reduced rates for children often apply when accessing through private clubs.
Gaborone Dam: where is it located?
Gaborone Dam is located in Botswana.
Gaborone Dam: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Gaborone Dam: why is it worth visiting?
The Gaborone Dam is the primary source of water for Botswana's capital city, located directly south of the city center.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Gaborone Dam — Gaborone Dam (Botswana)
Gaborone Dam
The Gaborone Dam is a major infrastructure landmark and a popular recreational area for sailing and birdwatching.
Gaborone Hindu Temple — Gaborone Dam (Botswana)
Gaborone Hindu Temple
The Hindu Temple in Gaborone is a beautiful architectural landmark featuring intricate carvings and serving the local Indian community.
Christ the King Cathedral — Gaborone Dam (Botswana)
Christ the King Cathedral
This prominent Catholic cathedral is an architectural and spiritual landmark located in the heart of the capital city.
Orapa House — Gaborone Dam (Botswana)
Orapa House
Orapa House is a famous landmark in Gaborone, formerly used for the sorting and valuing of the nation's diamonds.
UB Administration Block — Gaborone Dam (Botswana)
UB Administration Block
The University of Botswana Administration Block is a central architectural landmark on the main campus in Gaborone.
Gaborone International Convention Centre — Gaborone Dam (Botswana)
Gaborone International Convention Centre
The Gaborone International Convention Centre is a premier venue for large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and international summits.
Botswana Craft Building — Gaborone Dam (Botswana)
Botswana Craft Building
Botswana Craft is a commercial and cultural landmark in Gaborone, famous for showcasing high-quality local handicrafts and hosting music …
Avani Gaborone Resort — Gaborone Dam (Botswana)
Avani Gaborone Resort
Now known as Avani Gaborone, this hotel and casino is a long-standing hospitality landmark in the capital city.

More places

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