By Ian Micheler
The rush of development is pushing the suburban limits ever further into the scrubby countryside and, in an attempt to cope with the burgeoning congestion, a network of highways and traffic circles now sweeps Gaborone's outskirts, taking the traffic away from the crowded inner city.
Gabs residents have embraced the material world wholeheartedly, and a bout of healthy consumerism is most definitely helping to fuel the city's growth. The ballooning middle class spends with gusto and the hip set has acquired a swagger that tells of their success and newfound status. Because everyone loves a winner, the city is attracting outside attention.
Continental corporations and international agencies are increasingly focusing their expansion plans Gaborone's way, as they look to establish regional offices or representation of some sort in the city.
Gaborone offers visitors almost everything that is expected of a modern, developing city in Africa. It's a comfortable and convenient place to do business, with up-to-date banking and technology services. There's a wide range of accommodation and it's a relatively safe place to be. If you're on holiday time, hang around for at least a few days and let Gabs surprise you.
Eating Out:
Primi Piatti- Pizza, pasta and snack-type lunches and dinners, with the hip crowd. Situated in the River Walk.
The Bull and Bush - Hearty pub fare, with an expat crowd, and everyone knows where it is.
The Maharaja - The best Indian food in town. Situated right next door to The Bull and Bush.
Primi Piatti- Pizza, pasta and snack-type lunches and dinners, with the hip crowd. Situated in the River Walk.
Mugg & Bean - It's in Game City, and the perfect place to take a breakfast or lunch break while shopping.
Sanitas - Breakfasts and lunches in a tranquil garden setting alongside the Gaborone Dam.
The Blue Tree - Lunch and dinner are served. Situated in the Marupula district.
Mokolodi Restaurant - Elegant dining in the tranquillity of a nature reserve. A short distance outside the city.
Shopping
The River Walk - Pick 'n Pay is the anchor tenant amongst a variety of designer stores and restaurants, and an Exclusive Books. Situated on the road out to the Tlokweng border post.
Game City - Gabs' mega-centre offers everything from major chain outlets and supermarkets to designer stores and restaurants, as well as a Batsalo Books outlet. You can't miss it, just off the Lobatse Road traffic circle.
The Craft Centre - A precinct set in Broadhurst, with a variety of boutiques and arts and craft shops. And the Deli has a great lunch menu.
Kagiso Centre - A complex of non-designer stores and street vendors in Kagiso.
Internet Cafe's
Every branch of Postnet has internet facilities, and all the major shopping complexes have at least one internet café.Arts and Crafts
Botswanacraft - Situated on the airport side of town, just off the Western Bypass, this large warehouse-type outlet sells all manner of crafts and curios.
Thapong Visual Art Centre - A venue with resident painters and sculptors, which hosts ongoing exhibitions and workshops.
Thamaga Pottery - Traditional and contemporary pottery and crafts made at Botswelelo Centre, a community-based project on the Kanye road, approximately 40 kilometres outside Gaborone.
Frame Gallery - This gallery, which is situated in the Fairground Centre, usually has a good selection of local art on display.
Gallery Ann - Art and antiques in the Craft Centre complex, Broadhurst.
Botswana National Museum - Houses various permanent exhibitions of historical, cultural and natural history, as well as rotating exhibitions of art and traditional crafts.
Nightlife
Chedza Ntemba - Dance the night away with the locals.
Sports Café - Pub meals and bar, with big-screen tele-visions for the sporty crowd.
The Bull and Bush - Bar and live music venue that is an old favourite with the ex-pat crowd.
The Lizard Lounge - Live and dance music, with a mixed crowd.
Golf
Phakalane Golf Estate situated 10 minutes outside Gaborone on the Francistown road, offers luxury chalets alongside an exceptional golf course. The estate also has superb restaurant and bar facilities, and by December 2004 will have a five-star hotel and health spa, with full conference and convention facilities.
The Gaborone Golf Club - A municipal golf course within the city limits.
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