Shopping in Botswana
Travellers from all over the world are amazed at the choice of great shopping available in Botswana. From shopping malls to local markets, there's a little something for every budget and every kind of shopper. You can get great deals on household goods, clothes, accessories, gifts and even electronic gadgets. Quality standards are by and large pretty high and you should be safe buying from any outlet at a mall. The service is great and the people friendly. The other big advantage of shopping at these malls is that they're nice and roomy and you never feel you're jostling for space.
The capital city of Gaborone is Botswana's favourite destination for shopaholics.
Shopping in Botswana is as much part of a Botswana holiday as taking a safari, experiencing the local culture or tasting some delightful Botswana cuisine. You can see what the local Botswana shopping scene is like in our Botswana destinations as listed below simply by following the link. We have also added some local suggestions on places to grab a bargain or souvenir:
Botswana Shopping Guide
Local Crafts
Typical handicrafts to take away from Botswana include woven products, handmade jewellery, wood carvings and basketwork from Shorobe, Shakawe and Etsha. If you're looking for some modern bushman style art, head straight to D'Kar. It's just 40 km to the north of Ghanzi. If you're lucky the National Museum may also be running a show by an artist. All of these artworks and handicrafts serve equally well as souvenirs as they do gifts for family and friends.
Stores are usually open from 8 am until 6 pm on weekdays and from 8.30 am till 1 pm on Saturdays. Sundays are closed days.
Shopping Malls
The most convenient way to get all your shopping done, and keep the entire family occupied while you're at it, is to head to one of the many Botswana shopping malls. Well located, these malls offer good service coupled with quality products. The excellent after sales service is a big draw for locals as well as visitors.
If you're in the country during a festival, be sure to check out the various discounts on offer at these malls. Most young Botswanians shop here and goods tend to be trendy and cutting edge.
Some of the more popular malls are Riverwalk and Game City. Riverwalk has an excellent range of restaurants as well as movie theatres and big retail stores like the Pick and Pay supermarket. Game City is an indoor air-conditioned mall and houses music stores, coffee shops, book stores and clothes stores in addition to banks and cinemas.
Gaborone Shopping
The capital city of Gaborone is Botswana's favourite destination for shopaholics. The city isn't just the administrative hub; it is also where you'll find the best hotels, restaurants and some fabulous shopping.
Begin your shopping expedition at the Main Mall in the heart of the city. Stroll along the walkway and pick up little knick knacks and handicrafts from craft stalls. The street shopping here is fun and exciting. The same vendors who line the area on weekdays move to locations outside other shopping malls on Saturdays. A lot of the products you pick up may actually be made in Zimbabwe and not Botswana, but if you're looking for something very African they fit the bill.
Try and visit an outlet of Botswana Craft, which is a chain store selling locally made crafts. They stock pottery, local art as well as baskets. For larger items like handcrafted wooden furniture, a good option is the Camphill charity shop. They also keep some fine weavings and local pottery for sale if your budget doesn't run to the bigger goods. 5 km to the north of Phakalane is a shopping and cultural experience combined into one. Oodi weavers give all visitors a tour of the factory and shop so you can see how the beautifully woven products are created. If time permits, also visit the Craft Workshop in Broadhurst to see some really exquisite work.
The gourmet traveller can indulge in some food shopping before heading out on a safari in the bush. Start out by getting yourself a locally made woven basket to put your picnic lunch in. Pick up steak, burgers, chops, wors all at great prices and throw in some fresh fruit and salads from the supermarket to make up the perfect picnic basket.
