Settling in Gaborone: Essential Tips for Expats in Botswana
Gaborone, affectionately dubbed “Gabz” by expatriates and many locals, presents a harmonious blend of approximately 250,000 residents alongside a vibrant community of cattle and goats. Its name pays homage to the tribal chief who graciously offered the land.
Gaborone’s origins trace back to a modest railway stop, transformed in anticipation of Botswana’s emergence as an independent nation in 1966. Today, the city radiates a unique charm most visible during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. In its midday under the intense summer sun, the landscape may seem to lose some of its luster. From my personal recollections of the late 1970s, Gaborone has expanded dramatically from its original semi-circular shape along the Lobatse-Francistown road into a bustling cityscape replete with multi-lane roads, traffic signals (affectionately known as robots), and ongoing development in its numerous subdivisions.
On the surface, adapting to Gaborone’s lifestyle can appear straightforward—a testament to its modern conveniences. Supermarkets stock a familiar assortment of fruits and vegetables alongside traditional dried delicacies such as merogo and phane worms. Clothing stores cater to Western tastes, with styles that win the approval of my fashion-conscious teenagers. With English as the lingua franca, an array of digital communication services, and amenities including gyms, eateries, and ubiquitous use of credit and debit cards, one might briefly lose a sense of place. However, challenges can arise when one assumes that semblances of familiarity guarantee identical experiences, which they do not, as exemplified by a perplexing incident at the bank regarding the addition of my name to our account—a simple request that, for reasons beyond comprehension, could not be fulfilled.
House Hunting
Your housing search will take precedence upon arriving in Gaborone, offering diverse options to match different preferences. For those drawn to the tranquility of outlying villages, Mokolodi and Gabane boast beautiful homes that intelligently incorporate local materials and architecture into the natural landscape.
Contrastingly, Phakalane epitomizes suburban luxury with a variance of homes from cozy residences to stately mansions. Regardless of water restrictions, many homes delight with pools and manicured gardens, although some properties may offer limited outdoor space.
In the absence of corporate assistance in your housing hunt, a wide array of real estate agents—including global presences like Knight Frank Botswana—are at your disposal. It’s commonplace to engage multiple agents in your search, due to individual limitations or nuanced market operations. The industry’s practices may be unique, so it’s advisable to utilize several agents simultaneously—whether or not this strategy will evolve remains to be seen.
Heed a caveat: scrutinize your lease agreement, particularly clauses stipulating annual rent escalations, as these terms lack uniformity. Landlord reliability can also vary, so manage expectations accordingly. Finding a home that immediately meets your standards is recommended, given the typically slow pace of changes and repairs.
Repeated for emphasis: inquire with your real estate agent about any unspoken, yet anticipated, tenant obligations, especially when exiting or upkeeping a property. Many expatriates recount tales of landlord disputes and forfeited security deposits due to these undisclosed expectations. Diligence in understanding your lease cannot be overstated.
Help!
Securing domestic help in Gaborone, especially to address the pervasive dust, is relatively easy against the backdrop of Botswana’s high unemployment rates. As a newcomer, you’ll likely encounter a steady processional of job seekers at your doorstep. It’s prudent to rely on referrals from trusted associates for housekeepers, gardeners, cooks, or security personnel.
Periodic government crackdowns on undocumented workers, notably Zimbabwean nationals, can lead to sudden work absences and puzzling circumstances for employers. Those seeking to hire legally should ensure candidates possess an Omang card, the national identity document for Botswana residents.
Language
Though English is the official language, the cultural tapestry of Gaborone is woven with Setswana and a diversity of other languages, adding to the city’s cosmopolitan flair. Fluency in Setswana is not a prerequisite for daily interaction, but engaging with the local language can enrich connections within the community.
(Continues with detailed insights into Groceries, markets, and shopping, the nuances of Quality of service, available Healthcare options, the richness of Cultural, social, outdoor life, exciting ventures to Game Preserves, the intricacies of Meeting people, clubs, gyms, the eclectic experience of Shopping in Gaborone.)
Conclusion
Embracing life in Gaborone can be a rewarding journey, albeit not without its hurdles. Beyond initial acclimatization, fulfillment arises from immersing oneself in the myriad activities, savouring the cuisine, engaging the intellect, and fostering heartfelt friendships that Gaborone generously offers. Sala sentle mo Gaborone—stay well in Gaborone.
