Discover the best bars, clubs, and evening entertainment in Botswana.
Botswana is Africa's premier safari destination, home to the stunning Okavango Delta and massive elephant herds in Chobe National Park. This landlocked Southern African nation offers pristine wilderness, diverse wildlife, and a commitment to conservation tourism.
Gaborone has a lively but contained nightlife scene revolving around a handful of established venues. Expats and professionals gather at the Bull & Bush and hotel bars, while younger locals frequent clubs in the Riverwalk and Broadhurst areas. Maun's scene is informal and friendly, centered around riverside bars serving safari travelers. Kasane's nightlife is almost exclusively lodge-based.
Bars typically close at 2AM on weekdays, midnight on Sundays. Clubs operate until 4-5AM on Friday and Saturday. Public holidays follow weekend hours.
Find the vibe that suits you.
The Riverwalk Mall area is Gaborone's most sophisticated nightlife hub, with cocktail bars, wine bars, fine dining restaurants with late hours, and SMASH nightclub within walking distance. The preferred area for expatriates and young professionals.
Surrounding Gaborone's Fairgrounds business park, this area has several hotel bars (G Hotel, Cresta Lodge) and the city's best wine bars. More sedate and upscale than Riverwalk, catering to business travelers and the diplomatic community.
Maun's informal nightlife hub on the Thamalakane River bank, where overland travelers, safari operators, and locals mix around bonfires with cold beers and tall tales. The authentic Botswana safari spirit is found here more than anywhere.
Insider tips, venue recommendations, and safety advice.
Top spots for drinks and socializing.
Gaborone's most beloved expat institution on Seboni Road, serving cold Castle Lager, Lion Lager, and St Louis on tap alongside great pub grub. Big-screen sports, monthly trivia nights, and a warm fire in winter make this the city's most reliably fun evening venue.
Trendy Gaborone cocktail bar in the Fairgrounds area decorated in aviation theme with vintage propellers and aircraft memorabilia. Extensive cocktail list using local spirits and African botanical ingredients. Attracts young professionals and the city's creative community.
Upscale wine bar adjacent to Sanitas Hotel in Gaborone's Embassy district offering the finest selection of South African wines in the city. Excellent cheese boards, charcuterie, and light meals make this the preferred spot for quiet evening conversations.
Maun's most famous social venue, an open-air bar on the Thamalakane River where safari travelers and locals mix freely. Nightly bonfires, live music on weekends, and the knowledge that hippos occasionally emerge from the water add to the extraordinary atmosphere.
Kasane's premier sundowner spot on the Chobe River deck, where elephant herds cross the water as the sun sets. Gin and tonics, local beers, and cocktails served as the largest elephant herds in Africa provide the backdrop.
Where to dance the night away.
Gaborone's most popular nightclub in the Riverwalk area, drawing large crowds on weekends for DJ sets and live performances. The multilevel venue has separate rooms for Afrobeats, house, and R&B, with a rooftop terrace serving cocktails until late.
Upscale Gaborone club in the Broadhurst area catering to the city's professional and business community. Sound system is the best in Botswana, and monthly themed nights including Botswana Heritage Night celebrating local music attract significant crowds.
Popular Gaborone club near Game City Mall known for its accessible cover charge and diverse crowd. Live DJ sets and occasional live bands play Setswana music on heritage nights. The large outdoor terrace is popular in winter months.
Beyond bars and clubs.
Live music at Old Bridge Backpackers (Maun) most weekends; occasional live bands at Bull & Bush (Gaborone) for sporting events. The Maitisong Theatre hosts performing arts including comedy, music, and theatre year-round.
Bull & Bush until midnight weekends; Rodizio Brazilian steakhouse until 10:30PM; Grill @G Hotel until 10:30PM daily; hotel restaurants at Grand Palm and Avani until 11PM
Not widely available; a few informal hookah establishments in Gaborone's Broadhurst area cater to a mixed local and South Asian community
The Hangar Bar has a rooftop terrace in Fairgrounds; Chobe Safari Lodge sunset deck is the best riverside rooftop equivalent in Kasane with elephant views
Stay safe and make the most of your evenings.
Uber and Bolt work in Gaborone — always arrange transport home before starting your evening as taxis get busy late on weekends
Gaborone's clubs rarely enforce strict dress codes but going smart-casual ensures entry everywhere
The city observes Sunday trading restrictions — many bars close early Sunday night; plan accordingly
In Maun, the social scene moves to lodges and riverside bars after safari days — ask lodge staff for current recommendations as venues change
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