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Athena Lao CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Gaborone Dam

Lake

Reservoir on the Notwane River near Gaborone supplying water and offering shoreline recreation; visitors come for birdwatching, picnic spots, shoreline walks and small-boat fishing close to Botswana's capital.

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In this guide

Gaborone Dam essentials

Country: Botswana
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Pula (P)
Language: English

Gaborone Dam at a Glance

About Gaborone Dam

Gaborone Dam is a reservoir and earth-fill dam located in Botswana’s South-East District, serving as one of the primary water-supply sources for the city of Gaborone. It is a managed impoundment on the Notwane River and is significant for local water storage and supply.

The dam and its reservoir are used locally for open-air recreation and wildlife observation. The shoreline and surrounding grassland attract waterbirds and small-scale recreational visits rather than large tourist facilities.

The structure was created by damming the Notwane River to provide reliable water storage for the expanding capital and surrounding communities. It has been managed as part of Botswana’s municipal water infrastructure and has been modified and maintained over time to meet demand.

The site sits in the South-East District of Botswana, approximately 8 km south of central Gaborone, within easy driving distance of the city and accessible from local roads.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Gaborone Dam

Best in the dry season for clearer skies and easier walking around the reservoir.

Dry season
May-September · 10-25°C
Clearer, cooler conditions for walks and birding.
Wet season
October-April · 15-30°C
Greener surroundings but sometimes muddy paths.

Weather & Climate near Gaborone Dam

Climate

Gaborone Dam's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 5°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 57 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustSeptemberMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
44°
Warmest Month
-3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 20° - 32° 26° 92 mm some cloud 53% 2.4 m/s 3.0 extreme 13.3h
February Excellent 19° - 31° 25° 75 mm partly cloudy 54% 2.4 m/s 2.7 extreme 12.8h
March Excellent 17° - 30° 24° 62 mm some cloud 55% 2.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.1h
April Excellent 14° - 27° 20° 28 mm some cloud 55% 2.2 m/s 1.7 very high 11.4h
May Ideal 9° - 25° 17° 8 mm clear 47% 2.1 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
June Excellent 5° - 22° 14° 4 mm clear 48% 2.0 m/s 1.0 moderate 10.5h
July Excellent 5° - 22° 13° 1 mm clear 43% 2.0 m/s 1.0 high 10.7h
August Ideal 8° - 25° 16° 3 mm clear 35% 2.6 m/s 1.3 high 11.2h
September Ideal 13° - 29° 21° 14 mm clear 30% 3.0 m/s 1.7 very high 11.8h
October Ideal 16° - 31° 23° 40 mm mostly sunny 36% 3.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h
November Excellent 18° - 31° 25° 79 mm some cloud 44% 3.1 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.2h
December Excellent 19° - 32° 25° 73 mm partly cloudy 51% 2.7 m/s 2.9 extreme 13.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Gaborone Dam

Gaborone Dam is northwest of central Gaborone. Drive via the A1 and follow local signage; it’s about a 20-30 minute drive from the city centre depending on traffic. Some tour operators include the dam in half‑day excursions.

Tips for Visiting Gaborone Dam

  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching - the dam's perimeter attracts waterfowl seasonally.
  • Visit viewpoint platforms around dusk for long, wide views across the water and the city beyond.
  • Check for local fishing permits before angling; parts of the reservoir may be regulated.