Gaborone is a practical place to shop for keepsakes that reflect Botswana’s craft traditions and everyday life. The city’s shops and markets sell things made by local artisans as well as packaged foods that travel well.

This guide covers items you can find across the city, not a single street or store. It focuses on locally made or strongly linked souvenirs, how to judge quality, and ways to pack them for travel.

1. Woven Baskets

• Why it’s worth buying: Baskets use local grasses and centuries-old weaving techniques. They make useful bowls or wall pieces at home.
• Where to look: craft markets and open-air markets for a variety of sizes and styles.
• Price range: $8–$60
• How to spot a good one: Tight, even weaving and smooth, unbroken rims mean the maker took care.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Flatten smaller baskets inside soft clothes, and wrap fragile rims in layers.

2. Beaded Jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Beadwork shows local color and makes a compact souvenir. Pieces often follow traditional patterns.
• Where to look: independent shops that sell handmade accessories.
• Price range: $6–$40
• How to spot a good one: Evenly strung beads and secure clasps suggest stronger construction.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place necklaces in small zip bags and pad them between layers of clothing.

3. Leather Wallets or Keyrings

• Why it’s worth buying: Small leather goods are practical and durable travel mementos. Many are hand-stitched by local craftspeople.
• Where to look: galleries and independent shops showcasing handicrafts.
• Price range: $12–$55
• How to spot a good one: Smell, smooth edges, and tight stitching indicate real leather and careful work.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Put leather pieces in your carry-on to avoid squashing and damp luggage.

4. Linocut or Print Artwork

• Why it’s worth buying: Prints are affordable ways to take original local art home. They pack flat and frame easily.
• Where to look: gallery shops and artist co-ops where local creators show work.
• Price range: $10–$120
• How to spot a good one: Crisp lines, consistent ink coverage, and a signature or edition number show care.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Carry prints between two stiff cardboard sheets to prevent bending.

5. Small Ceramic Mug or Bowl

• Why it’s worth buying: Handmade ceramics are functional and show local glazing styles. Small pieces are useful daily reminders.
• Where to look: galleries and select independent shops with pottery sections.
• Price range: $8–$45
• How to spot a good one: Check for a smooth glazing finish and an even base so it sits flat.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in clothing and place in your carry-on for extra protection.

6. Hand-stitched Textiles or Scarves

• Why it’s worth buying: Textiles reflect local patterns and can be worn or used at home. Lightweight scarves are especially versatile.
• Where to look: craft markets and independent shops selling clothing and fabrics.
• Price range: $10–$70
• How to spot a good one: Look for consistent dye, tight stitching, and natural fibers listed on tags.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll textiles tightly to save space and avoid deep creases.

7. Biltong (Dried Meat)

• Why it’s worth buying: Biltong is a regional snack that stores well and tastes like local meat-cure traditions. Many packages are sealed for travel.
• Where to look: food halls, markets, or specialty food stalls that sell packaged snacks.
• Price range: $4–$20
• How to spot a good one: Vacuum-sealed packs with a clear ingredient list last longer and travel better.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep sealed packs in checked luggage if allowed, but check airline rules first.

8. Local Honey or Jams

• Why it’s worth buying: Small jars of honey or preserves reflect local flora and make thoughtful edible gifts. Labels often note the source.
• Where to look: markets and co-ops that sell locally produced foods.
• Price range: $5–$25
• How to spot a good one: Look for minimal ingredient lists and a producer’s name on the label.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap jars in bubble wrap or cloth and place them in the center of your suitcase.

9. Spice Mixes or Chilli Sauces

• Why it’s worth buying: Local spice blends let you recreate regional flavors at home. Bottled sauces travel well when sealed.
• Where to look: food halls and market stalls selling condiments.
• Price range: $3–$15
• How to spot a good one: A clear ingredient list and airtight sealing mean better shelf life.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Pack glass bottles upright in checked luggage and pad them with clothing.

10. Small Wood Carvings

• Why it’s worth buying: Hand carved utensils or small sculptures represent woodworking traditions. They are lightweight and long-lasting.
• Where to look: craft markets and galleries that display sculpture.
• Price range: $7–$60
• How to spot a good one: Smooth surfaces without splinters and detailed tool marks show skill.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap carvings in soft fabric and tuck them between clothes.

11. Locally Roasted Coffee or Tea Blends

• Why it’s worth buying: Coffee or tea from local roasters captures regional tastes and is easy to gift. Bags are usually vacuum-sealed.
• Where to look: independent shops or co-ops selling packaged beverages.
• Price range: $6–$25
• How to spot a good one: Sealed packaging with roast or harvest date indicates freshness.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep bags in your carry-on to protect them from crushing and scent loss.

12. Natural Skincare or Marula Oil Products

• Why it’s worth buying: Natural oils or soaps often use regional ingredients and travel as compact gifts. Small bottles last long when sealed.
• Where to look: independent shops, co-ops, and market stalls selling handcrafted body products.
• Price range: $5–$40
• How to spot a good one: Short ingredient lists and clearly labeled source ingredients suggest authenticity.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Place liquids in sealed plastic bags to avoid leaks inside luggage.

Quick buying tips for Gaborone

• Carry some cash; small vendors may prefer pula, though cards work in larger shops.
• Politely ask about prices; limited haggling is sometimes acceptable at market stalls.
• Wrap fragile items in clothing and use a hard-sided suitcase if possible.
• Ask vendors about shipping options if you’re buying bulky or heavy pieces.
• Look for a maker’s name, provenance notes, or “made locally” label cues on tags.
• Pack jams, oils, and liquids in sealed bags and follow airline liquid rules.

Where to shop in Gaborone

Shopping is spread across the city between the central lanes and local markets. You’ll find crafts, food products, and gallery pieces in several public areas and seasonal markets rather than on a single shopping street.

• Central Business District and Main Mall pedestrian area for galleries, craft stalls, and design shops.
• Central market halls where fresh foods, spice sellers, and packaged snacks are sold.
• National Museum and Art Gallery shop for prints, books, and curated craftwork.
• Open-air craft markets near civic public spaces for baskets, beadwork, and small sculptures.
• University art fairs or campus markets for emerging artists’ prints and jewelry.
• Seasonal holiday markets and fairs for artisan foods, textiles, and gift items.
• Riverfront promenades and public parks occasionally host pop-up stalls with woodwork and textiles.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Mass-produced trinkets with generic labels; they rarely represent local craft methods.
• Items labeled “authentic” without a maker’s name or provenance to back the claim.
• Very cheap beadwork with loose threading, which will break quickly and lose beads.
• Thin, unmarked leather goods that may be bonded or low-quality material.
• Perishables sold loose or without sealing; these may not travel well or clear customs.
• Heavy, bulky crafts that are expensive to ship home and difficult to pack.

If you only buy three things

Woven baskets — practical decor and a direct example of traditional weaving skills.
Beaded jewelry — lightweight, travel-friendly, and made by local artisans.
Sealed coffee or tea — easy to pack and a straightforward taste of place.

FAQ

1. What is Gaborone known for making?
   Gaborone is known for contemporary and traditional crafts like beadwork, weaving, and small-scale woodworking. Galleries and markets showcase work by local artists and community cooperatives.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Gaborone?
   Dried snacks like biltong, sealed jars of honey or preserves, and spice mixes travel well. Buy sealed, labeled packages that list ingredients and a producer.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Gaborone?
   Prices vary widely: market goods and smaller crafts are affordable, while gallery pieces and larger artworks cost more. Expect to pay more for signed or finely made items.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Gaborone?
   Beaded jewelry or small prints are easiest to pack because they are light and flat. Both fit inside carry-on bags and need minimal padding.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for a maker’s name, clear ingredient lists for food items, and tags stating where materials came from. Ask sellers about who made the item and whether it was produced nearby.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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