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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Gaborone
Gaborone
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Gaborone
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Gaborone
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Gaborone
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Gaborone?
Gaborone is a vibrant city, but the real treasures of Botswana lie beyond its borders. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the diverse landscapes and wildlife reserves at your own pace.
Explore National Parks: Driving allows easy access to Botswana's renowned national parks like Chobe and Moremi, where you can witness the spectacular wildlife.
Flexibility and Independence: Public transport can be limited, especially when venturing outside the city. A rental car provides the flexibility to travel on your schedule and reach remote areas.
Comfortable Travel: If you are travelling with family or carrying luggage, a rental car offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel around Gaborone and beyond.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Gaborone
Before booking a rental car in Gaborone, ensure you meet the requirements. Familiarise yourself with age restrictions, licence prerequisites, insurance options, and payment policies.
Area
Approximately 169 square kilometres (65 square miles)
Population
Approximately 246,325 residents
Time Zone
Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2
Ideal for
Exploring Gaborone and Botswana's parks
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Gaborone require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Some providers may have a minimum age of 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. A passport and credit or debit card in the driver’s name are also typically required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card and refunded upon vehicle return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others may have restrictions. Fuel policies vary—many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Gaborone – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (May to September): Sees higher demand due to the dry season, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to March): Often come with discounts during the rainy season
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Gaborone?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site like rentycars.com to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips into the bush.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Gaborone
Gaborone is the capital of Botswana, offering a mix of urban and natural attractions. Having a car helps you explore both the city and the surrounding landscapes.
As the capital of Botswana, Gaborone serves as the nation's economic and administrative centre. While Gaborone itself offers attractions, a rental car becomes invaluable for exploring Botswana's renowned wildlife reserves and national parks. Driving within Gaborone requires awareness of local traffic regulations, and planning your route is essential for a smooth journey.
Top Attractions to Discover
Gaborone Game Reserve
Located close to the city, it provides excellent opportunities to spot wildlife.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Offers rhino tracking and giraffe walks, providing an up-close wildlife experience.
National Museum and Art Gallery
Showcases Botswana's history, culture, and art.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available in the city centre for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but may be limited, especially in busy areas.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer parking facilities for their guests.
Gas Stations in Gaborone
Main Fuel Chains
Engen, Shell, and Total are the primary fuel stations available in and around Gaborone.
Availability
Gas stations are generally accessible, but it’s wise to refuel before embarking on long journeys outside the city.
Payment Methods
Most gas stations accept both cash and card payments.
Useful Tips for Visiting Gaborone
Traffic Conditions
Be aware of rush-hour traffic, especially in the mornings and late afternoons.
Road Quality
Roads within Gaborone are generally well-maintained, but conditions may vary in rural areas.
Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits, typically 60 km/h in urban areas and 120 km/h on highways.
Wildlife Awareness
Be cautious of wildlife when driving outside the city, especially during dawn and dusk.
Key Transportation Hubs in Gaborone
Airport
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
The main international airport, located approximately 15 kilometres (9 miles) north of Gaborone.
Railway Station
Gaborone Railway Station
Provides limited passenger rail services.
Bus Rank
Gaborone Bus Rank
Serves as the primary hub for local and long-distance bus services.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Gaborone?
Renting a car in Botswana is straightforward, but you’ll need to meet key requirements before you can start driving.
If you're from Botswana, your standard licence is sufficient. International visitors can use their home-country licence for a short period, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or another form of identification is typically required for international renters.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Gaborone as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed vibe.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 29.10.2024
Gaborone felt different after all these years. It's grown, but the food scene hasn't quite kept pace.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 20.10.2024
Gaborone: Decent enough.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 16.03.2025
Pleasant enough, really.
Mia Garcia
Reviewed: 30.01.2025
Pretty low-key, tbh
Noah Thompson
Reviewed: 21.06.2025
Gaborone exceeded expectations! Heard great things, and exploring with a car made it even better.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 07.11.2024
Pretty laid-back, really.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Gaborone was fantastic! Catching up with friends was easy thanks to having a car, and we explored so much. Highly recommend!
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
Gaborone was surprisingly easy to navigate. Having a car allowed for a relaxing coastal trip.
Oliver Peterson
Reviewed: 18.01.2025
Gaborone was a breeze to explore! Having a car made getting around so convenient, and I loved the easy access to all the city's highlights and beyond. Really enjoyed my trip.
Caleb Johnson
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 24.12.2024