Gaborone - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
This is not a shopping post. Botswana is famous for its diamonds, but they are almost entirely exported. For handicrafts, go to Eswatini, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. - Dec 2023
Botswana had some nice woven baskets and pottery but most of the best African handicrafts came from surrounding posts. - Jul 2019
I don't really think of Gaborone as a "shopping post", but let's just say this is a "shopping assignment." Anyone assigned here will certainly pick up some beautiful and unique crafts and artwork along the way. It's almost unavoidable. Most of those crafts come from other places, and there is not a lot of great local crafts shopping in Gabs, but you will no doubt accumulate stuff.
There are cute LED solar lanterns made out of mason jars that people often buy here. They soak up the sun all day, and light your dining table at night. - Apr 2017
No. Many of the crafts here are imported from other countries. Don't bother. Spend your money on a good camera and go on safari instead. - Jul 2016
Not much. - Mar 2015
Nothing. - Oct 2014
Safaris and trips. - Nov 2013
Handwoven baskets? "Nice" ones are very expensive (hundreds of US$), but are indistinguishable from cheaper versions. Local handicrafts sold at booths are usually from West and Central Africa or South Africa, not Botswana. This is not a very handicraft-oriented society. - Jul 2013
Botswana is not very "crafty". However, the quality baskets are a must. - Apr 2013
Hand-made baskets. Botswana has lovely (though often expensive) handmade baskets to collect and some other nice handicrafts for sale (cloth, carvings, etc). - Jun 2010
