Car Hire in Gaborone

Gaborone’s compact layout and well-maintained roads make it ideal for self-drive travel, whether you’re staying in the city, heading to nearby nature reserves, or travelling across the border to South Africa.

Car Hire in Gaborone


Fleet of rental 4x4 vehicles in South Africa or similar

4.9 star rating from 91 reviews

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Ample choices

Choose from a wide range of vehicles to suit every travel style, budget, and destination.

Value for money

Compare leading suppliers and secure competitive rates without compromising on quality or service.

Rental expertise

Our experienced team provides personalised support and expert guidance to ensure a smooth rental experience from start to finish.

What Our Gaborone Travellers Have to Say

Still unsure? Read testimonials from satisfied Drive South Africa customers who have explored Gaborone and its surroundings.

Milan Lamote

Overall a wonderful experience. After they've picked me up from the airport I received a full explanation about all the functions and materials which come...

March, 2018

Anameli Asanza

Muy profesionales con sus recomendaciones / very professional with their recommendations.

February, 2017

Petra Botha

We received an e-mail from Drive South Africa the same day we enquired about the vehicle. They contacted us via phone to make sure they...

November, 2021

Tom

The service was friendly, but the pick up was not very good. For service, there were three staff, one woman though who couldn't really have...

April, 2018

Siphesihle Sibiya

They helped on my last hour of disparate need but the only thing which was not good is telling you from the start that would...

October, 2019

Jacques Gouws

Car was perfect, and you most probably would have gotten a 5 star rating, if it wasn't for the fact that I had to wait...

August, 2018

Top Tips for Gaborone Car Rental

Best Cars to Hire in Gaborone

For city driving and short trips, hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Starlet, or Hyundai Grand i10 are ideal. They’re fuel-efficient and easy to navigate through urban traffic. If you’re planning a longer journey or travelling in a group, consider sedans like the Toyota Corolla or SUVs like the Nissan Magnite or Volkswagen Tiguan.

Exploring Nearby Destinations

These areas are all accessible with a standard car:

  • Mokolodi Nature Reserve: Just 15 km from Gaborone and easy to reach via tarred roads.
  • Gaborone Game Reserve: Located within the city and suitable for a quick day trip.
  • Lobatse: Roughly an hour’s drive to the south, near the South African border.
  • Madikwe Game Reserve (South Africa): Reachable via paved roads — just check cross-border rental requirements.

Collecting Your Vehicle at Gaborone Airport

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) is located about 15 km from the city centre. Most major rental companies have desks at the airport, allowing you to collect your vehicle as soon as you land.

What To Do If You're in an Accident in Gaborone

  1. Stop and check for injuries.
  2. Call 997 for emergency services if necessary.
  3. Move the vehicle off the road if it’s safe.
  4. Report the incident to the police and your rental provider.
  5. Take photographs and gather relevant information.
  6. Visit the nearest police station to complete a formal report.

How To Stay Safe in Gaborone

  • Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas.
  • Park in secure locations and lock your vehicle when unattended.
  • Watch for animals on rural roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
  • Be cautious during heavy summer rains, which can reduce visibility and cause flash flooding.

FAQs About Hiring a Car in Gaborone

Yes, most providers have desks at the airport.

Yes, most models are available in both manual and automatic.

Yes, but you’ll need prior approval and a cross-border letter from your rental provider.

Yes, optional extras like baby seats, GPS units, and additional drivers can be added.

Only if your licence is not printed in English.

Gaborone Partner Information

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