Gaborone Main Mall
Gaborone Main Mall isn’t a conventional indoor shopping mall, it’s the old pedestrian heart of the city, dating back to 1963 and built ahead of independence lined with shops, banks, embassies, offices, eateries, cafés, craft stalls, and open-air walkways used for exhibitions, events, and local markets. Established in 1963 as Gaborone’s first commercial zone and intended as a civic and business center, it still maintains much of its original character. It also serves and a government and diplomatic zone flanked by key national buildings; Parliament, Civic Centre and multiple embassies including British, German, Nigerian, Zambian.
Home to long-standing businesses like Notwane Pharmacy, Botswana Book Centre, Gaborone Hardware, plus banks and the National Blood Transfusion Centre. Regular stalls offering crafts, fresh produce, morogo, phane, handmade leather, woven baskets, and more. Markets and themed pop-up events (e.g., Diamond Square Hub) are frequent. It also features eateries like Debonairs, KFC, local “lunch ladies,” craft coffee kiosks (e.g., Perfect Roast), and even rodizio-style restaurants. Hosts open-air exhibitions, live music, festivals, seasonal markets, and community projects offering a livelier, more “authentic” feel compared to modern malls . Beloved by locals for strolling, running, socializing, and everyday errands, its charm stems from its nostalgia, history, and vibrant local energy. Suitable to visit during the week to avoid crowds, bring cash (for haggling), and be mindful of parking, it can be tight. The place is manned by the Gaborone City Council.
The mall is tucked in between the Civic Centre and the National Assembly. Defying the dire predictions, the Main Mall continues to be a bustling centre of business. The mall houses several banks and financial institutions.
Physical Address:
Tel: +267 365 7400/ 3657550/ 3657408/ 3657545
Cell: +267 / 77 076 138
Toll free: 0800 600 061
Email: gccouncil@gov.bw
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainMallBw/
Website: gcc.gov.bw