Moving to Botswana with a Family: Schools, Visas, Costs & Life in Gaborone (2026/27)
Last checked: September 2026. Permit procedures, school fees, rents and the pula exchange rate change often in Botswana. Treat figures as a starting point for your own research.
Botswana suits families who want a calm, orderly and uncrowded life, and who arrive with a secure job already in place. Almost every expat family lives in Gaborone, the capital: a small, green, spread-out city with short commutes and spacious homes. English is an official language and is used in schools, banks and government. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days, but to live here the working parent needs a work permit and every family member needs a residence permit. International and private school fees run from roughly USD 5,000 to 15,000 a year per child. A family of four typically spends around USD 2,600 to 5,100 a month before school fees. The main trade-offs: a small choice of schools, a small job market for the accompanying partner, and most flights going through Johannesburg.
Why do families move to Botswana?
Most families come for work. The main employers of foreign staff are the diamond and mining sector, banks and financial services, government projects, embassies, and regional and international organisations. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has its headquarters in Gaborone, which brings a steady flow of diplomatic and development families.
What families tend to value most:
- Calm and order. Botswana has had peaceful elections and changes of government since independence in 1966. Daily life is quieter than in South Africa's big cities.
- Space. Houses with gardens are normal, and the city rarely feels crowded.
- Short distances. Most school runs and commutes take 10 to 25 minutes.
- Wildlife. The Okavango Delta and Chobe are among the best places in Africa to see animals, and they are a short flight away.
- European working hours. Botswana is on UTC+2 all year, the same as Central European summer time.
If you are still comparing countries, our Southern Africa comparison for families sets Botswana next to South Africa, Zambia, Namibia and Mauritius.
Botswana at a glance
| Topic | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Main city for families | Gaborone (population roughly 250,000, plus fast-growing villages around it) |
| Language | English and Setswana. English is used in schools, business and government. |
| Currency | Botswana pula (BWP). Roughly 13 to 14 pula to the US dollar in September 2026. |
| Time zone | UTC+2, no daylight saving |
| School fees | Roughly USD 5,000 to 15,000 a year per child, including one-off levies |
| Family house rent | Roughly BWP 12,000 to 40,000 a month (about USD 900 to 2,900) |
| Healthcare | Good private hospitals in Gaborone. Serious cases often go to Johannesburg. |
| Flights | Most routes go through Johannesburg (about one hour). Some direct flights to Cape Town, Addis Ababa and Harare. |
| Partner's right to work | Not automatic. Needs a separate work permit. |
Which visas and permits does a family need?
Botswana does not have a single family visa. Each person has their own permission to stay, and the permits are linked to the working parent.
- Work permit. The working parent applies, usually with the employer's support, through the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs. You submit the form and documents to a Labour Office. The application normally includes the job advert, the employment contract, your CV and certified copies of your qualifications. The government lists a fee of BWP 1,500 and a target of about 14 working days. In practice, many families and employers report that it takes longer, so plan for several weeks to a few months. Long-term work permits can be issued for up to five years, depending on your contract.
- Residence permit. Anyone staying beyond a visit needs one. It is issued by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The listed fee is BWP 1,500 and the target is about 30 working days. Your partner and children apply as your dependants, with your marriage certificate and the children's birth certificates.
- Older children. Children aged 18 or over apply separately, with a parent acting as their sponsor. Check the current rules for dependants aged 18 to 25.
As of September 2026, the official government pages still describe a mostly paper-based process: download the forms, then submit them in person with certified copies. Ask your employer or an accredited immigration adviser whether any part can now be done online before you start.
Two points to check early:
- Relationships. Botswana immigration generally does not recognise unmarried partnerships or same-sex marriages for dependant permits. If this affects your family, get specialist advice before you commit to the move.
- Travelling with children. Carry the original or a certified copy of each child's full birth certificate. If one parent is not travelling, bring a signed affidavit giving consent.
Can the accompanying partner work in Botswana?
Not on a dependant's residence permit. A partner who wants a job needs their own work permit, and the employer has to show that the role cannot be filled locally. Botswana gives clear priority to citizens in the job market, so this can take time and is not guaranteed. The job market is also small, which limits choice even when a permit is possible.
Many partners in Gaborone work remotely for employers or clients abroad, study, volunteer, or look after young children for a first phase. Before you move, ask a qualified adviser whether remote work for a foreign employer is allowed on your partner's permit, and how it would be taxed. Our guide can your partner work there? walks you through the questions to ask.
Which schools do expat families use in Gaborone?
Gaborone has a small group of well-regarded private and international schools. There is enough choice for most families, but not much to switch to if the first school does not work out. Contact schools as soon as a move looks likely, because some year groups are full.
| School | Curriculum | Ages | Rough annual tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westwood International School | IB (PYP, MYP, Diploma) | About 4 to 18 | BWP 65,000 to 112,000 (USD 4,800 to 8,300), plus a one-off capital levy of about BWP 20,000 |
| Maru-a-Pula School | Cambridge IGCSE and A Level | 12 to 19 (boarding available) | Day places around BWP 110,000 to 115,000 (about USD 8,100 to 8,400). Selective entry. |
| Northside Primary School | IB PYP | Primary | Not published online. Ask for the current fee sheet. |
| Thornhill Primary School | English-medium primary | Primary | BWP 75,600 in 2025 (about USD 5,500), plus a BWP 8,000 enrolment fee |
| Legae Academy | Cambridge IGCSE and A Level | Secondary | BWP 94,000 to 110,000 (about USD 6,900 to 8,100), plus levies |
Westwood is the only school in Gaborone that runs from early years to the end of secondary on one campus, which suits families with children of different ages. There are also private pre-schools and Montessori options for younger children.
The calendar trap: most Gaborone schools, including Westwood, Maru-a-Pula and Legae, run from January to December in three terms. If your children are coming from an August to June system, plan your arrival and year group placement carefully. Ask each school how they place children who join mid-year.
For help comparing a shortlist, read choosing a school abroad: the questions that matter.
Planning your own move? Get our free 120-task family relocation checklist and cost planner, so you can see every step before you start. Get the free checklist
Which Gaborone neighbourhoods suit families?
Gaborone is small, but it is spread out and almost everyone drives. Choose the school first, then look for a home within 15 to 20 minutes of it.
| Area | What it is like | Often suits |
|---|---|---|
| Phakalane and Phakalane Golf Estate | North of the city, close to the airport. Large houses, gated estates, a golf course, shops and restaurants. Among the most expensive areas. | Families who want a secure estate and a big garden, and don't mind a longer drive to central schools. |
| Extensions 9, 10 and 11 | Central, leafy and established, close to government offices, embassies and Northside Primary. | Diplomatic families and anyone who wants short drives to everything. |
| The Village and Maruapula | Older, central-east areas near the university and Maru-a-Pula School. Mix of older houses and newer complexes. | Families at Maru-a-Pula, and those who like a central, settled area. |
| Blocks 8, 9 and 10 | Newer residential blocks with houses and townhouse complexes. Good access to the city centre and malls. | Families wanting a modern home at a more moderate price. |
| Broadhurst | Large and varied suburb in the north with good road links and shopping. | Families looking for more space for the money. |
| Gaborone West and Kgale View | Growing western and southern areas. Kgale View sits near Kgale Hill and the dam, with views and newer houses. | Families who value outdoor access and newer builds. |
Before you sign a lease, visit at school-run time, check the water storage tank and backup power, and ask neighbours how often the water and electricity go off on that street.
What does it cost to live in Gaborone?
Botswana is not a low-cost country for expat families. Much of what you buy in shops is imported from South Africa, so prices are often a little higher than across the border. Rent and school fees are the biggest costs.
| Monthly cost for a family of four | Rough range (BWP) | Rough range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Rent: 3 to 4 bedroom house or townhouse | 12,000 to 35,000 | 900 to 2,600 |
| Groceries and household goods | 6,000 to 10,000 | 450 to 750 |
| Electricity, water, internet, phones | 2,000 to 4,000 | 150 to 300 |
| Car running costs and fuel | 3,000 to 6,000 | 220 to 450 |
| Health insurance | 3,000 to 8,000 | 220 to 600 |
| Household help, activities, eating out | 4,000 to 8,000 | 300 to 600 |
| Total before school fees | about 35,000 to 70,000 | about 2,600 to 5,100 |
These are estimates built from current rental listings and typical family spending. Your total depends mostly on the house you choose and whether your employer covers rent, schooling or health cover.
What is healthcare like?
Private healthcare in Gaborone is good for everyday needs. Most expat families use private GPs, paediatricians and dentists, and the private hospitals, including:
- Bokamoso Private Hospital in Mmopane, just west of the city, with 24-hour emergency care, paediatric surgery and cardiac services.
- Gaborone Private Hospital near the city centre.
- Sidilega Private Hospital in the Mogoditshane area.
For complex or specialist care, patients are often transferred to Johannesburg, which is about an hour's flight away. Choose health insurance that covers treatment in South Africa and includes medical evacuation. Local medical aid schemes exist, but many families use an international plan.
The public system has had serious problems. In August 2025, the government declared a public health emergency because of medicine shortages in public clinics and hospitals. Private facilities were largely unaffected, but it is a reminder to keep a supply of any regular medication.
Gaborone is normally outside the malaria area, but the north, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe, is a malaria region. In 2025, malaria was also reported in areas where it is not usually found. Ask a travel clinic for advice before each trip north. Our guide to healthcare abroad for families covers insurance and evacuation cover in more detail.
What about water, power and internet?
Water. Botswana is a dry country, and water supply is the utility families talk about most. Gaborone Dam was close to empty during the drought in the mid-2010s, then filled and overflowed after heavy rains in early 2025. Even when the dam is full, parts of greater Gaborone lose water for a day or more because of pipe bursts or power cuts at pumping and treatment plants. Many houses have a storage tank and pump. Ask about both before you rent.
Power. Electricity is more reliable than in Zambia, but not perfect. Botswana Power Corporation has used short rounds of load shedding when units at the Morupule B power station break down, most recently in April 2026. Outages tend to be occasional, not daily. A small inverter or solar backup for Wi-Fi and lights is enough for most families.
Internet. Fibre is available in most family areas of Gaborone. Starlink has been licensed and live in Botswana since 2024, which gives remote workers a useful backup.
Is Gaborone safe for families?
Gaborone is calmer than South Africa's big cities, and many families feel comfortable here. But it is not crime-free. The US government rates Botswana at Level 2, "exercise increased caution", because of crime. The UK government notes that violent crime has been rising in the main towns.
The most common problems are house break-ins, theft from cars, snatch thefts at traffic lights and muggings after dark. In practice, families:
- live in a house with walls, burglar bars and an alarm, or in a gated complex
- keep car doors locked and bags out of sight when driving
- avoid walking alone at night
- avoid driving outside towns after dark, because cattle, donkeys and wild animals wander onto the roads
How do you get around, and how connected is Gaborone?
You will need a car. Public transport is mostly shared minibuses and taxis, which few expat families use day to day. Traffic drives on the left. A foreign driving licence can be used for up to 90 days. After that, you need a Botswana licence, unless you hold a licence from another SADC country.
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is about 15 km north of the city. Gaborone is the least connected capital in the region: most journeys to Europe, North America or Asia go through Johannesburg. Airlink, Air Botswana and South African Airways fly to Johannesburg many times a day. Ethiopian Airlines flies to Addis Ababa, and Air Botswana flies to Cape Town, Harare, Maun, Kasane and Francistown. Air Botswana has also listed Lusaka, Windhoek and Durban, but schedules change, so check before you plan around them.
Many families also drive to Johannesburg or Pretoria, roughly four to five hours away, for shopping, medical appointments or cheaper flights.
What do families do at weekends?
- Kgale Hill: a popular early-morning hike on the edge of the city, with views across Gaborone. Go in a group.
- Mokolodi Nature Reserve: just south of the city, with game drives, walking trails, a restaurant and environmental education for children.
- The Okavango Delta: fly to Maun for mokoro (dugout canoe) trips, lodges and one of the world's great wildlife areas.
- Chobe National Park: fly to Kasane for boat safaris with large herds of elephants. Victoria Falls is a short drive away across the border.
- South Africa: the Pilanesberg and Madikwe game reserves are within a few hours' drive.
Summers are hot, with rains mainly from November to March. Winter nights can drop close to freezing, so pack warm layers.
Who does Botswana suit, and who might struggle?
Botswana often suits families who:
- have a secure job or posting before they arrive
- want a quiet, safe-feeling, spacious family life more than big-city energy
- love the outdoors and want wildlife within reach
- work with Europe and want the same working hours
Botswana may be harder for families who:
- need two incomes from local jobs
- want a wide choice of schools or a specific curriculum not offered in Gaborone
- have a child with complex medical or learning support needs that require specialists on the doorstep
- fly home often and want direct long-haul flights
How does Botswana compare with its neighbours?
If you are weighing up the region, the short version is this. South Africa offers far more schools, hospitals and jobs, but safety needs more active management. Zambia has a larger choice of international schools in Lusaka and a warm social scene, with more frequent power cuts. Namibia is similar in feel, with good roads, a direct flight to Frankfurt and even fewer school options. Botswana sits in between: calm, orderly and spacious, with a smaller choice of everything.
Frequently asked questions
Is Botswana a good country for expat families?
For many families, yes. It is stable, calm and spacious, with good private schools and healthcare in Gaborone. It works best when one parent has a secure job and the family is happy with a small city and a small expat community.
How much are international school fees in Gaborone?
Expect roughly USD 5,000 to 15,000 a year per child once one-off levies and enrolment fees are included. Tuition alone at the main schools is mostly between BWP 65,000 and 115,000 a year. Most schools run from January to December.
Can my partner work if we move to Botswana?
Not automatically. A dependant's residence permit does not allow work. Your partner needs their own work permit, and the employer must show that no suitable local candidate is available. Remote work for a foreign employer is a question to check with an adviser.
Is Gaborone safe?
It is calmer than Johannesburg or Cape Town, but property crime and some violent crime do happen. Families usually live in secure houses or complexes and avoid walking or rural driving after dark.
How do you fly to Gaborone from Europe or North America?
Usually via Johannesburg, with a one-hour connecting flight. Some families fly via Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines. There are no direct long-haul flights to Europe or North America.
Not sure whether Botswana is right for your family? Take the 2-minute family destination quiz to see which countries match your priorities, from schools and safety to your partner's career.
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