Kosher and Jewish Life in Gaborone

Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana with a population of 231,626 based on the 2011 census, about 10% of the total population of Botswana. Gaborone is situated between Kgale and Oodi Hills, on the Notwane River in the south-eastern corner of Botswana, and 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from the South African border. Locals often refer to the city as Gabs. Gaborone has a hot semi-arid climate. Most of the year, Gaborone is very sunny. The summers are usually hot. The nights are cool. Evidence shows that there have been inhabitants along the Notwane River for centuries. In more recent history, Kgosi Gaborone left the Magaliesberg to settle in the area around 1880, and called the settlement Moshaweng. The word "Gaborone" literally means "it does not fit badly" or "it is not unbecoming". The National Museum and Art Gallery is located just northwest of the Mall along Independence Road. The Maitisong Festival was started in 1987 and is held every year for seven days on either the last week of March or the first week of April. The book series The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, written by Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith, is set in Gaborone.