The Traveling Taylors

1. Is Botswana Safe for Tourists?

Yes—Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa. It’s a politically stable democracy with low crime rates and a strong respect for the law.

• Violent crime is rare, especially in tourist areas.
• The people are welcoming and helpful toward visitors.
• Safari lodges and parks maintain excellent safety standards.

Traveler Insight: You’ll feel secure walking through Gaborone’s city center or small villages, and even more so in remote safari lodges where crime is virtually unheard of. For a wider overview of planning your trip, see our complete Botswana travel guide and the Botswana eVisa guide before you go. If you plan on staying out late and exploring the nightlife, a rechargeable personal safety alarm like this one can be a helpful travel safety accessory to keep in your pocket or purse.

2. Safety in Cities and Towns

Botswana’s urban areas are generally peaceful, but it’s wise to follow basic precautions as you would anywhere else.

Do:

• Keep valuables (phones, wallets, passports) secure.
• Use registered taxis or ride services at night.
• Be aware of your surroundings in crowded places.

Avoid:

• Carrying large amounts of cash.
• Leaving belongings unattended in cars or public areas.

💡 Tip: ATMs are safe and reliable in major towns like Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane.

Like most popular travel destinations, pickpocketing can occasionally happen in crowded tourist areas, so many travelers wear a hidden RFID-blocking money belt like this one to keep their passport, credit cards, and cash secure while sightseeing.

3. Safari and Wildlife Safety

Botswana’s wilderness is breathtaking—but it’s still wild. Safaris are very safe when you follow your guide’s instructions.

Golden Rules:

• Never leave your vehicle during game drives unless told it’s safe.
• Keep a respectful distance from animals.
• Stay calm and quiet during sightings.
• At lodges, walk only in designated areas—especially after dark.

Traveler Story: We once watched elephants cross a path just meters from our 4×4 in Chobe National Park. The guides were calm and professional—reminding us that the key to safety is respect for the animals’ space. Going with a reputable operator, such as this guided full-day Chobe safari, keeps things safe and stress-free.

4. Health and Medical Safety

Botswana’s healthcare system is reliable, especially in major cities.

• Hospitals in Gaborone and Francistown offer good medical facilities.
• Safari lodges often have trained first-aid staff and emergency procedures.
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential for remote regions.

Health Tips:

• Malaria: Present in northern areas (Okavango, Chobe, Moremi). Take preventive medication if visiting during the rainy season (Nov–Apr).
• Water: Tap water in cities is safe, but bottled or filtered water is recommended when traveling.
• Vaccines: No yellow fever vaccination required unless arriving from a risk zone.

5. Road and Transport Safety

Botswana’s roads are generally in good condition, especially major highways.

• Drive cautiously: Livestock and wildlife often cross rural roads.
• Avoid night driving: Visibility is limited and animals may wander onto the road.
• Fuel up early: Stations can be far apart in remote regions.

Traveler Tip: If you’re not comfortable driving long distances, fly between Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone—domestic flights are quick and reliable. If you plan to rent a car, a hands-free phone mount like this one can make it much easier to follow GPS directions safely while driving.

6. Solo and Female Traveler Safety

Botswana is one of Africa’s most female-friendly destinations.

• Locals are respectful and polite.
• Solo travelers are common on safaris and in cities.
• Dress modestly in rural areas to show cultural respect.

Traveler Insight: We met several women traveling solo through Botswana who described it as empowering, easy to navigate, and incredibly welcoming. Because Botswana attracts millions of visitors every year, many travelers attach a loud personal alarm keychain like this one to their bag or keys so they can easily draw attention if they ever feel uncomfortable.

7. LGBTQ+ and Cultural Safety

Botswana made history in 2019 by decriminalizing same-sex relationships—making it one of the region’s most progressive nations.

• The LGBTQ+ community is increasingly visible in Gaborone and Maun.
• Public displays of affection (of any kind) are best kept low-key in rural areas.
• Respect local customs and traditions—Botswana values courtesy and humility.

8. Emergency Contacts in Botswana

• Police: 999
• Ambulance: 997
• Fire Services: 998
• Tourism Hotline: +267 391 3111 (Botswana Tourism Organization)

Most hotels and lodges can quickly assist in emergencies—they’re well-connected with local authorities and medical services.

Botswana is generally a very safe place to explore, but when walking through busy areas during peak hours, some travelers like carrying a small personal safety alarm like this one for extra peace of mind.

Safe, Welcoming, and Wonderfully Wild

Botswana’s safety record is one of the reasons travelers fall in love with it. From peaceful cities to remote wildlife sanctuaries, the country offers freedom to explore without fear. By following simple precautions, you’ll find Botswana to be one of the easiest and most rewarding places to travel in Africa.

So pack your sense of adventure—and maybe a little patience for “Botswana time.” The wild is calling, and you can answer it with complete peace of mind.