Is Botswana Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Safety Guide

Introduction: Botswana’s Safety Landscape

The first time I visited Botswana in 2018, I remember frantically researching safety tips the night before my flight, convinced I was heading into dangerous territory. Fast forward to my seventh visit last month, and I couldn’t help but laugh at my former anxious self. Botswana has consistently proven to be one of Africa’s safest destinations, though like anywhere, understanding the nuances of local safety is essential.

Having spent over 8 months exploring this magnificent country across multiple visits – from camping in the Okavango Delta to navigating Gaborone’s urban landscape – I’ve gained perspective on the real safety considerations that matter for travelers. This guide reflects not just statistical facts but practical wisdom gained through personal experience (including a few mistakes I’ve made so you don’t have to).

Botswana’s Overall Safety Profile

Botswana consistently ranks as one of Africa’s safest countries, and for good reason. Since gaining independence in 1966, it has maintained remarkable political stability and peaceful democratic transitions. Unlike some neighboring countries, Botswana hasn’t experienced civil war or major political upheaval in its modern history.

“Dumela, mma” (Hello, madam) and “Dumela, rra” (Hello, sir) are two simple Setswana greetings that locals deeply appreciate visitors using. These small linguistic gestures have opened many doors for me throughout my travels.

The UK Foreign Office and US State Department both classify Botswana as a low-risk destination, with standard precautions recommended. The 2024 Global Peace Index ranked Botswana 41st out of 163 countries worldwide – the second highest ranking in Africa.

Crime Statistics and Realities

While Botswana enjoys relatively low crime rates compared to many countries, certain types of non-violent crime do occur, particularly in urban areas like Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun. Petty theft, pickpocketing, and opportunistic crime are the most common concerns for travelers.

According to recent statistics from the Botswana Police Service, violent crime against tourists is exceptionally rare. Most incidents involving visitors are related to property theft or scams rather than physical harm. My own brushes with crime have been limited to having my backpack nearly swiped in the Gaborone bus station (thankfully thwarted by an alert local who warned me).

Location	Risk Level	Common Issues
Gaborone	Low-Moderate	Pickpocketing, bag snatching in crowded areas
Maun	Low	Theft from vehicles, occasional scams
National Parks	Very Low (human crime)	Vehicle break-ins at parking areas
Rural Villages	Very Low	Rare incidents of property theft

Wildlife Safety: The Real Risk Factor

If there’s one area where Botswana demands serious caution, it’s wildlife safety. This is something I learned the hard way during my second trip when I foolishly stepped outside our unfenced camp in the Okavango to photograph stars, only to freeze at the sound of a hippo grunting nearby – a mistake I’ll never repeat.

Botswana’s commitment to conservation means wildlife populations are thriving, with minimal barriers between animals and humans in many areas. This creates magnificent safari experiences but requires proper respect for wild animals.

Key Wildlife Safety Tips

Never exit your vehicle in national parks except at designated safe areas
Maintain safe distances from all wildlife, even herbivores (hippos kill more people in Africa than any predator)
Follow guide instructions precisely during walking safaris or mokoro (canoe) excursions
Be especially cautious around campsites – elephants frequently wander through unfenced camps
Drive slowly on rural roads, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks has reported increasing incidents of elephant-human conflict as populations have grown following Botswana’s hunting ban (partially lifted in 2019). In 2024, there are approximately 130,000 elephants in Botswana – the world’s largest population.

Health Safety in Botswana

Botswana’s health-related risks for travelers are manageable with proper preparation. The country has a relatively good healthcare system by regional standards, though facilities outside major cities can be limited.

Common Health Concerns

Malaria: Present in northern regions (including Okavango and Chobe) but not in southern areas like Gaborone. Prevalence fluctuates seasonally, with highest risk during the rainy season (November-April).
Water safety: Tap water is generally safe in major hotels and cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
Heat-related illness: Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F) in summer months.
Gastrointestinal issues: While less common than in some neighboring countries, food-borne illness can occur.

I’ve had my share of health mishaps, including a bout of severe dehydration while camping in the Kalahari that taught me to treat water consumption as seriously as any other safari preparation. I now carry electrolyte packets everywhere and drink at least 3-4 liters daily when in hot regions.

Required and Recommended Vaccinations

As of 2025, Botswana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you’re arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. However, the CDC recommends travelers ensure they’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations plus consider hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies depending on your activities.

Insider Tip: Private hospitals in Gaborone (like Bokamoso Private Hospital) offer significantly better care than public facilities. For serious issues, medical evacuation to South Africa might be necessary – ensure your travel insurance covers this potential expense.

Road Safety and Transportation

Driving in Botswana presents unique challenges that caught me off-guard during my first self-drive safari. The vast distances between settlements, abundance of wildlife, and variable road conditions require specific precautions.

Driving Conditions

Major highways connecting cities are generally well-maintained, but secondary roads can range from decent to challenging depending on season and location. During the rainy season (November-April), dirt roads in game reserves can become impassable without a proper 4×4 vehicle.

One of my costliest mistakes was attempting to navigate the sandy tracks near Savuti with inadequate tire pressure – resulting in getting thoroughly stuck for hours until another vehicle came by. I now always ensure proper vehicle preparation and carry recovery equipment.

Public Transportation Safety

Public transportation options include:

Buses: Intercity buses are generally reliable and safe, though comfort varies greatly
Combis (minibuses): These serve shorter routes but can be overcrowded
Taxis: Available in cities but unmetered; negotiate fares beforehand

I’ve used all these options extensively and found them generally safe from a security perspective, though road safety standards may not match what you’re accustomed to. The most comfortable option is the air-conditioned coaches operated by AT&W between major cities.

Unique Road Hazards

Be particularly alert for:

Wildlife crossing roads (especially at dawn/dusk)
Free-roaming livestock (cows, goats, donkeys)
Deep potholes, particularly after rain
Sand traps on unpaved roads
Limited fuel availability in remote areas

I now plan my fuel stops obsessively after nearly running empty between Nata and Maun, where fuel stations are hundreds of kilometers apart. Always fill up when you have the chance, even if your tank is half full.

Cultural Safety and Local Customs

Botswana’s cultural landscape is characterized by courtesy, respect, and community-mindedness. Understanding and observing local customs will enhance both your safety and experience.

The concept of “botho” (roughly translated as “respect and honor”) guides interpersonal interactions in Batswana culture. I’ve found that taking time for proper greetings—even when in a hurry—has consistently improved interactions with locals.

Important Cultural Considerations

Greetings: Always exchange pleasantries before business. “Dumela mma/rra” (Hello madam/sir) followed by “Le kae?” (How are you?) is appreciated.
Photography: Always ask permission before photographing people or private property.
Dress code: Conservative in villages and towns; shoulders and knees covered, especially for women.
LGBTQ+ considerations: Same-sex activity was decriminalized in 2019, but public displays of affection may still attract unwanted attention.
Politics: Generally safe to discuss, but avoid criticizing the government or tribal leadership.

During a visit to the village of Etsha near the Okavango Panhandle, I inadvertently wore shorts to a community meeting. While no one commented directly, an elder later kindly suggested more formal attire would have been appropriate. I now pack lightweight linen pants for village visits—they’re cool enough for the heat while demonstrating cultural respect.

Regional Safety Variations

Safety conditions vary significantly across Botswana’s diverse regions. Here’s what you should know about specific areas:

Gaborone and Major Cities

Gaborone (known locally as “Gabs”) is a modern capital with generally good safety standards. Exercise normal urban precautions, particularly:

Avoid the bus station area and Old Naledi neighborhood after dark
Use registered taxis rather than walking at night
Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded markets like Main Mall

Francistown and Maun follow similar patterns – standard urban precautions apply, but violent crime targeting tourists is rare.

Northern Wildlife Areas

The Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and surrounding areas are extremely safe from a human threat perspective. Your main concerns here are:

Wildlife encounters (especially elephants and hippos)
Remote location with limited communication
Malaria risk
Vehicle breakdowns far from assistance

Central and Western Desert Regions

The Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi Pans present primarily environmental safety challenges:

Extreme temperatures (both hot days and cold nights)
Very limited water sources
Poor mobile reception
Few facilities between settlements

Border Areas

Botswana shares borders with South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Border areas generally present few additional safety concerns, though the following deserve mention:

The Kazungula border crossing (to Zambia/Zimbabwe) can be congested and attracts petty criminals
Remote border crossings may have limited facilities and operating hours
Wildlife corridors often cross borders, requiring vigilance when driving

Money-Saving Safety Tips

Staying safe in Botswana doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some insider tips I’ve discovered that both enhance safety and save money:

Accommodation Safety Hacks

Instead of booking the most expensive lodges for perceived safety:

Community-run campsites in the Okavango region (like Kaziikini near Maun) offer security through community presence at 1/5 the cost of luxury lodges
HATAB (self-catering) sites in national parks are perfectly safe if proper wildlife precautions are followed
Mid-range guesthouses in cities often have better security than budget backpackers without the premium prices of international hotels

Insider Tip: In Maun, I’ve repeatedly stayed at Motsebe Backpackers (about P350/night) which offers secure parking, lockable rooms, and a community atmosphere where travelers share safety information – all at 1/4 the price of the larger hotels.

Transportation Safety Economies

Safe transportation needn’t be the most expensive option:

Vehicle sharing: Use Facebook groups like “Backpacking Africa” to find travelers to share safari vehicle costs (and safety in numbers)
Local drivers: For day trips around cities, negotiate with a local driver for the day rather than multiple taxis
AT&W buses between major cities are both safer and cheaper than small combis or private transfers

Communication Without High Data Costs

Staying connected is essential for safety, but international roaming can be prohibitively expensive:

Purchase a local Mascom or Orange SIM card (requires passport registration) for as little as P10 plus data
Download offline maps before remote travel
Many lodges and guesthouses have free WiFi for emergency communication

I’ve saved thousands of pula using these approaches without compromising safety. My most recent trip, covering two weeks across multiple national parks, cost under $2,000 total while maintaining excellent safety standards.

Sustainable Safety Practices

Botswana’s commitment to conservation-based tourism means that sustainable practices often align perfectly with safety considerations.

Environmentally Conscious Safety

Water purification tablets or filters instead of single-use plastic bottles (safer than tap water in remote areas)
Solar chargers for maintaining communication devices in remote areas
Reusable containers for food storage (preventing wildlife attraction to camps)
Supporting community tourism initiatives that reinvest in anti-poaching measures

On my most recent trip to the Okavango, I used a LifeStraw water filter that eliminated the need for plastic bottles while ensuring safe drinking water. This not only reduced waste but meant I always had adequate water supply in remote areas—a critical safety factor.

Post-Pandemic Safety Considerations

The COVID-19 pandemic altered some aspects of travel safety in Botswana. While most restrictions have been lifted, some considerations remain relevant:

Healthcare facilities in remote areas remain limited
Some safari operators went out of business, so verify credentials carefully
Mobile health clinics now serve some tourism areas better than pre-pandemic
Border crossing procedures may change with limited notice

My January 2025 visit showed a tourism industry mostly recovered, but with some lingering effects on infrastructure and staffing levels. The upside is that many camps and lodges are less crowded than pre-pandemic, creating a more exclusive experience.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Botswana Safety Action Plan

After seven visits to Botswana spanning over half a decade, I can confidently say it’s one of Africa’s safest destinations for travelers who take reasonable precautions. The country’s combination of political stability, low crime rates, and well-managed tourism infrastructure creates an environment where visitors can focus more on experiences than security concerns.

To maximize your safety while exploring this magnificent country, follow this 5-step action plan:

Prepare medically: Get appropriate vaccinations, pack a comprehensive medical kit, and secure travel insurance that covers medical evacuation
Master wildlife safety: Research proper behavior around wild animals before arrival and follow guide instructions without exception
Connect locally: Learn basic Setswana greetings, respect cultural norms, and seek local advice about areas to avoid
Plan for remoteness: Download offline maps, carry multiple communication options, and always inform someone of your itinerary
Secure your belongings: Use in-room safes, avoid displaying valuables, and maintain awareness in urban areas

By balancing reasonable caution with openness to Botswana’s extraordinary experiences, you’ll discover a country that offers not just safety but life-changing encounters with wildlife, landscapes, and cultures unlike anywhere else on earth. The smell of wild sage after a desert rain, the rumbling purr of lions calling in the darkness, and the genuine warmth of Batswana greetings await those willing to venture to this remarkable corner of Africa.

“Tsamaya sentle” – travel well!

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Botswana

Is it safe for solo female travelers in Botswana?

Botswana is generally considered one of the safer African destinations for solo female travelers. Women should take standard precautions like avoiding isolated areas after dark and dressing somewhat conservatively in villages and towns. I’ve met numerous solo female travelers who navigated Botswana comfortably, though many chose guided safaris rather than self-driving for remote areas.

How does Botswana compare to neighboring countries for safety?

Botswana typically ranks among the safest countries in Southern Africa, with lower crime rates than South Africa and Zimbabwe. It shares similar safety profiles with Namibia, though Botswana has better infrastructure in many regions. The country’s political stability since independence has contributed significantly to its safety advantage in the region.

What should I do if I encounter dangerous wildlife outside of a game drive?

If you encounter dangerous wildlife unexpectedly (particularly elephants or hippos):

Remain calm and avoid sudden movements
Do not run or turn your back
Slowly and quietly back away without making direct eye contact
If in a vehicle, remain inside and still
Give the animal plenty of space and an escape route

Most dangerous encounters occur when animals feel threatened or cornered.

Is tap water safe to drink in Botswana?

Tap water is generally safe in major cities and established lodges but may have a different taste than you’re accustomed to. In remote areas and small villages, stick with purified or bottled water. I personally use tap water in Gaborone and Maun but opt for filtered or bottled water elsewhere.

How reliable is medical care for travelers in Botswana?

Medical care varies widely across the country. Gaborone and Francistown have private hospitals capable of handling most emergencies, while remote areas may have only basic clinics. For serious issues, medical evacuation to South Africa might be necessary – comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Private facilities generally offer better care than public ones.

Are there any areas of Botswana that should be avoided?

There are no entire regions that need to be avoided for safety reasons. In cities, certain neighborhoods (like Old Naledi in Gaborone) are best avoided after dark. Border areas are generally safe but exercise normal caution. The main safety limitations relate to remoteness and wildlife rather than human threats.

How should I handle money safely in Botswana?

ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns but can be scarce in remote areas. Carry a modest amount of cash (Botswana Pula) for daily expenses. Credit cards are accepted at most lodges and urban establishments but not in rural villages. Use ATMs located inside banks when possible, and avoid displaying large sums of money in public.