Is Botswana safe for tourists? That is the question that this article is looking to answer. Botswana is one of the most stable countries in Africa. This is among the 10 safest countries in the world and therefore Is Botswana safe for tourists? Yes it is safe.
Unlike its neighboring countries, tourism in Botswana is well developed and somewhat far from crime in Africa as a whole. Most tourists on Botswana safari tours usually go to Botswana’s main national parks.
There is also little confusion, so traveling to Botswana should be one of the best choice for anyone who wants to visit Africa. The country is modern and developed and the infrastructure works.
When in the cities and wondering is Botswana safe for tourists to drink tap water? Oh yes, even tap water is safe to drink and you don’t need protection against cholera or yellow fever.
Is Botswana safe for tourists who want to indulge in sex? HIV/AIDS is a serious problem, but if you do not take the necessary precautions, you should not take unnecessary risks. However, the biggest threat to tourists is wild animals and the risks of driving in the bush.
In terms of natural disasters is Botswana safe for tourists? The natural disasters are not common in Botswana and there seem to be few problems with it.
The flooding occurred at the Gaborone Dam, the city’s main water source, which is at risk of overflowing when there is heavy rain upstream. The country also experiences heat waves, which then correlate with drought.
Before planning an African safari to Botswana, follow the news and current situation of the country. In the event of an accident, seek shelter and wait for rescuers to arrive immediately.
Botswana is a country in southern Africa, perhaps one of the safest country in all of Africa. Botswana is rich in natural resources and wildlife, and bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Tourism infrastructure is well developed in Botswana, unlike its neighboring countries, and somewhat far from the racism that spreads in Africa. The level of service in Botswana is significantly better than in its neighboring countries, tourism is the norm.
Far from the main national parks in Botswana there are quite a few tourists, which agrees with travelers who hate themselves as tourists. The hassles of travelling to Botswana are also minimal, making traveling to Botswana a great option for anyone who wants to visit Africa.
Assessing the Risk Areas of Botswana
In answering the question is Botswana safe for tourists? It would be correct to say that in totality, Botswana is a safe country. Probably it is the safest place in Africa and if you’ve never been there, it’s a good place to start exploring this content. Tourists are rarely raided and the people are hospitable and warm.
Botswana’s capital city is called Gaborone which also has the highest population density in the country. As a result, it has the highest crime rate in the country. Don’t let this discourage you, but rather beware of street crimes like theft.
Maun is the tourist capital of the country. Most of the people visiting the country are found in Maun. Criminals take advantage of tourists because they don’t know their surroundings.
The second largest city in Botswana is Francistown. As anywhere in the world, the more the people, the more the crime can occur.
Be careful with valuables and avoid traveling alone at night. Also, be careful with your luggage as there have been reports of luggage theft at airports.
Warnings and Dangers in Botswana
Transport and Taxi Risk: Moderate
Is Botswana safe for tourists to move around? Transport in Botswana is mostly safe, and with the closure of all domestic rail services in 2009, the only public transport between major cities is the bus.
Although rare, car thefts do occur, so be careful when renting a car. Do not rent cars from expensive manufacturers as they may be subject to theft.
Danger of pickpockets: Low
Pickpockets are rare in Botswana, but robberies and pickpockets are even more likely. However, do not keep valuables in your back pocket or within easy reach in crowded areas.
Risk of natural disasters Natural disaster risk: Medium
Is Botswana safe for tourists when it comes to natural disasters? Botswana has been severely affected by cross-border flooding, with the Gaborone Dam, the source of water for the capital, at risk of flooding.
Another problem for Botswana is diseases from South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is also subject to occasional droughts.
Robbery risk Attack Risk: Medium
Crime against tourists is rare in Botswana, but does occur occasionally, usually in the form of car theft, pick pocketing, and mobile phone theft.
Avoid touching valuables on the street and avoid driving expensive vehicles. If you are robbed, do not be brave and abandon your valuables.
Terrorism risk: low
Although there have been no terrorist attacks in Botswana’s recent history, we cannot be too vigilant and rule out terrorist attacks. It is always important to be aware of your surroundings.
Risk of Fraud: Low
Is Botswana safe for tourists to be scammed? The risk of being scammed in Botswana is relatively low and about the same as in other countries.
A taxi driver may oversell the fare, and a street vendor may try to sell a souvenir at a price far above its value. As a tourist, you should pre-arrange all offers and research prices in big cities and national parks.
Risk to female travel: low
Is Botswana safe for a female tourists? The dangers for female travelers in Botswana are not as high as in Europe, and traveling in Botswana is not as difficult or unpleasant for women.
However, unaccompanied women should be cautious in clubs and bars and avoid walking alone in city parks and deserted streets at night.
So… is Botswana safe for tourists? Good news for travelers – Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa. Although on the rise in recent years, the country has a low crime rate and very friendly people, and the country is slowly gaining a reputation as a luxury travel destination.
Street crime, especially against tourists, is rarely a problem in Botswana. Incidents like this have been reported and robberies have been reported, but it doesn’t happen too often, so tourists shouldn’t worry too much.
The main areas of concern are Gaborone, the state capital, and Maun, the tourist capital, which is the gateway to the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s largest natural areas and tourist destinations. So be careful in this area.
However, tourism is a big part of the economy and tourists are welcome in the country, so no incidents are expected. Another problem in Botswana is car theft.
The best way to deal with a situation like this is to not fight back or act bravely and, of course, not to get caught in a car made by a manufacturer considered very valuable in Africa and an attractive target for theft.
To avoid Mobile phone theft has also occurred. So be careful when using your mobile phone in public and don’t leave valuables (or your mobile phone) unattended.
Is Botswana safe for tourists on safari in Botswana? The guests who are going on Botswana safari through South Africa should also be aware that there is a serious problem of baggage theft at OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport and Cape Town International Airport. So be careful when arriving in Botswana.
Safety Tips to Keep In Mind in Botswana
For those wondering how is Botswana safe for tourists and planning to travel at night, always take a taxi from your hotel to and from bars and restaurants in the city.
Is Botswana safe for tourists to walk around with valuable? Keep all valuables safe, be aware of your surroundings, and be aware that someone is watching you, especially in crowded areas.
Is Botswana safe for tourists to use mobile phones? Be careful when using your mobile phone in public and avoid using it in crowded places. Keep an eye on your credit card and never use ATMs or ATMs on public roads at night.
When visiting wildlife parks, stay away from wildlife and follow the instructions of wildlife rangers. Avoid swimming in rivers and lakes due to the risk of wildlife and waterborne diseases.
Safe transport in Botswana
If you are traveling to a remote area, please plan your trip in advance and make your transportation and accommodation arrangements in advance.
Carry emergency supplies (water, fuel, etc.) and you should be ready for some off-road driving. In the event of a breakdown in a group or when traveling to very remote areas using satellite phones.
Is Botswana safe for tourists who want to use public transport? Botswana’s public transport options are limited. Larger cities have public transport, mostly minivan taxis that hold about 16 people.
These taxis operate on fixed routes and are easy to catch. Buses are a popular means of transportation between cities in Botswana.
Is Botswana safe for tourists who are on self-drive? Most tourists visiting Botswana choose to rent a car and drive themselves. Tourists are allowed to drive for up to three months with an international driving license and a valid driving license from their home country.
You will find the roads in Botswana well maintained and generally in good condition. Top speed is 120 km/h (7 mph) on highways and 60 km/h (37 mph) in towns and cities. Some roads in Botswana still have problems. There are erratic drivers and poor signage.
The biggest problem is the domestic and wild animals on the road. Unpaved roads can be miserable during the rainy season. Therefore, it is not recommended to drive on these roads at night.
Driving Tips in Botswana
Please follow the traffic rules and drive safely. Don’t expect other drivers to do what you want.
- Pass only when it is safe to do so. Never overtake on slopes with poor visibility or where there are solid white lines.
- Always check your blind spots before changing lanes, even if the road appears clear.
- Stay alert and aware of what is happening around you.
- Always be prepared for emergencies. Please bring an emergency kit. Useful if you get stuck on the side of the road or are involved in a traffic accident.
- Be aware of potentially dangerous drivers and pedestrians on the road.
- Watch out for potholes, animals and other obstacles that can stray into the road, especially at night. It is best to avoid driving at night.
Photo shoot in Botswana
Is Botswana safe for tourists who are on photographic safari? The use of photography or video equipment near military or government installations is prohibited.
Always ask permission before photographing people in Botswana. But Botswana is a great place to put your wildlife photography skills to the test.
Don’t forget to bring bug repellent and a spare battery because you don’t want to miss a precious shot. Be careful not to stray too far from your tour group.
Also, prepare garbage bags in case of sudden rain.
Local laws and customs
Bureaucracy and boring, straight-laced officials can get in the way of police and vets, but corruption is rare. If this happens, your baggage may need to be unpacked for inspection at the checkpoint. The Botswana Defense Force takes its mandate seriously and it is prudent to abide by it.
Avoid Gaborone’s presidential residence, the State Capitol, especially at night. Make sure your passport does not expire while you are in Botswana.
It is illegal to buy, sell, kill, capture or trade any part of a protected wild animal. Anyone caught hunting, buying or trading such goods can be prosecuted and face very severe penalties if found guilty.
Christianity is the most important belief system in Botswana, with well over 60 percent of the population. This was introduced by David Livingstone, who converted the chief of Bakwena to Christianity in his mid-nineteenth century.
The main denominations are the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Church, the Zionian Church, the Lutheran Church, and the Methodist Church of Christ.
LGBT rights
Is Botswana safe for tourists who are gays or lesbians? In Botswana Homosexuality is no longer illegal, but public opinion is less popular than in other Western countries, and public displays of affection can attract negative attention.
Drugs
Is Botswana safe for tourists who are involved with drugs? Drug use and smuggling are serious crimes. Penalties can be heavy for long prison sentences.
Do not offer to carry packages from unknown or questionable sources in your luggage. Otherwise, you risk being used as a drug courier.
Is Botswana safe for tourists who are women and children?
Foreign women are not targeted domestically. So is Botswana safe for tourists especially solo female travelers? It seems so. Threats to women are no different in the West. It is recommended that you never go alone after dark.
Single women in nightclubs and bars need to be very aware of their surroundings and what they are consuming. Women should be careful not to go out late at night.
Is Botswana safe for tourists with children? Botswana is one of the few countries in Africa that is safe for children to visit. Traveling with children in Botswana should not present any major problems.
Children must always be in sight, especially when traveling.
In concluding this article on is Botswana safe for tourists, our advice would be personal sensitivity and vigilance would be of essence. Enjoy a safe vacation in Botswana with a trusted tour operator ASTHO Vacations offers a wide range of tours to Botswana.
We work closely with Botswana’s most reputable travel agencies where safety is our number one priority.