Africa
Is Botswana safe?
L2Exercise increased caution
Is Botswana safe?
Calm and stable, and attacks on tourists are rare; the real risks are wildlife, remote driving and rising crime in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-06-16.
- Homicide rate: 11.4 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 26.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 998.
- Solo women: Generally safe for solo women, though sexual assault rates are high nationally; avoid walking alone at night and use branded, pre-booked taxis.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Wildlife in unfenced camps and on roads, especially at night
- Car crime at traffic lights and break-ins in towns
- Flooded roads and border closures in the November–March rains
- Breakdowns far from help; carry water, fuel and spares
Common scams
- Unlicensed taxis; use ones with blue number plates or company branding
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug offences carry fines up to P500,000 and up to 25 years in prison.
- Photographing military or government installations is illegal.
- Hunting, buying or trading protected wildlife products brings severe sentences.
Safety by place in Botswana
Quick answers
Is Botswana safe for tourists?
Calm and stable, and attacks on tourists are rare; the real risks are wildlife, remote driving and rising crime in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun.
Is Botswana safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe for solo women, though sexual assault rates are high nationally; avoid walking alone at night and use branded, pre-booked taxis.
What is the emergency number in Botswana?
Police 999 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 998.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Botswana
- Botswana Tourism Organisation
- Speedtest Global Index: Botswana
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.