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Botswana is one of the safer countries in Africa. Here are our tips to avoiding petty crime and staying within the law.
Photo © Getty Images/Mara Duchetti
Street crime
Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa and travelers might only encounter petty crime.
Most tourism in Botswana is centered around Gaborone, Francistown and the tourist capital, Maun. The good news is Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, doesn't experience high levels of crime.
As you would in any country, keep your valuables secure and only take out with you what you need for the day.
Visitors should use care when talking on a cell phone while walking. Pickpockets can frequent crowded spots and transport hubs so secure your valuables.
Occasionally, travelers have been robbed in the areas of Gaborone Dam and Kgale Hill in the capital, Gaborone. It's advised to exercise caution in these areas, particularly between dusk and dawn.
Always be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. Avoid walking around alone at night or in poorly lit areas. Instead, take a taxi to get around at night.
Theft from vehicles
Theft of property from vehicles has been reported in Botswana. Never leave any valuables in your vehicle if parked somewhere or overnight.
Drive-by snatch-and-grab style theft from vehicles whether in traffic or parked does occur so always make sure your windows are up, doors are locked and valuables are out of sight.
Transport crime
Travelers arriving in Botswana via South Africa should also be aware that there is a continuing baggage theft problem at OR Tambo (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International Airports.
Avoid placing any valuables such as electronics, jewelry, cameras, laptops etc. in checked luggage. If you don't want it lost, then carry it on you.
If you plan to catch a taxi, always negotiate the fare before hopping in to avoid any nasty surprises at the end of the ride.
Women's safety
Women travelers are pretty safe in Botswana with most locals tending to be polite and respectful. The only time a woman traveler might be hassled is if they are in a bar alone and might receive some unwanted attention from a guy (local or non-local) who has had one too many drinks.
Use your common sense as you would where ever you travel. Avoid walking alone at night or in poorly lit streets.
It's also a good idea to dress modestly, particularly in rural locations. In the more touristy spots, it's more acceptable to wear shorter sleeves and shorts.
Law in Botswana
Drug use and trafficking are illegal in Botswana. Botswana's prisons aren't known to be pleasant.
Homosexuality was decriminalized in Botswana in June 2019 after 130 years of colonial law.
Don't forget to always carry your personal ID with you when traveling around.
As in many countries, photographing military or government buildings is forbidden. Always ask someone before taking their photo.
Animal souvenirs
Botswanan law makes it illegal to possess or remove from the country any living or dead animal or animal trophy without a government permit.
A trophy is considered to be any of the following: horn, ivory, tooth, tusk, bone, claw, hoof, hide, skin, hair, feather, egg, or other durable parts of an animal, whether the item has been treated or not.
With many animals in Africa struggling to survive against poachers, it's best to avoid purchasing these items.
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