Botswana

Botswana is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality, but travelers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Botswana.

Safety Overview

• Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like Gaborone’s markets or public transport. Violent crime, including home invasions, break-ins, “smash and grabs” from vehicles, cell phone thefts, and muggings, is increasing, particularly in major towns like Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun, though attacks on tourists are rare.
• Solo/Female Travelers: Botswana is considered safe, with locals often helpful. Avoid isolated areas at night, and women should take care when walking alone due to a high number of sexual assaults, though foreign visitors are unlikely to be targeted.
• Road Safety:
  
  • Driving can be challenging due to aggressive and reckless drivers, poor rural road conditions, and stray wildlife and livestock, especially at night.
  • Avoid night driving in rural or mountainous areas due to poor lighting, wildlife, and increased accident risks.
  • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

• Food/Water Safety: Avoid tap water; drink bottled water. Practice safe eating habits to prevent travelers’ diarrhea.
• Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for long-term stays or rural areas). Yellow Fever vaccination is not required for travelers whose sole destination is Botswana but is mandatory if arriving from a risk country (e.g., Kenya, Uganda). Malaria prophylaxis is advised in the northern half, including Chobe and the Okavango Delta, particularly from November to June.
• Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
• Insect-Borne Diseases: Use insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes (risk of malaria) and ticks (risk of other diseases).
• Altitude Sickness: No significant risk in Botswana (low elevation, with minor hills).

Medical Facilities

• Hospitals: Private facilities like Bokamoso Private Hospital in Gaborone offer higher standards. Rural areas often lack advanced care, and medical evacuation to the UK or South Africa may be necessary for serious treatment.
• Pharmacies: Available in cities but carry essential medications.
• Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation, as private hospitals require payment upfront, and public hospitals only accept emergency patients with full insurance.

Emergency Contacts

• General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
• Ambulance: 997 | Fire: 998 | Police: 999.
• Tourist Police (Gaborone): +267 360 7200.

Travel Tips

• Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural or flood-prone areas, especially during the rainy season (November to March). Check insurance coverage for rentals.
• Hiking: Use local guides for remote trails (e.g., Chobe National Park).
• Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or cultural issues, especially related to homosexuality.
• Air Quality: Pollution can be high in Gaborone, particularly in winter (May-September); monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

• CDC Botswana Health Guidelines: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/botswana
• Botswanan Road Authority: https://www.roads.gov.bw/
• Botswana e-services portal: https://www.gov.bw/