Gaborone Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Gaborone.
Healthcare System
Botswana has a dual healthcare system with public facilities and private hospitals. Public healthcare is available but often overcrowded with long wait times. Private healthcare in Gaborone is of good quality and is recommended for tourists, though it can be expensive.
Hospitals
Main private hospitals include Gaborone Private Hospital, Bokamoso Private Hospital, and Sidilega Private Hospital. Princess Marina Hospital is the main public referral hospital. Private facilities accept international insurance and cash payments. Always carry your insurance details.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are widely available throughout Gaborone, including chains like Click's Pharmacy and independent pharmacies. Most common medications are available, though some specialized drugs may be limited. Many pharmacies are open until late evening, and some offer 24-hour services.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended and often required by private hospitals before treatment. Ensure your policy includes medical evacuation coverage to South Africa, as this may be necessary for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Always carry a copy of your travel insurance policy and emergency contact numbers
- Private healthcare requires upfront payment or insurance guarantee before treatment
- Bring sufficient supplies of any prescription medications as specific brands may not be available
- Tap water in Gaborone is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available if preferred
- Malaria risk is very low in Gaborone itself, but prophylaxis may be needed if traveling to northern Botswana
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often target distracted visitors in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation hubs.
Smash-and-grab thefts from parked vehicles are common, particularly in parking lots and at traffic lights. Thieves target vehicles with visible valuables inside.
While less common than petty theft, muggings do occur, particularly at night in poorly lit areas or isolated locations. Most incidents are opportunistic rather than targeted.
Road accidents are a significant risk due to speeding, drunk driving (especially weekends), animals on roads, and poorly maintained vehicles. Pedestrian infrastructure is limited in some areas.
Isolated incidents of drink spiking have been reported in bars and nightclubs, sometimes leading to robbery or assault.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals posing as police officers may approach tourists claiming to need to check their wallets for counterfeit money or drugs, then steal cash or valuables during the 'inspection.'
Unlicensed or unscrupulous taxi drivers may quote inflated prices to tourists unfamiliar with local rates, or take unnecessarily long routes to increase fares.
While using an ATM, an accomplice distracts you (asking for help, pointing out something on the ground) while another steals your cash or card.
Fake accommodation listings or people approaching tourists claiming their booking doesn't exist and offering alternative lodging at inflated prices.
Sellers claim to offer authentic gemstones, diamonds, or valuable traditional crafts at 'special prices' that turn out to be fake or vastly overpriced.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Register with your embassy upon arrival for longer stays
- Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
- Share your itinerary with someone back home
- Keep emergency numbers saved in your phone
- Learn a few basic Setswana phrases - locals appreciate the effort
- Carry small amounts of cash for emergencies as some places don't accept cards
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
- Carry only what you need for the day
- Divide money and cards between different locations on your person
- Be discreet when handling money in public
- Use ATMs during daylight hours in secure locations
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
- Keep emergency cash in USD or EUR as backup
Transportation
- Use reputable taxi companies or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street
- If renting a car, inspect it thoroughly and understand local driving rules (drive on the left)
- Avoid driving outside the city after dark due to animal hazards and limited lighting
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially at traffic lights
- Plan routes in advance and use GPS navigation
- Ensure adequate fuel as stations may be sparse outside the city
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations in safe, well-reviewed areas
- Verify that rooms have working locks and safes
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify through reception
- Keep ground floor windows locked when absent
- Use the peephole or chain before opening doors
- Store valuables in hotel safes, not in luggage
Night Safety
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use taxis or ride-sharing services
- Stay in well-lit, populated areas if out at night
- Let someone know where you're going and expected return time
- Avoid displaying phones or valuables when walking at night
- Be extra cautious around bars and nightclubs late at night
- Stick to established entertainment venues rather than unfamiliar areas
Health Precautions
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date
- Consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations
- Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites despite low malaria risk
- Practice safe food and water hygiene, though standards are generally good
- Carry a basic first aid kit with any personal medications
- Be aware of HIV/AIDS prevalence and take appropriate precautions
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication (available at airports and shops)
- Major networks include Mascom, Orange, and BeMobile with good coverage in the city
- Download offline maps before traveling outside the city
- Keep your accommodation's address and phone number easily accessible
- Learn emergency phrases in English (widely spoken) and basic Setswana
- WiFi is available in most hotels, restaurants, and cafes
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally find Gaborone relatively safe compared to other African capitals, and solo female travel is common. However, women should still take standard precautions as harassment and unwanted attention can occur, particularly at night or in bars. Botswana has relatively progressive attitudes toward women, but traditional gender roles still exist in some contexts.
- Dress modestly but no strict dress code; locals dress in both Western and traditional styles
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps
- Be firm but polite if dealing with unwanted attention; saying you're meeting your husband can help deter advances
- Consider staying in accommodations with good security and reception services
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Keep your phone charged and easily accessible
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption in unfamiliar settings
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself
- Be cautious about sharing accommodation details or travel plans with strangers
- Women's rights are respected; don't hesitate to report harassment to authorities
- Consider carrying a whistle or personal alarm for added security
- Be aware that some traditional areas may have more conservative attitudes
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality was decriminalized in Botswana in 2019, marking significant progress. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and legal protections against discrimination are limited. The decriminalization ruling was a landmark decision for LGBTQ+ rights in Africa.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection regardless of orientation
- Gaborone has a small but emerging LGBTQ+ community; connections can be made through online platforms
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and venues in advance
- Be cautious about disclosing sexual orientation to strangers
- Some hotels and guesthouses are known to be welcoming; read reviews from LGBTQ+ travelers
- Avoid public confrontations or debates about LGBTQ+ rights
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations like LEGABIBO (Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana) for advice and support
- Be aware that attitudes in rural areas and traditional settings are generally more conservative
- International hotels and establishments catering to tourists tend to be more accepting
- Consider travel insurance that doesn't discriminate based on sexual orientation
- While the legal situation has improved, societal attitudes are changing gradually
- Document any discrimination incidents and report to your embassy if serious
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Gaborone and Botswana. Private healthcare facilities, which offer the best care, require payment upfront or insurance guarantees before treatment. Medical evacuation to South Africa for serious conditions is expensive (often $10,000+). Insurance also protects against trip cancellations, lost luggage, and other travel disruptions. Many activities in Botswana (safaris, adventure sports) carry inherent risks that should be covered.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries