Botswana Travel Safety

Road safety

Road conditions are generally good in urban areas, but overland travel outside major centres can be dangerous. Travel by road can be hazardous. Drivers can sometimes be aggressive and reckless, and pedestrians and livestock can often be found walking along the sides of roads, including on major highways. Driver fatigue caused by driving on long stretches of highway and poorly lit roads also pose hazards, particularly at night. A reliable private roadside assistance service called Medical Rescue International is available by calling 992 or 390-1601. Pedestrians and roaming livestock or wild animals may pose a hazard on rural roadways, particularly in Chobe, Ghanzi, Okavango, Pandamatenga and Savuti areas. Desert conditions and conditions in remote areas are harsh. You should not undertake travel to these areas without a guide, if possible, serious plan in advance and arrange a four-wheel-drive vehicle well-equipped with provisions. Keep extra fuel, food, water & medical kit.

Identification

Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times.

Taxis

In major towns, taxis are generally safe, but the fare should be determined before departure. Some hotels operate a minibus service between the airport and Gaborone. You should verify whether your hotel provides this service and reserve the transfer in advance. Vehicles can be rented at the airport in Gaborone as well.

Public transportation

There are reliable buses for long distance journeys to Harare (Zimbabwe), Johannesburg (South Africa), and Lusaka (Zambia). These buses depart from the main bus rank in Gaborone. As well, mini buses to Johannesburg leave at hourly intervals from Gaborone's main bus rank. Long distance buses normally leave in the early hours, around 6 AM. For reliable transportation to Johannesburg from Gaborone, you must book at least one day before the travel date. Passenger train service in Botswana has been discontinued.

Women's safety

Botswana is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise common precautions throughout your travel.

Crime

Pickpocketing, theft and "smash and grab" robberies occur. Violent crime, residential break-ins and carjacking also occur, but tourists are rarely targeted. Be vigilant at all times. Avoid walking alone after dark, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. Theft of parked cars or their contents occurs. Thieves also reach into vehicles, including taxis, stopped at red lights to steal belongings. Keep car doors locked, windows up and your belongings out of sight. Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times. Valuables and important documents should be stored in a hotel safe. Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash.

LGBT

Although homosexuality is no longer prohibited by law, public attitudes are less tolerant and public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

Illegal or restricted activities

Persons convicted of unlawful dealing in or possession of illegal drugs, such as cannabis (known locally as motokwane or dagga), are subject to harsh punishments, including mandatory minimum jail sentences. Prior permission is required to import firearms and munitions. Possession of pornographic material is illegal. Botswana law strictly regulates the sale, possession or removal from the country of any animal (dead or alive) - you must obtain a government permit or a receipt from a licensed shop. The law also applies to animal trophies, including a horn, tooth, tusk, bone, claw, hoof, hide, skin, hair, feather, egg or any other durable portion of an animal, processed or not. All souvenirs are subject to the National Trophy Law, and travellers must present a receipt from a licensed store upon departure. It is strictly prohibited to remove elephant hair, ivory and rhinoceros horn products. It is prohibited to take photographs of military and government installations. Always ask permission before photographing individuals.

Driving

Traffic drives on the left. An International Driving Permit is recommended. Failure to obey traffic signs, driving while intoxicated or not being in possession of a valid driver's licence may result in arrest and heavy fines.