Safety in Botswana

The general picture. Botswana is rightly considered the calmest country in the region. Hostility towards visitors is minimal and police corruption is essentially absent.
Wildlife is the real hazard. The danger here comes from animals, not people. In the reserves never get out of the vehicle, and never feed monkeys, which can turn nasty fast.
Towns. In Gaborone and Francistown apply normal city sense. Do not leave bags visible in a car, and avoid the areas around bus stations at night.
Water. Tap water in the big towns is fine to drink, but in the bush use bottled only. Always carry far more clean water than you think you will need.
Roads. The main risk is hitting a cow or an elephant. Animals are unbothered by cars and step onto the road in complete darkness without warning.
Insects. In the rainy season mosquitoes are active and carry disease. Use coils in tents, wear covered clothing at dusk and apply a high-DEET repellent.
Getting help. Any police officer will help and they all speak English. Private medical rescue services operate for visitors, and your insurance should cover them.

Botswana is one of Africa's most stable and least corrupt countries. Street crime is limited and so is deception.

Gaborone. Urban caution at a moderate level: pickpockets in shopping centres and theft from cars. Nobody walks at night, but the level is not comparable with South Africa.

Car hire is the subject. Botswana is a country of self-drive 4x4 safaris. Check that the insurance covers gravel, sand and off-tarmac driving, and that there are two spare wheels, a jack and a compressor. Punctures in the Kalahari and Moremi are ordinary.

Safari operators. The Okavango Delta and Chobe are expensive destinations. Operators are largely honest, but check whether light aircraft transfers and park fees are included: they are substantial.

Currency exchange. Change at banks at fair rates. South African rand is accepted in border areas.

Fuel. Hundreds of kilometres between filling stations, many of them cash only.

Wildlife is a legal subject. Leaving your vehicle in national parks outside designated areas is prohibited and dangerous. Botswana has the world's largest elephant population, and collisions and charges occur. Do not approach, do not try to drive around a herd, and if you meet one on the road, stop and wait.

Exports. Ivory, hides and animal parts are prohibited and the offence is serious.

Camping. Only at designated sites, with booking compulsory well in advance — Moremi and Chobe sell out months ahead in season.

Drones. Permission is required and they are prohibited outright in national parks.

Driving on the left. Gravel roads, Kalahari sand and animals on the highway. Do not drive between towns at night under any circumstances: elephants and antelope come onto the road.

Drugs. The law is strict.

Same-sex relations were decriminalised by a court ruling in 2019, but society remains conservative.

Veterinary cordons. Road posts disinfect vehicles and check for meat and dairy products. This guards against foot-and-mouth disease and the rules are observed.

Malaria. Risk in the north — the Okavango, Chobe, Kasane and Moremi — during the November-to-June rains. Gaborone and the south are malaria-free. Prophylaxis is matched to route and season.

Vaccinations. None mandatory; a yellow fever certificate is required from arrivals out of endemic countries. Hepatitis A, typhoid and rabies are advised.

Water. Tap water in Gaborone and the large towns is safe. Inland, carry your own.

HIV. Prevalence in Botswana is high, though the treatment programme is among Africa's best. This does not affect an ordinary trip but matters for medical procedures.

Heat and dehydration. The Kalahari passes 40°C in summer with dry air. Carry several litres of water per day.

Wildlife. Hippos and crocodiles in the Okavango Delta are a real danger. Do not approach the water and do not swim anywhere except lodge pools.

Healthcare. Gaborone has decent private clinics. The delta and parks have none, and evacuation is by air only. Insurance with air evacuation is essential.

Botswana consistently ranks among Africa's best on the Corruption Perceptions Index. Bribes are not taken and the police work correctly.

Police. English is official and communication is simple. Presence on the roads is visible.

Reporting theft. Reports are taken and certificates for insurers issued; the process is clear.

Traffic police. Speed enforcement is dense, with fines issued on the spot and a receipt. Seatbelts are compulsory.

Parks. Rangers provide security and the rules are strict and well founded.

What actually matters. In Botswana the threat comes from animals, sand and distance rather than people. This is a country where the trip plan is a plan for fuel, water and campsite bookings rather than for personal safety.

Emergency numbers: 999 police, 997 ambulance.