Botswana, or officially – Republic of Botswana, is located in Southern Africa.
It is bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Botswana is a beautiful country with lots of things to see.
The amazing nature and beautiful animals will astonish you.
There are elephants every way you turn and there is absolutely nothing better than the sight of these huge mammals walking around and enjoying their habitat.
Nature is the main reason many people visit Botswana – to see the animals up close and see first-hand how successful the people in Botswana are in preserving the wildlife.
Make sure to join a safari for a full experience.
Warnings & Dangers in Botswana
OVERALL RISK : LOW
If you wish to explore Africa, Botswana is probably the best place to start your journey. It is one of the safest countries in Africa. Incidents that involve tourists are rare, but still, some caution is advised. The people are friendly.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transport is pretty much safe. There are many taxi drivers and there are usually no issues, even though some may try to charge you more than necessary. If you want to rent a car, make sure you don't rent a car that is too expensive.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : LOW
Pickpocketing risk is low in Botswana, but it can occur. Things like bag-snatching may happen in the tourist areas with lots of people, so stay alert. Keep your belongings close to you and don't leave them unattended, especially if you have a camera or a phone.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
Botswana is susceptible to floods, especially from the Gaborone Dam. There is also the risk of droughts. During the summer months, the amount of rain is higher, so this is the period when there is a higher risk of floods.
MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM
The crime rate is low in Botswana, but mugging can occur. The important thing is not to resist it if it occurs to avoid getting hurt. Try not to carry valuable things, so you don't attract too much attention on the street.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
Luckily, there is no history of recent terrorist attacks, but tourists must be careful anyway. The global risk for terrorist attacks has increased lately, so it is wise to inform yourself about all the possible threats and the proper protocol.
SCAMS RISK : LOW
Scams in Botswana usually refer to the street vendors who try to sell their souvenirs to the tourists at a higher price than usual. Also, arrange a price for a taxi ride before starting the ride to avoid paying too much.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Female travelers who wish to go to Botswana alone should know that this is a pretty safe country. Taking some usual precaution is required, such as being careful in the clubs and avoiding walking at night alone in remote areas.
How Safe Is Botswana for Tourists?
Botswana is pretty safe for the tourists and the crime rate is low.
Some incidents occur, but very rarely.
The main areas where you should be careful is in tourist destinations, Gabarone and Maun.
The country is oriented towards tourism and the people are nice.
However, there have been cases of carjacking and the most important thing in these situations is to cooperate, because resisting may just cause bigger problems.
When renting a car, rent a cheaper one.
Stealing cell phones is also possible, so make sure to always keep an eye on it and don’t attract unwanted attention by carrying expensive things.
Other than that, you will enjoy Botswana.
Don’t forget to visit the Okavango Delta.
Sit into the canoe and enjoy the beautiful surrounding.
It is a unique opportunity to see the wildlife of Africa that close.
Makgadikgadi is a salt lake worth visiting.
Nxai Pan National Park is the habitat of lions and you’ll see Baobab trees that hold the spirits of the ancient people, according to the local beliefs.
If you wish to find out more about the history of Botswana, there are Tsodilo Hills where you’ll be able to see paintings that are a thousand years old.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Botswana?
U.S. citizens do not require a visa for a planned stay for up to 90 days.
Citizens of certain countries must obtain a visa before going, so it is best to check your visa status before making arrangements.
Which Currency Is Used in Botswana?
The official currency in Botswana is Botswana pula.
Its symbol is P.
One U.S. dollar equals 10,86 Botswanan Pula.
Banks accept Euro, Pounds Sterling, and U.S. dollars, as well as Visa and Master Card.
How's the Weather like in Botswana?
Botswana has a semi-arid climate.
It is dry and hot during most months, but there are also lots of rainy days.
Summer lasts from November until March, while winter begins in May and lasts until August.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Botswana?
Botswana has sixteen airports.
The main one is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.
It is located 15 km away from Gabarone downtown.
It serves more than 700,000 passengers a year.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
It is highly recommended to take travel insurance.
It should contain the coverage for theft, any accidents concerning animals and medical coverage in case you need to get treatment in the hospital.
What Are Some Things to Do in Botswana?
When you visit Botswana, you must go to Chobe National Park which is a home of elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes and many other animals.
If you wish to go to safari, go to Okavango Delta.
Is the Water in Botswana Safe to Drink?
The tap water in Botswana is not safe for drinking and it is highly recommended to consume bottled water.
The water in the cities is chlorinated, so it may cause gastrointestinal issues.
Is Uber Safe in Botswana?
Uber is not available in Botswana, but there are other local taxies that are reliable.
It is recommended to stick to the taxi drivers that are trustworthy and communicate with them for every drive.
