Botswana Travel Safety Guide
What are the emergency numbers in Botswana?
Botswana emergency numbers: 999 (Police), 997 (Ambulance), 998 (Fire Department).
Is Botswana safe for travelers?
Attacks on tourists are rare, but violent crime is increasing particularly in Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun.
Keep a low profile with valuables and avoid isolated areas after dark.
What health risks should travelers know about in Botswana?
Heat, dehydration, and remote-area logistics are often more important risks than urban crime if you are doing safari or self-drive trips.
How is transportation in Botswana?
Self-drive and safari travel need more planning than city travel. Distances are long, fuel stops can be sparse, and night driving is a bad idea because of animals and road hazards.
Use arranged lodge transfers or known taxi services rather than improvising transport late at night.
What should travelers know about money in Botswana?
Botswana uses the pula (BWP). Cards work in larger hotels, lodges, and urban businesses, but cash is still useful in smaller towns and on the road.
City Specific Info
Maun
Maun is a key safari gateway. Treat cash, bags, and phones carefully during transfers and supply stops.
Which embassies are in Botswana?
Mostly in Gaborone, South-East District.
Australia
Brazil
China
France
Germany
Holy See (Vatican City)
India
Japan
Mozambique
Russia
South Africa
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the emergency number in Botswana?
In Botswana, you can reach police at 999, ambulance at 997, fire services at 998. These numbers work from any phone, including mobile phones without a local SIM card.
Is Botswana safe for tourists?
Attacks on tourists are rare, but violent crime is increasing particularly in Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun.
What currency is used in Botswana?
Botswana uses the pula (BWP). Cards work in larger hotels, lodges, and urban businesses, but cash is still useful in smaller towns and on the road.
What health precautions should I take in Botswana?
Heat, dehydration, and remote-area logistics are often more important risks than urban crime if you are doing safari or self-drive trips.
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