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Updated 2026-10-07T10:37:16Z
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Is Gaborone safe? 🇧🇼
Botswana · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Gaborone scores 73/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Gaborone is a relatively safe city for travelers, but requires a heightened degree of caution due to some crime risks. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Gaborone 🇧🇼
Botswana · Assessed 13 October 2026
73
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime66/100FairHomicide 11.4 / 100k
Sentiment66/100FairCautiously Optimistic
Advisories75Good
Stability79Good
Health73Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Botswana: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:33.120000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
62
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
65 / 100 (Cautiously Optimistic)
65
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
246k residents
82
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
11.4 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Botswana11.4Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
42
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile violent crime is not rampant, muggings and armed robberies can occur, particularly after dark or in less populated areas.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in crowded areas such as markets, bus stations, and tourist sites.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Cautiously Optimistic
66/100
Reported feel65Cautiously Optimistic
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
While official advisories suggest caution, traveler reports and general sentiment indicate that Gaborone is manageable with standard safety precautions, though awareness of local crime trends is advised.
Gaborone is a relatively safe city for travelers, but requires a heightened degree of caution due to some crime risks.
While Botswana is often cited as one of Africa's safest countries, Gaborone experiences higher crime rates than many developed nations, particularly concerning property crime and opportunistic theft. Travelers should remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas and at night.
Recent developments
- Aug 2025An African Union consultation on synthetic drug supply reduction was held in Gaborone.— African Union
- Nov 2024Anti-corruption protesters in Gaborone demanded action from the new government.— VOA - Voice of America English News
- Jul 2023An anti-LGBTQ+ protest took place in Gaborone following the introduction of a decriminalization bill.— Jurist.org
Common scams
- Theft of unattended belongings in public places
- Bogus parking attendants demanding payment
Full briefing
Gaborone presents a mixed safety profile, with official advisories urging a high degree of caution. While the city benefits from Botswana's generally stable political environment and low risk of terrorism, travelers should be aware of local crime. The homicide rate, though lower than some global averages, is significantly higher than in many developed countries.
Recent news indicates ongoing concerns about corruption and drug supply issues, though these are unlikely to directly impact most tourists. Property crime, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is a notable risk in crowded areas like markets and transport hubs. Opportunistic theft and, less commonly, muggings can occur, particularly after dark.
Travelers should exercise vigilance, especially when walking alone at night or in less frequented areas. It is advisable to use reputable transportation, secure accommodation, and avoid displaying wealth. While Gaborone is not considered a high-risk destination, maintaining situational awareness and adhering to standard travel safety practices will contribute to a secure visit.
Was this Gaborone, Botswana report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 6 Gaborone districts for visitors, 4 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Gaborone safety map.
Old NalediavoidReported to have higher crime rates; visitors should avoid this area.
New NalediavoidSimilar to Old Naledi, this area is best avoided due to safety concerns.
Central Business District (CBD)cautionHigher foot traffic can mean increased petty crime; be aware of surroundings, especially after dark.
BroadhurstcautionA large residential and commercial area; exercise vigilance, particularly in less populated sections or at night.
Gaborone WestcautionMixed-use area; standard precautions against petty theft and opportunistic crime are advised.
TlokwengcautionBorder town area; be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables.
07 · After Dark
Is Gaborone safe at night?
While violent crime is not rampant, muggings and armed robberies can occur, particularly after dark or in less populated areas.
After dark, be most careful around Old Naledi, New Naledi, Central Business District (CBD), Broadhurst. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Gaborone safety FAQ (2026)
Is Gaborone safe right now (2026)?
Gaborone is a relatively safe city for travelers, but requires a heightened degree of caution due to some crime risks. While Botswana is often cited as one of Africa's safest countries, Gaborone experiences higher crime rates than many developed nations, particularly concerning property crime and opportunistic theft. Travelers should remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas and at night. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Is Gaborone safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Gaborone report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Gaborone should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Old Naledi, New Naledi as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Gaborone (2026)?
- Theft of unattended belongings in public places
- Bogus parking attendants demanding payment
How does Gaborone compare with other places in Botswana (2026)?
Gaborone ranks #3 of 3 Botswana destinations we've assessed, scoring 73/100. See the Botswana safety overview for the full list.
How is this gaborone safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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