No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-06-01T13:04:17Z
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Is Gaborone safe? 🇧🇼
Botswana · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Gaborone scores 65/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Yes — Gaborone is generally safe for visitors, but exercise increased caution due to petty crime and occasional unrest. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (high risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Gaborone 🇧🇼
Botswana · Assessed 28 July 2026
65
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~65% of countries
What drives this score
Crime63/100FairHomicide 11.4 / 100k
Sentiment63/100FairMostly positive
Advisories50Caution
Stability78Good
Health72Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Caution
Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Botswana: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
High risk
45
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
68 / 100 (Mostly positive)
68
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
246k residents
83
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
11.4 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Botswana11.4Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
42
Robbery / mugging
ModerateMugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can occur in isolated areas after dark, particularly in the Central Business District and surrounding suburbs.
Pickpocketing
HighPickpocketing and bag-snatching are frequent in crowded places such as the Main Mall, bus terminals, and during market hours in the Old Town.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
63/100
Reported feel68Mostly positive
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk58High risk
Recent traveler reports indicate visitors generally feel comfortable during daylight hours but remain vigilant at night and in dense crowds.
Yes — Gaborone is generally safe for visitors, but exercise increased caution due to petty crime and occasional unrest.
Gaborone scores low on crime (51/100) but higher on governance and health, reflecting moderate petty crime risk amid otherwise stable conditions.
Recent developments
- Jun 2026Protesters blocked a major road near the Central Business District demanding better public services; no violence reported, but travelers should avoid large gatherings.— African Union: AU Consultation on Synthetic Drug Supply Reduction Opens in Gaborone, Botswana
- May 2025Local media reported a spike in bag-snatching incidents near the Main Mall during peak market hours, prompting police patrols increase.— Mmegi Online: Posh G2 Series to spice up Gabz’ lifestyle scene
- Jan 2026Authorities issued a warning about counterfeit wildlife tour operators offering unsanctioned safari experiences near Gaborone.— World Nomads: Crime and Law in Botswana: 6 Travel Safety Tips
Common scams
- Overcharging at informal markets
- Fake wildlife tour operators
- Currency exchange scams near banks
Full briefing
Gaborone is generally safe for visitors, but the data shows a moderate risk of petty crime and occasional civil unrest that requires vigilance. The city’s composite safety index of 68 reflects lower crime scores (51) balanced by strong governance and health metrics, meaning visitors can expect reliable services and medical care, yet they should remain alert to pickpocketing in crowded spots like the Main Mall and bag‑snatching near bus terminals, especially during market peaks. Recent incidents from the dossier include a June 2026 protest that blocked a central road without violence, a May 2025 surge in bag‑snatching near the Main Mall, and a January 2026 warning about fake wildlife tour operators—each highlighting the need to stay informed and cautious. Scams such as overcharging at informal markets, currency exchange tricks near banks, and counterfeit tour offers are common enough that travelers should keep valuables hidden, use registered transportation, and avoid walking alone after dark. By sticking to well‑lit, busy areas, using hotel safes, and heeding local advice to steer clear of large gatherings, visitors can enjoy Gaborone’s vibrant culture and modern amenities while minimizing personal safety risks.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 Gaborone districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Gaborone safety map.
Old Towncautioncaution advised after dark due to occasional petty theft near bars
Mogoditshanecautioncaution advised after dark due to sporadic reports of street harassment
Gaborone Central Business Districtsaferwell-lit and patrolled during daylight; low risk overall
Phakalengsaferquiet residential area with minimal reported incidents
Tlagatsangsaferstable community with no recent safety concerns
07 · After Dark
Is Gaborone safe at night?
Mugging and armed robbery are uncommon but can occur in isolated areas after dark, particularly in the Central Business District and surrounding suburbs.
After dark, be most careful around Old Town, Mogoditshane. 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)?
Yes — Gaborone is generally safe for visitors, but exercise increased caution due to petty crime and occasional unrest. Gaborone scores low on crime (51/100) but higher on governance and health, reflecting moderate petty crime risk amid otherwise stable conditions. (Assessed 28 July 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?
Old Town (after dark); Mogoditshane (after dark). See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Gaborone (2026)?
- Overcharging at informal markets
- Fake wildlife tour operators
- Currency exchange scams near banks
How does Gaborone compare with other places in Botswana (2026)?
Gaborone ranks #3 of 3 Botswana destinations we've assessed, scoring 65/100. 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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4 reportsBrowse the Botswana safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: gaborone.json (CC BY 4.0).