Is Gaborone Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

The overall safety of Gaborone, fares fairly in terms of safety at night for solo female travelers. While crime rates are moderate and it experiences less crime compared to other African cities, caution is still recommended, especially after dark. During the night, the city tends to quiet down, and there will be fewer people around. It's advisable to use reliable taxis at night rather than walking alone. Occurrences like theft, burglary, or assault are not unheard of. Therefore, common safety precautions are advised, such as avoiding poorly lit areas, not displaying ostentatious wealth, and staying in well-populated areas whenever possible.

In Gaborone, the public transportation system, utilizing kombis (minibusses) and taxis, is generally known to be reliable and safe. However, kombis can get crowded, and it's always advisable to remain alert and aware of your personal belongings. During the night, it’s best to use registered taxis for additional safety, which are easily available and mostly reliable. Females tend to feel safe, but it's good to note that public transportation might not always follow a strict timetable.

Gaborone, as the capital of Botswana, is quite a safe city for solo female travelers when it comes to street harassment. The locals are generally respectful and open to tourists. However, like any city around the world, occasional unwanted attention or comments may occur. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.

Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, generally has a lower rate of petty crime in comparison to other regional cities. However, it is still advised to be cautious and observant especially in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing, purse snatching, or bag slashing. Also, avoid carrying significant amounts of cash. Though generally safe, one should always ensure they take general safety precautions to avoid being victims of crime.

The tap water in Gaborone is generally safe for consumption. The city has good water treatment facilities which maintain high standards of water quality, making it drinkable for most people. However, if you're not used to drinking tap water abroad or have a sensitive stomach, bottled water is readily available and inexpensive to purchase. It's also worth noting, sudden changes in water types can sometimes cause minor health issues for travelers due to the presence of unfamiliar microorganisms, irrespective of the water quality.

The United States government advises exercising increased caution in Botswana due to crime. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises taking normal security precautions in Botswana. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Botswana. Check the full travel advisory.