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• Keep your passport, money, mobile phone and other valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items unnecessarily.
• Carry a photocopy or digital copy of your passport and keep the original safely stored when it is not required.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Keep handbags, laptops, cameras and mobile phones out of sight when travelling by car.
• Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed, particularly when stopped at traffic lights.
• Avoid accepting lifts from strangers or hitchhiking.
• Use reputable taxis, hotel transfers, organised transportation or recognised ride-hailing services.
• At night, avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. Arrange transportation directly from your hotel, restaurant or event venue.
• Inform your hotel or event organiser if you are going on an excursion outside Gaborone.

Visitors should:

• Keep hotel rooms locked when leaving or sleeping.
• Use the hotel safe for passports, excess cash, electronics and other valuables.
• Do not give room numbers or personal information to strangers.
• Confirm the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before allowing them into your room.
• Familiarise yourself with the hotel's emergency exits and assembly points.
• Report suspicious activity to hotel management or security.

When travelling around Gaborone:

• Use registered/reputable taxis, hotel transfers or recognised transport services.
• Confirm taxi fares before starting a journey where applicable.
• When using a rental vehicle, ensure the vehicle is locked whenever unattended.
• Avoid leaving luggage or valuables visible inside a parked vehicle.
• Exercise additional caution when driving at night.
• Visitors unfamiliar with Botswana should consider using a professional driver or organised transfer for excursions outside Gaborone.

Botswana drives on the left-hand side of the road. Visitors who are not accustomed to left-hand driving should take extra care when hiring a vehicle.

When travelling outside Gaborone, guests should be aware that distances between towns can be considerable and some roads may have limited services. Wildlife may also be present on roads in areas outside the city.

Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas whenever possible.

Botswana is internationally recognised for its wildlife. Guests travelling to game reserves, parks or safari destinations should:

• Always follow the instructions of their guide.
• Never approach, feed or attempt to touch wild animals.
• Remain inside designated vehicles or areas unless instructed otherwise by a qualified guide.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
• Do not walk alone in wildlife areas.
• Carry sufficient drinking water during outdoor activities.
• Use sunscreen, a hat and appropriate clothing during outdoor excursions.

Visitors are encouraged to have appropriate travel insurance that covers medical treatment, emergencies and planned activities.

Guests should carry any prescription medication they require and keep important medical information readily available.

For a medical emergency in Botswana, Emergency Medical Services can be reached by dialling 997. The service operates 24 hours a day, including weekends and public holidays. When calling, provide the patient's location, what happened, number of patients and a callback number.

Police Emergency – 999

For crimes in progress, accidents requiring police assistance, threats to personal safety or other police emergencies, dial 999.

Ambulance / Emergency Medical Services – 997

For serious illness, injury or medical emergencies, dial 997.

When calling, provide:

• Your exact location or nearest landmark
• The nature of the emergency
• Number of people requiring assistance
• Your telephone number

Fire & Rescue – 998

For fire emergencies and related urgent assistance, dial 998.

National Disaster Management Office

For disaster-management information and assistance:

Toll-free: 0800 600 130

Telephone: +267 395 0909 / 968

All guests are encouraged to save these numbers on their mobile phones upon arrival in Botswana.

For guests requiring medical attention, Gaborone has both public and private healthcare facilities.

Some facilities include:

• Life Gaborone Private Hospital
• Princess Marina Hospital
• Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital
• Sidilega Private Hospital
• Lenmed Bokamoso Private Hospital

In a life-threatening emergency, guests should call 997 rather than attempting to arrange emergency transportation themselves.

For non-emergency reports or assistance, visitors may approach the nearest police station or police officer. The Government of Botswana advises that crimes, road accidents and other reportable incidents can be reported at any police station or police post.

Among the police facilities in Gaborone are:

• Central Police Station
• Gaborone West Police Station
• Broadhurst Police Station
• SSKA Police Station

Guests attending conferences, meetings and events are encouraged to:

• Keep their event badge or identification with them where required.
• Follow security instructions provided by the event organisers and venue.
• Keep personal belongings secure during conferences and social functions.
• Use designated transportation arrangements for organised excursions and evening events.
• Inform the event organiser or hotel reception if assistance is required.
• Save the emergency numbers 999, 997 and 998 before attending the event.

Remain calm and move to a safe location if possible. Contact the appropriate emergency service and provide your name, exact location, nearest landmark, nature of the emergency and callback number.

If you are staying at a hotel or attending an event, notify hotel reception, venue security or the event organiser so that they can provide additional assistance.

Botswana offers visitors a memorable experience of its people, culture, wildlife and natural beauty. By taking sensible precautions and remaining aware of your surroundings, guests can enjoy their stay in Gaborone safely and comfortably.

Emergency numbers to remember: Police – 999 | Ambulance – 997 | Fire – 998.