Most visits to Botswana are safe and trouble-free, making it a popular destination for safari holidays and adventure travel. However, visitors should remain aware of potential hazards, particularly when driving in rural or wildlife areas where animals can wander onto roads, especially after dark. Travellers should also avoid swimming or bathing in lakes and rivers due to the risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection found in freshwater in some parts of Africa.

Some regions of Botswana carry a risk of malaria, particularly in northern areas and during the rainy season, so travellers should seek professional travel health advice before departure. Depending on your itinerary, vaccinations and antimalarial medication may be recommended. Protecting yourself against mosquito bites is essential, especially when camping, trekking, or visiting remote areas. Using a high-strength DEET insect repellent, wearing long sleeves in the evenings, and sleeping under mosquito nets where appropriate can help reduce the risk of infection.

Although serious crime against tourists is uncommon, petty theft can occur in larger towns such as Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun. Keep valuables secure and make use of hotel safes whenever possible. If travelling to remote areas, carry bottled water, basic first aid supplies, and a reliable means of communication, as healthcare facilities and mobile coverage can be limited outside major towns.