Ranked among Botswana's most breathtaking tourist hotspots, Gaborone welcomes countless travellers each calendar year. Whether you are visiting this vibrant city on business or to explore its cultural heritage, there are some measures that every tourist can take to enjoy a safer and more relaxed getaway in this part of the world. Below are some precautionary measures and warnings to help you make your Gaborone getaway a hassle-free experience.

Those who are based at Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino or any other resort should avoid areas where there are protests, demonstrations or large gatherings. Although engaging with the local community is one of the best things to do in Gaborone, a big local event is not the place to do it. While most demonstrations and large gatherings are not inherently dangerous, there is a chance that the police will use rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd, so it is better to steer clear of such locations.

Wildlife reserves and game parks are some of the biggest highlights in Gaborone and Botswana as a whole but that does not mean that these spaces are risk-free for travellers. When embarking on a safari tour or engaging in a 4x4 drive in the wilderness, it is best to err on the side of caution and listen to your tour guide or park warden at all times. Wild animals sometimes exhibit strange behaviours and park guides and wardens are better at spotting unpredictable creatures than travellers, so it is best to defer to them if things get sticky on the road. It is also crucial to avoid bathing in lakes and rivers inside reserves as there are certain water-borne diseases and threats of crock attacks that one may encounter.

If you intend to head outside the city of Gaborone to some of the more remote corners of Botswana on a day trip, it is best to inquire about safety rules for that particular area from your current base hotel. Accommodation and travel arrangements should also be made in advance as off-road driving expeditions should never be undertaken on a whim. Keep in mind that cellular connectivity and internet access are not available in these areas so you may require a satellite phone to keep in touch. Stocking up on fuel and drinking water is also a must as these are must-have commodities for those travelling outside the city limits.

There haven't been attacks and other mishaps involving tourists in Gaborone for a long time but that does not mean that you may not face incidents of petty crimes. This is especially true for the two main towns in Gaborone called Maun and Francistown. Home thefts and hold-ups are quite common in both towns where robberies during peak dining hours have also been recorded. It is best to mind your belongings at all times and not carry too much cash on your person during sightseeing and dining outings. Wearing jewellery outside the confines of your resort is not recommended as valuables such as gold chains and rings are likely to attract the wrong kind of attention. Always keep copies of your travel documents, passport and ID at the hotel or in various locations in case of theft. If you are based at a riverfront cabin or lodge, lock up before you step outside or go on excursions as these types of accommodation hubs fall easy prey to robbers.

Only those with an International Driving Permit can drive in Gaborone or Botswana for a period of no more than 3 months. Those who intend to spend more than 90 days in the country should secure a Botswana driving license. Driving in Gaborone, especially when outside the city area can be dangerous due to livestock and wildlife encounters. Driving at night time must be undertaken with special care as the roads are not well-lit.