Areas to Avoid in Gaborone
Botswana
|⚠️ ModerateHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Gaborone. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Gaborone is generally Moderate
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Central Business District (CBD), Broadhurst, Tlokweng
Travel Insurance for Gaborone
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Gaborone are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Areas immediately bordering informal settlements or undeveloped plots, especially after dark.
These areas may lack street lighting, have poorer infrastructure, and can present increased risks of petty crime.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Central Business District (CBD)
The modern heart of Gaborone, filled with businesses, shopping, and government offices.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Gaborone
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Gaborone Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Gaborone on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Gaborone Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Gaborone with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Gaborone: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Gaborone's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Gaborone: Scenic Excursion
Escape Gaborone for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Gaborone Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Gaborone's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Gaborone
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Gaborone on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Gaborone safely with a local guide
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Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Central Business District (CBD)
The modern heart of Gaborone, filled with businesses, shopping, and government offices.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of petty theft in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit main streets and avoid walking alone.
Broadhurst
A large, diverse residential and commercial area with a mix of local life and modern conveniences.
Daytime is generally safe for general activities, but be mindful of your surroundings in busier market areas; at night, it's advisable to use transport rather than walk between areas.
General Safety Tips for Gaborone
At Night
Nighttime requires extra caution. Stick to well-lit, busy areas or use reputable taxis/rideshares to get between locations. Avoid displaying valuables openly.
Solo Female Travel
While Gaborone is generally safer than many large African cities, solo females should exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
Emergency Number
997 (Police), 998 (Ambulance), 999 (Fire)
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Gaborone
- 1Overcharging by taxi drivers (agree on fare beforehand).
- 2Distraction theft in crowded markets or shopping centers.
- 3Requests for money from strangers claiming to be in distress (use judgment and be wary).
Travel Insurance for Gaborone
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Central Business District (CBD)
The modern heart of Gaborone, filled with businesses, shopping, and government offices.
Generally safe during the day, but be aware of petty theft in crowded areas; at night, stick to well-lit main streets and avoid walking alone.
Broadhurst
A large, diverse residential and commercial area with a mix of local life and modern conveniences.
Daytime is generally safe for general activities, but be mindful of your surroundings in busier market areas; at night, it's advisable to use transport rather than walk between areas.
Tlokweng
A growing area just east of the city center, known for its mix of residential areas and developing commercial zones.
Reasonably safe during the day, especially around shopping centers; at night, be cautious and use transport to get between venues.
Safety in Gaborone
ModerateSolo Female Travel
While Gaborone is generally safer than many large African cities, solo females should exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated or poorly lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
At Night
Nighttime requires extra caution. Stick to well-lit, busy areas or use reputable taxis/rideshares to get between locations. Avoid displaying valuables openly.
Emergency
997 (Police), 998 (Ambulance), 999 (Fire)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by taxi drivers (agree on fare beforehand).
- 2Distraction theft in crowded markets or shopping centers.
- 3Requests for money from strangers claiming to be in distress (use judgment and be wary).
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