LGBT travellers in Botswana
All over the world, people in traditional, rural communities tend to have more conservative attitudes than the residents of more cosmopolitan cities, and the people of Botswana are no exception. Thus, as in many other African countries, non-straight sexual identities (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) are considered a taboo subject by many Botswana citizens.
Although it’s acceptable for same-sex friends throughout Botswana to wander around hand in hand without a second thought, such behaviour has no sexual or relationship connotations. In conservative areas, however, public displays of affection or overtly sexual behaviour between any two people, whether heterosexual or LGBT, are strongly frowned upon. Any clear indications of an LGBT relationship would be regarded as taboo in these areas, where traditional views prevail. So we advise all our travellers, gay or straight, to avoid overt displays of affection or sexual behaviour, as these could cause offence.
Although Botswana is very forward moving when it comes to LGBT rights, such traditional views are particularly prevalent in rural parts, which are still inhabited by a large number of the population. You'll still find strands of this conservative thinking in the larger towns and cities, too, but there are also many people here with more liberal views – and in cities such as Gaborone some individuals are openly gay.
In the tourism industry, and especially in Botswana’s more remote camps, lodges and hotels, staff have been dealing for decades with a wide variety of guests with different backgrounds. It's notable that rooms are almost universally configured with double or single beds, as requested, without fuss.
Even if some members of staff have personal views that are relatively conservative, it is almost unheard of to learn of someone who isn't tolerant and relaxed in their professional capacity.
Further sources of advice
Whatever your background, we hope that this advice is helpful, but do feel free to call us if you need further advice or reassurance. Alternatively, one of the following may be able to help:- LEGABIBO The first legally recognised LGBT organisation in Botswana.
- There is more general advice, not specific to Africa, on the FCO's LGB&T foreign travel advice page.
- The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) provides information on the laws of countries worldwide, focused around a series of summary maps.
Our top picks for holidays to Botswana
We'll always tailor-make your Safari for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.
Wild Dog Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.
US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person
Porcupine Safari
11 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.
US$10,710 - US$16,860 per person
Spring Hare Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.
US$7,290 - US$13,320 per person
Large-spotted Genet Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.
US$10,930 - US$23,640 per person
Red Lechwe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.
US$10,800 - US$25,210 per person
Steenbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.
US$7,260 - US$13,480 per person
Pangolin Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Three relaxed, local feeling camps in pristine settings – the Kwando Reserve and Okavango Delta. Guided by a driver and tracker at each, this a great trip for spotting Botswana’s top predators.
US$7,760 - US$16,190 per person
Bushbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Discover three of Botswana’s best game-viewing regions with stays in the private Linyanti, Chitabe and Vumbura reserves. Intimate, smart camps offer a range of activities by which to discover these stunningly varied habitats.
US$13,570 - US$31,740 per person
Reedbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Focussing on the Okavango Delta and combining the crème de la crème of Botswana’s camps – Zarafa, Vumbura Plains and Mombo – this is one of the finest safari experiences in Africa.
US$18,160 - US$36,280 per person
Tsessebe Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit three sister-camps in and around Moremi Game Reserve during this thorough exploration of the Okavango Delta. A range of activities provide excellent opportunity to observe the local birdlife, mammals and fauna.
US$7,790 - US$11,820 per person
