🇧🇼 Living in Botswana as an LGBTQ+ person

Southern Africa · Equaldex Equality Index: 56/100 · Typical annual average 24°C, 8.5 sun hours/day

How Botswana scores across the dimensions ThriveMap measures (0–100, higher is more welcoming). These are baseline scores from public indices. The interactive app personalises them to your profile and priorities and refreshes them with live data.

Racial experience by background

These scores reflect reported social experience per group, compiled from aggregate research (US State Dept. human rights reports, ECRI, FRA). They are generalisations and do not reflect every individual's experience.

LGBTQ+ legal rights: sexual orientation

In a landmark 2019 ruling, the Botswana High Court decriminalised same-sex relations in the case of Letsweletse Motshidiemang v. Attorney General, striking down sections 164 and 167 of the Penal Code that dated from the colonial era. The ruling was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2021. Botswana became a beacon of legal progress in sub-Saharan Africa. There is no same-sex union or marriage recognition as of 2025.

Sources: Botswana: Equaldex · Botswana decriminalisation ruling: ILGA · LGBTQ+ rights index: Equaldex

LGBTQ+ legal rights: gender identity

Legal gender recognition for transgender people in Botswana has had a complex history. Courts have issued some rulings supporting gender marker changes, but there is no clear legislative framework. The situation remains uncertain and case-dependent.

Sources: Botswana: Equaldex gender · TGEU: Trans rights map · ILGA World: Trans legal mapping report

LGBTQ+ social acceptance

Despite significant legal progress, social acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in Botswana remains limited. Traditional Tswana values and strong Christian religious influence shape public attitudes, and open LGBTQ+ expression in public carries social risk. LEGABIBO (Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals of Botswana) is the principal civil society organisation doing advocacy work.

Sources: LEGABIBO · Botswana: Equaldex social · Equaldex: social acceptance data · Pew Research: Global attitudes on homosexuality

Racial experience

Botswana has a predominantly Black African population, with the Tswana ethnic group making up about 79% and the Kalanga about 11%. There is a small white Botswanan community (including descendants of British settlers and South African immigrants) and a small Asian and Indian community. The San (Bushmen/Basarwa) indigenous peoples have faced significant marginalisation, including displacement from the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Racial tensions are modest compared to neighbouring South Africa, and the country has maintained relative political and social stability since independence.

Sources: Botswana human rights: US State Dept. · Botswana demographics: Wikipedia · ENAR: European Network Against Racism

Safety

Botswana is one of Africa's safest and most politically stable countries, with functioning multiparty democracy and a well-regarded rule of law. Crime rates are low by African standards, though petty theft in Gaborone exists. Wildlife areas carry natural hazards, encounters with elephants, hippos, and lions require care. HIV/AIDS has one of the highest prevalence rates globally, though the government's antiretroviral treatment programme is strong.

Sources: Botswana crime: Numbeo · Global Peace Index: Botswana · Numbeo: crime index by country

Healthcare

Botswana has invested significantly in healthcare through its diamond revenues. The main public hospitals (Princess Marina in Gaborone, Nyangabgwe in Francistown) provide good-quality care by African standards, and antiretroviral treatment is free. Private clinics in Gaborone offer good care. Specialist treatment may require referral to South Africa.

Sources: WHO: Botswana health profile · WHO country health profiles · Numbeo: healthcare quality index

Cost / value

Botswana has a moderate cost of living by African standards. Gaborone is not cheap. Safari tourism in the Okavango and Chobe is expensive (among the highest-end ecotourism in the world). Day-to-day living for residents is more affordable. The country has a middle-income economy thanks to diamond exports.

Sources: Botswana cost of living: Numbeo · Numbeo: cost of living by country · Expatistan: cost of living comparison

Visa / residency

Most nationalities receive 30–90 days on arrival. SADC nationals have easier access. For longer stays, Botswana offers a Retired Person Residence Permit, a self-employment permit, and standard work permits. There is no digital nomad visa. Botswana is considering expanded work visa pathways to attract skilled migrants.

Sources: Botswana immigration: Department of Immigration · Visaguide.world: visa & residency guide · Nomad List: visa & legal info

Climate

Botswana has a semi-arid to arid climate dominated by the Kalahari Basin. Summer (November–March) is hot, temperatures in the Central Kalahari regularly reach 35–42°C, with afternoon thunderstorms bringing most of the annual rainfall. Winter (May–August) is the dry season: warm and sunny during the day (20–25°C) but cold at night, with temperatures dropping below 5°C and occasionally near freezing in the Kalahari. The unique Okavango Delta is fed by distant Angolan rainfall and floods during the dry season (peaking July–August), making it paradoxically lush while the rest of the country is driest. The Chobe region and Kasane in the north are slightly wetter and greener. Botswana is one of the sunniest countries in Africa.

Sources: Botswana Meteorological Services · Botswana climate: Wikipedia · World Weather Online

ThriveMap is a starting point, not a guarantee. Laws and social conditions change. Always verify current conditions through the linked sources before travelling or relocating.