Perfect Guide to LGBT Travel in Botswana Tour Packages
We often receive inquiries like, “What is the experience for LGBT travel in Botswana?” or “Does Botswana welcome gay-friendly travelers?” Here’s our insight based on our experience.
Since 1996, we’ve been arranging travel to Botswana, including for many LGBT travelers. We’ve found that the people of Botswana are generally very hospitable to visitors, and we’ve never been made aware of any negative incidents affecting our travelers or others due to their sexual orientation.
Botswana is known as one of the most stable countries in Africa, boasting a commendable human rights record and the longest-standing multi-party democracy on the continent. The constitution of Botswana suggests freedoms for individual expression, and overall, the society is relatively open. While there are laws in the books regarding homosexuality, these are infrequently enforced among Botswana’s citizens and, to our knowledge, have never been applied to tourists.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to stay informed about both the legal landscape and prevailing social attitudes. We advise reading further and consulting your government’s most recent travel advisories before your trip.
The legal framework for LGBT travel in Botswana
The legal framework for LGBT travelers in Botswana has evolved significantly. Up until 2019, there were contradictions in the nation’s legal stance on homosexuality. Laws dating back to the colonial era of 1885 were still in effect, criminalizing same-sex activities with a penalty of up to seven years in prison. Additionally, same-sex relationships had no legal recognition.
Since becoming a signatory to the ICCPR in 2000, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation, Botswana has made strides in LGBT rights. The Employment Act was amended in 2012 to prevent job termination due to sexual orientation or HIV status.
In a landmark move, LEGABIBO, Botswana’s inaugural gay rights organization, gained legal status in 2014. Following this, the High Court has consistently favoured LGBT rights. Notably, in 2019, it abolished the colonial-era prohibitions on homosexuality, positioning Botswana as one of the few African nations to protect LGBT individuals.
Globally, rural communities often hold more conservative views compared to urban cities, and this is also true in Botswana. Non-heterosexual identities, including those of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, are often seen as taboo by many citizens of Botswana, as is the case in several African nations.
In Botswana, same-sex friends may hold hands in public without implying any romantic or sexual relationship, a practice widely accepted. However, in more conservative regions, any public display of affection or sexually suggestive behaviour, regardless of sexual orientation, is generally discouraged. It is particularly important to be discreet about LGBT relationships in these areas due to prevailing traditional beliefs. Therefore, we recommend all travelers, whether LGBT or not, refrain from public displays of affection avoid offending.
Botswana is progressive regarding LGBT rights, yet traditional attitudes are still dominant in rural areas, home to a significant portion of the population. While conservative views can also be found in larger towns and cities, there is a growing liberal perspective, and in urban centers like Gaborone, some individuals are openly gay.
The tourism sector in Botswana, particularly in the remote camps, lodges, and hotels, has a long history of accommodating a diverse clientele. The accommodation is typically flexible, offering rooms with double or single beds upon request, without issue.
Staff members in the tourism industry, even those with personal conservative views, are known for their professionalism and tolerance when dealing with guests from various backgrounds.
