997
Ambulance · Botswana
997 is the Botswana Ambulance emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministry of Health. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 997 — Ambulance in Botswana
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Botswana
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 997
- • Do not call 999 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 997 for minor ailments - visit a local clinic
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Botswana law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for power outages - contact BPC
- • Do not use emergency lines for wildlife sightings unless there is an immediate threat
✈️ Travel Notes — Botswana
Emergency response is most reliable in Gaborone and Francistown. Response in rural areas and safari regions may be significantly delayed. Private clinics in Gaborone offer good quality emergency care. Medical evacuation to South Africa may be necessary for serious conditions. Wildlife emergencies in national parks are handled by park rangers.
🛡️ Traveling to Botswana? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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What is 997 in Botswana?
997 is the official Emergency Medical Service emergency number in Botswana. This number is operated by Ministry of Health and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 997. Response concentrated in Gaborone and major towns. Rural areas may experience significant delays.
When to Call 997
Call 997 immediately in situations involving ambulance-related emergencies in Botswana. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 997 in Botswana
Here are the key technical facts about calling 997 in Botswana:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Ministry of Health
How to Call 997 from Abroad
If you are calling 997 from outside Botswana, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +267 followed by 997 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Botswana, simply dialing 997 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Emergency Medical Service. The universal number 112 is also active across Botswana and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Botswana
Besides 997 (Emergency Medical Service), Botswana has the following emergency services available: Botswana Police Service: 999 · Emergency Medical Service: 997 · Fire and Rescue Service: 998. Save all these numbers before traveling to Botswana.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 997 is listed as the Emergency Medical Service emergency line for Botswana based on data from Ministry of Health. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 997 (Botswana)
What is 997 in Botswana? ▼
997 is the Emergency Medical Service emergency number in Botswana. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 997. Response concentrated in Gaborone and major towns. Rural areas may experience significant delays.
Can I call 997 without a SIM card in Botswana? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 997 free in Botswana? ▼
Yes, calling 997 is completely free in Botswana. No airtime credit needed.
Does 997 work from mobile in Botswana? ▼
Yes, 997 works from all mobile phones in Botswana.
Who do I reach when I call 997 in Botswana? ▼
Calling 997 in Botswana connects you to Emergency Medical Service (Ministry of Health), available 24/7.
What is the source for 997 being the Ambulance number in Botswana? ▼
Verified from Ministry of Health: https://www.police.gov.bw/. Last verified: 2026-01.
Can I call 999 from a mobile phone without credit in Botswana? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 997, 998, and 999 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Do emergency operators speak English in Botswana? ▼
Yes. English is an official language of Botswana and emergency operators communicate in both English and Tswana.
What should I do in a wildlife emergency in Botswana? ▼
If you encounter dangerous wildlife, remain calm and do not run. In safari areas, follow your guide's instructions. For wildlife emergencies in national parks, contact park rangers through your lodge or call 999.
Are emergency services available in the Okavango Delta? ▼
Emergency services in the Okavango Delta are limited. Lodges typically have radio communication and first aid facilities. Medical evacuation by air may be necessary for serious emergencies.