Botswana Health & Vaccinations
Everything you need to know about staying healthy during your trip to Botswana. Vaccinations, malaria prevention, healthcare, and essential health tips.
Malaria Risk
Yes - Take Precautions
Tap Water
Not Safe
Healthcare Quality
Private hospitals in Gaborone are decent (Gaborone Private Hospital
Required Vaccines
1
Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
Required ONLY if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Not required for direct arrivals from non-endemic countries such as the US, UK, or Europe.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Rabies (especially if visiting remote areas)
- Polio booster
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is present in Botswana. Take preventive measures seriously.
High-Risk Areas
- • Okavango Delta
- • Chobe National Park
- • Northern Botswana (all areas above 21°S)
Low-Risk Areas
- • Central Kalahari (seasonal)
Common Antimalarial Medications
Consult your doctor to choose the right medication for you. Start taking it before arrival as directed.
Prevention Tips
- •Use DEET-based insect repellent (at least 30% DEET)
- •Sleep under mosquito nets (treated nets are best)
- •Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk
- •Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms
- •Take antimalarial medication as prescribed
Water & Food Safety
Tap Water
Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Botswana. Always drink bottled or purified water.
- •Drink only bottled water (check seal is intact)
- •Avoid ice in drinks unless from a trusted source
- •Use bottled water for brushing teeth
- •Consider a water purification bottle or tablets
Food Safety Tips
- •Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover
- •Avoid raw vegetables and salads unless you trust the source
- •Eat fruits you can peel yourself
- •Ensure meat and seafood are thoroughly cooked
- •Carry hand sanitizer and use before eating
Healthcare in Botswana
Private hospitals in Gaborone are decent (Gaborone Private Hospital, Bokamoso Private Hospital). Facilities are limited in rural and safari areas. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential, especially for remote delta and Kalahari destinations.
Healthcare Quality
Private hospitals in major cities offer good care and are recommended for tourists. Public hospitals may have long waits and limited resources.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Botswana. Healthcare costs can be expensive, and medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
Medical Coverage
Minimum $100,000 recommended
Medical Evacuation
Essential for remote safari areas
Trip Cancellation
Protects your investment
Health Essentials to Pack
Emergency Contacts
Emergency/Ambulance
997
Police
999
Fire
998
Tourist Police
+267 395 3456