Botswana Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Tetanus | Yes |
| Typhoid | Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A | Yes |
| Yellow Fever | No* |
| Diphtheria | Sometimes |
| Rabies | Sometimes |
| Malaria | Yes |
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers over one year of age travelling from infected areas.
Health Care
Botswana has a two-tier healthcare system consisting of public and private facilities. While public clinics and hospitals are available throughout the country, the standard of care can vary, especially in rural areas. Visitors are advised to seek treatment at private medical centres, which are better equipped and offer a higher standard of care, particularly in cities like Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, and Kasane.
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended and should include coverage for emergency medical evacuation, especially if you're visiting remote areas or going on safari. Private hospitals and clinics will typically require payment upfront, even for insured patients.
Pharmacies are found in all major towns and some larger villages. Many are well-stocked with both over-the-counter and prescription medications. Common medicines like pain relievers, antihistamines, and diarrhoea treatments are easy to obtain, but antibiotics and other prescription drugs may only be dispensed with a valid prescription from a registered doctor in Botswana. Also, the availability of specific international brands can be limited, so travellers who require regular medication should bring a sufficient supply, along with a copy of the prescription.
Basic first aid items and insect repellent are useful to carry, especially if you're heading into rural or wilderness areas. Malaria is present in northern areas, particularly around the Okavango Delta and Chobe, especially during the rainy season (November to April). Preventive medication and mosquito precautions—such as repellents, long sleeves, and bed nets—are recommended.
Food and Drink
Tap water in urban areas of Botswana is treated and considered safe to drink. In major towns and cities such as Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun, most hotels, restaurants, and lodges use municipal water that meets national standards. However, in rural or remote areas, it is advisable to drink bottled or filtered water as a precaution. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country.
Food hygiene standards are generally good, especially in established restaurants and lodges. Dairy products are safe when pasteurised, but visitors should exercise caution with unlabelled or unrefrigerated items sold in informal settings. As with travel anywhere, it's wise to choose freshly cooked food, avoid raw or undercooked meat, and wash or peel fruit and vegetables where possible.
Other Risks
When visiting national parks or rural areas, visitors should follow all safety advice from guides, especially around elephants, hippos, and predators. Animals can and do wander into towns like Kasane and Maun, so caution is needed even outside formal reserves.
The climate can also pose a risk; extreme heat and sun exposure are common, particularly during the hotter months (September to November). Travellers should stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and avoid strenuous activity during the midday hours. Also, seasonal flooding in the north can occasionally affect travel plans, particularly during the rainy season (November to April).
