Do I need vaccinations for Botswana?

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Botswana does not require mandatory vaccinations for travelers arriving directly from Europe. However, it is wise to check whether your basic vaccinations are still valid. Most travelers have already received DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio) and Hepatitis A and only need a booster. We always say: ‘Consult an accredited travel center, as they know exactly what is currently recommended.’ In this article, you will read everything you need to know about your health and a safari in Botswana.

Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for a safari in Botswana?

If you are traveling directly to Botswana, a yellow fever vaccine is not required. However, if you are coming from a risk country such as Ethiopia, Kenya, or Zambia and exit the airport there, the vaccine may indeed be mandatory. We always check this when we put together your trip so that you are not caught by surprise.

Is there malaria in Botswana?

Malaria occurs in some parts of Botswana, particularly in Chobe, Okavango Delta, Moremi, and Khwai. There is much less malaria in Savuti, and the Kalahari and salt pans are virtually malaria-free. Regarding the different seasons in Botswana: the risk of malaria is lower in the winter (May-September) and slightly higher in the rainy season (November-April). Our advice is always: ‘Discuss malaria prevention with your GP and protect yourself well against mosquitoes.’

From our own experience as Botswana Specialists, we know that the following helps best as protection against malaria:

wear long, loose-fitting clothing in the evening
buy a good DEET (and ‘Peaceful Sleep’ spray is always available at the lodge)
turn on the fan or air conditioning
sleep under a mosquito net (standard in our accommodations)

All that handy information before a safari in Botswana is great, of course, but as a Botswana Specialist, we prefer to tell you about it in person. That’s why we love to visit you, invite you to our place, or schedule a digital meeting. Shall we discuss contact about this?

What can I do about mosquito bites or allergic reactions during my Botswana safari?

The bush is full of life, and that sometimes comes with a mosquito bite or a grass allergy. But rest assured, we always carry antihistamine tablets with us. This is very handy for:

swelling mosquito bites.
allergic reactions to plants or insects.
itching or redness.

Additionally, we standardly bring a cortisone cream during our safaris in Botswana. A small amount of this cream works wonders for:

larger mosquito bites
nettle reactions
skin irritations due to heat
minor inflammations or rashes

The fact that we always take this cream along makes life in the bush more comfortable. We also use it regularly ourselves, especially after bush walks in the wilderness of Okavango Delta or in the warmer months?

How is medical care in Botswana?

Healthcare in Botswana is well organized, especially in Maun and Kasane. The distances in the bush are enormous, however. That’s why we automatically arrange a membership for all our guests with Okavango Air Rescue (OAR). And now you might be thinking: What exactly does Okavango Air Rescue do? OAR is essentially the ANWB helicopter of the wilderness. If something happens, from a sprained ankle to something more serious, OAR can evacuate you via helicopter and take you to their own clinic. If this is insufficient, a medical evacuation is arranged via your travel insurance to Johannesburg.

How does first aid and medication work in Botswana?

There are pharmacies in Maun and Kasane, but we recommend that everyone bring the basics themselves. What we always have in our daypack includes:

small travel pharmacy
ORS (Oral Rehydration Salts)
paracetamol or ibuprofen
antihistamine tablets
cortisone cream
band-aids and disinfectant
itch cream
sunscreen and lip balm

Usually, you don’t need much more than this. You can often find most items locally, but it’s nice to have everything right at hand in the bush.

Can I drink tap water in Botswana?

Often yes, because it is borehole water (groundwater). However, we advise against it for our guests. Purified drinking water is always provided in our lodges. Clean, safe, and much better for nature than bottled water.

Is a safari in Botswana safe?

Yes. Botswana is one of the most stable and safe countries in Africa. The key is simple: listen to your guide, respect wildlife, and never get too close to animals. Want to know more? We have written an article about the biggest dangers in Botswana.

What are practical health tips during a safari in Botswana?

There is plenty to keep in mind, and most of it we will brief you on beforehand. But the most important things to know before and during a safari in Botswana are: