Travel Vaccines and Advice for Botswana

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Botswana. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Botswana: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies and tetanus.

The risk of contracting malaria is considered low. But, it is prevalent in the northern regions of Botswana. Check with a travel medicine specialist to see if antimalarials are right for you.

Traveller’s diarrhoea is a serious risk to individuals visiting Botswana. Ensure you bring a traveller’s diarrhoea kit as part of your travel preparations.

Private medical facilities, casualties and trained doctors are available in Gaborone. But, services are hard to find elsewhere. You must pay for your health care upfront.

To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either ring or book online now.

UK citizens do not need a visa for travel to Botswana that lasts less than 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.

Botswana Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Botswana?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Botswana and GOV.UK

Botswana’s climate is semi-arid. It is hot and dry for the majority of the year. But, there is a rainy season in the summer months (November-March). Rain is erratic and unpredictable and is usually short-lived and heavy. January and February are peak months for rainfall.

Summer days are hot and winter nights are cold.

Best visiting months are from April to October for weather and game-viewing.

Botswana is considered one of the safest countries in Africa, but crime still occurs.

Petty crime is common in Botswana and hotels are not free from physical activity. Muggings by knifepoint are reported to the constable. Crimes are even reported in game park and nature reserves.

Try to avoid motoring 4x4s as they are more prone to car-jackings.

Do not walk alone at night and avoid high-crime areas such as Gaborone Dam and Kgale Hill.

The majority of tourists come to Botswana for its access to close-encounters of African wildlife. On safari, you can get up-close to giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, and zebras.

There are 45 safari camps in the Botswana wilderness, offering different experiences for tourists.

Some safaris are traditional rustic camps, which usually offer a more intimate experience with the animals. Others offer luxurious accommodation where you can swim in a heated swimming pool next to elephants.

It’s important to keep in mind that you will not see animals every moment of your safari trip. It’s important to be flexible and patient to see the wildlife you are hoping for.

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Botswana:

• Choose clothing in neutral colours and wear lightweight clothing to ward off mosquitos. Pack shorts and tee shirts for the day and bring a fleece jacket for the cold nights.
• Insect repellent to repel mosquitos and ticks
• Sun cream and salt tablets to prevent heat exhaustion
• If you’re planning to go on safari bring batteries, film or memory cards, and water purification tablets along with your standard camping gear. These items may be hard to find out in the bush. Also, a headlamp can be practical and helpful when setting up for camp.
• Common first-aid kit items can be hard to find in Botswana. Be sure to bring a medkit with you as part of your travel preparations.

If you are in Botswana and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.

British High Commission Gaborone
Plot 1079-1084,
Main Mall
off Queens Road,
Gaborone
Gaborone,
Botswana
Telephone: +267 3952841
Emergency Phone: +267 3952841
Fax: +267 3956105
Email: gaborone.enquiries@fco.gov.uk

If you have any questions about travelling to Botswana or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Ring us up at or book online now and protect yourself today.