Botswana
Botswana is nestled in Southern Africa with South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia as its neighbours.
Keep up-to-date with the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) before travelling to Botswana.
Travel Vaccinations for Botswana
The table below provides a general guide as to the Travel Vaccinations that may be advised to you for travel to Botswana.
| Vaccination | All Travellers | Most Travellers | Some Travellers | Major Risk Factors | Course | Price Per Dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MMR | Yes | Person-to-Person | MMR, Course of Two | £50 | ||
| DTaP | Yes | Person-to-Person | Revaxis, Single Dose | £40 | ||
| Typhoid | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Typhim Vi, Single Dose | £50 | ||
| Hepatitis A | Yes | Contaminated Food and Water | Epaxyl, Single Dose | £80 | ||
| Hepatitis B | Yes | Body Fluids, Medical Intervention | EnergixB, Course of Three | £55 | ||
| Rabies | Yes | Infected Animals | Rabipur, Course of Three | £65 |
Advice for Travellers to all Destinations
The Vaccinations and Medications that are needed for travel vary from person-to-person. Everyone should have a personal risk assessment with a travel health professional to take into account a range of factors such as itinerary, medical condition, occupational and lifestyle risk factors and previous vaccination history.
All Travellers
All Travellers should ensure that they are up-to-date with Routine Vaccinations including Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Most travellers
Most travellers will also need to consider a course or booster of Hepatitis A and Typhoid as there is a risk of these diseases across most parts of the world.
Some Travellers
Some Travellers may also be advised additional vaccinations such as Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis and Hepatitis B based on their individual risk assessment.
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Risk of Malaria in Botswana
Malaria is spread by the plasmodium parasite passed to humans from the bite of an anopheles mosquito. Malaria is a serious illness with symptoms include fever, chills, sweats and flu like symptoms. In severe cases, malaria can be fatal. There isn’t currently a vaccine available for our travellers, although there are other ways to protect yourself.
Malaria Prevention
Travellers to areas where there is a Risk of Malaria should get advice regarding Malaria Medication which can be taken to help stop the illness from developing. The type of medication required depends on your destination, itinerary, length of stay and current medical condition. Further reduce the risk of by practicing mosquito Bite Avoidance by using Insect Repellent such as DEET 50% and covering exposed skin by wearing long sleeves and trousers.
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Yellow Fever Risk and Certification Requirements for Botswana
Yellow Fever is a serious viral illness spread by mosquitoes in the tropical regions of Africa and South America. For further information, please see Yellow Fever Vaccination.
Under International Health Regulations (2005), travellers who have been to an Area affected by Yellow Fever, or who have travelled via an airport of a country affected, are required to present an International Certificate of Vaccination (ICVP) before they are allowed to enter Botswana.
General Travel Health Risks for Botswana
Botswana
Botswana is one of the least populated areas on earth. This might have something to do with it being mostly made up of the Kalahari Desert, although that has not stopped it being home to the ‘No 1 Ladies Detective Agency’ – the series by famed writer Alexander McCall Smith.
With a rapidly growing economy and unusual natural scenery such as the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan, game reserves and national parks, it’s no wonder it’s a growing travel destination.
Heat and Humidity
Botswana is hot and dry for almost all of the year. Make sure you take adequate sun protection measures such as staying hydrated, applying high SPF factor sunscreen, wearing a hat and staying out of the sun for extended periods of time.
Water Safe
Tap water in Botswana is considered safe to drink. If however you prefer, bottled water can be purchased.
Food and Drink
Food in Botswana is largely meat based, predominantly beef.
Animals and Insects
Lots of different infections can be spread through insect bites, including Dengue Fever and Malaria both spread by mosquitoes. Symptoms can include fever, headache and severe joint, bone and muscular pain. Advice for dengue fever and malaria are listed above.
Health Insurance
Make sure you have health insurance in place that will cover the full range of activities you plan to undertake while abroad
Personal Safety
If you plan to hire a vehicle or to take part in water sports or other activities then always think of your own safety first. When in rural areas, apply some common sense as wildlife may be roaming free.