Health & Safety in Botswana

Throughout Botswana at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places, tap water is purified and safe to drink. Please remember that water is a scarce resource, especially in a drought-stricken area such as Botswana so please be respectful and help to conserve water.

Malaria

It's crucial that you obtain malaria prophylactics before going on your Botswana safari.

When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Botswana. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering the country and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after your departure. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms.

Even while taking prophylactics, you should still take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes, like: sleeping under a bed-net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wearing long-sleeve clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night.

Any person entering Botswana from or via a yellow fever infected area must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against yellow fever.

[*] Tetanus immunisation is recommended.

Medical Services

Botswana does not have a national health welfare scheme. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival in Botswana.

Health care standards in Botswana are high, with excellent hospitals in Gaborone and Francistown. All main towns have well stocked pharmacies.

Safety

Botswana is a very safe destination with a low crime rate. The people of Botswana are generally very friendly. Hitchhiking is commonly practised and it is quite safe to do so.

The greatest dangers are out in the wild and visitors should adhere to the rules when visiting parks. Never get out of your vehicle unless absolutely safe to do so and never confront wild animals.

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