An important step in the preparation for a safari in southern Africa is to be aware of the various entry requirements including vaccines, visas and accompanying guidelines and regulations.
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Any compulsory vaccines in Botswana?
There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entering Botswana. However, it is important to consider the surrounding countries that might require vaccinations if travellers will be crossing borders on safari tours to Victoria Falls in Zambia.
Zambia requires a vaccination against Yellow Fever. Regarding hepatitis and tetanus; vaccinations are not required, but travellers are encouraged to seek medical doctors for advice in these areas.
Recommended vaccines for Botswana
Some vaccines are recommended for Botswana.
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Botswana: Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
Malaria risk
The risk of contracting malaria is considered low.
It is prevalent in some parks and reservers of Botswana, the northern regions including the Okavango Delta where malaria has a high or higher risk of contracting medical conditions.
Check with a travel vaccinations medicine specialist to see if antimalarials should be considered to help prevent malaria contraction.
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Botswana. Traveler’s diarrhea is also a serious risk to individuals visiting Botswana.
Private medical facilities, emergency rooms and trained doctors are available in Gaborone. Services elsewhere can be hard to find and patients must pay for health care upfront, adding to the overall safari price.
Botswana health recommendations
Recommended visitor precautions
To help protect against mosquitoes, visitors should ensure to:
- Apply insect repellents on clothes
- Wear covered light clothing
- Use mosquito nets on the windows of your accommodation and in vehicles, use the air conditioning
Depending on the areas visited, preventive antimalarial treatment should be considered.
Food and water precautions that should be observed:
- Eat cooked food
- Wash and peel fruits and vegetables
- Avoid fresh fruit juices, ice creams, ice cubes, raw vegetables, reheated dishes
- Consume pasteurized or boiled milk
- Drink bottled or boiled water
Hygiene rules that should be followed:
- Wash hands regularly, before and after each meal and after using the toilet
- Don’t touch wild and stray animals and wildlife
- Don’t swim in lakes and non-running water
Vaccinations for Zambia, South Africa and Botswana
In addition to the above vaccine info in Botswana, some routine vaccines are also recommended or required for Zambia for visitors with international travel plans beyond Botswana and into rural areas. Botswana is also popular with newlyweds on honeymoon safaris and cross-border luxury safaris.
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Zambia and South Africa: Route vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
The most common vaccinations for Zambia are against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, polio, typhoid and hepatitis A. A vaccination against rabies is also recommended, and the course lasts at least three weeks so can’t be left to the last minute.
By far the biggest health risk areas in Zambia are malaria cases from mosquito bites. There are various preventive prophylaxis treatments available and some should be taken a few weeks and others a few days before arrival.
Useful links
Botswana Covid 19 information
All persons going to Botswana should note that, to enter Botswana, you are not required to take a coronavirus test if you are completely vaccinated. You must provide your immunization certificate both during travel and upon arrival.
Note that carrying a small amount of Botswana currency, the Pula (BWP) is useful when paying for smaller ticket items, if required.
Proof of immunization status
Your last immunization dosage must have been given at least 14 days before departure. Your vaccination appointment card is not intended to be used as evidence of vaccination and should not be used to establish your immunization status.
If you haven’t been immunized,
Unvaccinated travelers must provide documentation of a negative COVID-19 PCR test conducted no more than 72 hours before departure. You may also be requested to pay for an extra PCR test at the port of entry.
If the test is positive, you will be allowed to isolate inside the port of entry district at your own expense. Those who refuse to comply with the foregoing rules face a fine, jail, or both.
Children and adolescents
Children above the age of 12 should adhere to the standards for vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers, depending on their vaccination status. These criteria do not apply to children under the age of 12.
Visitors should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate travel to another country. Further information from the UK government here.
COVID-19 entry and exit requirements to Botswana may be announced and altered at little notice.
It is recommended to monitor the government of Botswana’s Facebook page for the latest developments or contact the government of Botswana’s 24 hour COVID-19 helpline on 16649 / 0800 600 111. Passports should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Botswana.
FAQs
What are the compulsory vaccines for Botswana?
No vaccine is compulsory for Botswana. However, it is strongly recommended to be up to date with the various recommended vaccine and consider antimalarial prophylaxis.
What health precautions should I take to travel to Victoria Falls in Zambia?
Zambia requires a vaccination against the risk of yellow fever. Regarding hepatitis and tetanus; vaccinations are not required, but travellers are encouraged to consult their doctor.