Travel Vaccines for Botswana
Everything you need to stay healthy on your Botswana safari — from the Okavango Delta to Chobe National Park and the Kalahari Desert. About 5,000 Canadians visit Botswana each year.
Verified by CDC · Updated February 2025
What Vaccines Do You Need?
Based on CDC recommendations. Your specific needs may vary based on itinerary, health history, and planned activities.
Hepatitis A
Strongly RecommendedHepatitis A is transmitted through contaminated food and water. Essential for all travellers to Botswana regardless of accommodation type. Even luxury safari lodges carry some risk from local food preparation.
Typhoid
Strongly RecommendedTyphoid fever is present in Botswana and spread through contaminated food and water. Recommended for all travellers, particularly those visiting smaller towns or eating outside of established safari lodges and hotels.
Yellow Fever
RecommendedYellow Fever is NOT present in Botswana. However, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country (e.g., Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia). Carry your Yellow Card if applicable.
Hepatitis B
RecommendedHepatitis B is spread through blood and bodily fluids. Botswana has high hepatitis B prevalence. Recommended if you may need medical care, have intimate contact, or engage in activities with injury risk during safari adventures.
Rabies
RecommendedRabies is present in Botswana's wildlife and domestic animals. Safari travellers may encounter bats, monkeys, and other animals. Pre-exposure vaccination is recommended as post-exposure treatment may be difficult to access in remote safari areas.
Routine (Tdap, MMR, Polio)
RecommendedEnsure your routine vaccinations are up to date including tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap), measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), and polio. Measles outbreaks can occur in sub-Saharan Africa. A tetanus booster is especially important for outdoor safari activities.
Important: Vaccine recommendations depend on your specific travel plans, health history, and the areas you'll visit. Book a free consultation for personalized advice.
What to Watch Out For
These are common health concerns for travelers. Most are preventable with proper precautions.
Malaria
Malaria is a serious risk in northern Botswana, particularly in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve. Transmission occurs year-round with peak risk during the rainy season (November–April). Antimalarial prophylaxis is essential for safari travellers.
Use DEET insect repellentRabies
Rabies is found in both domestic and wild animals in Botswana. Safari settings increase potential exposure to bats, monkeys, jackals, and other wildlife. Never approach or feed wild animals. Seek immediate medical attention for any animal bite or scratch.
Use DEET insect repellentSchistosomiasis
Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is present in freshwater sources throughout Botswana, including rivers, lakes, and the Okavango Delta. The parasitic worm penetrates skin during contact with contaminated freshwater. Avoid swimming, wading, or bathing in untreated freshwater.
Use DEET insect repellentSun & Heat Exposure
Botswana's climate can be extremely hot, particularly in the Kalahari Desert and during summer months (October–March). Temperatures can exceed 40°C. Stay well hydrated, wear sun protection, and schedule activities during cooler hours. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are real risks.
Use DEET insect repellentSafari Wildlife
Botswana is home to elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and other dangerous wildlife. Always follow your guide's instructions. Stay inside vehicles during game drives. Be cautious near water sources where hippos and crocodiles may be present. Never approach or feed animals.
Use DEET insect repellentMalaria Information
High Risk — Medication RequiredMalaria risk is HIGH in northern Botswana, including the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve, with year-round transmission. Risk peaks during the rainy season from November to April. Southern Botswana, including Gaborone, has NO malaria risk. Most safari destinations are in the high-risk northern zone.
Risk Areas
Risk present in: Campeche, Chiapas, southern Chihuahua. Rare in: Oaxaca, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco. No risk along the US-Mexico border or in major resort areas.
Recommended Prevention
Malarone (atovaquone-proguanil) or Doxycycline is strongly recommended for all travellers visiting northern Botswana and safari areas. Begin medication before arrival as directed. Combine with rigorous mosquito bite prevention measures including DEET repellent and treated bed nets.
Essential Health Tips
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside resorts
- Eat thoroughly cooked foods
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if unsure of hygiene
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside resorts
- Eat thoroughly cooked foods
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if unsure of hygiene
Food & Water Safety
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Avoid ice in drinks outside resorts
- Eat thoroughly cooked foods
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if unsure of hygiene
Frequently Asked Questions
Malaria risk is HIGH in the Okavango Delta year-round, with peak transmission during the rainy season (November–April). Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous malaria species, is predominant. Antimalarial prophylaxis (Malarone or Doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all visitors to the Delta, combined with rigorous mosquito bite prevention.
Yellow Fever is not present in Botswana, so the vaccine is not required for direct travel from Canada. However, if you are arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country (such as Kenya, Tanzania, or Ethiopia), Botswana requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card).
Yes, pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for safari travellers to Botswana. Safari environments increase your exposure to wildlife including bats, monkeys, and other animals. Additionally, remote safari locations may be far from medical facilities that stock rabies post-exposure treatment. The pre-exposure vaccine simplifies treatment if you are bitten.
Swimming in natural freshwater in Botswana is not recommended. Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) parasites are present in freshwater throughout the country. Additionally, crocodiles and hippos inhabit many waterways. Treated plunge pools and swimming pools at safari lodges are safe. During mokoro excursions, keep hands and feet inside the canoe.
The dry season (May–October) is generally the best time health-wise. Malaria risk is lower (though still present in the north), there is less standing water for mosquito breeding, and wildlife congregates around water sources making for excellent safari viewing. The rainy season (November–April) brings higher malaria risk, more mosquitoes, and higher temperatures.
Visit a travel health clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip to Botswana. This allows time for vaccines like Hepatitis A and B to take full effect, and for rabies pre-exposure vaccination if needed (requires multiple doses). Your pharmacist will also prescribe antimalarial medication and advise on mosquito prevention strategies tailored to your safari itinerary.
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