Tourists watching elephants on a safari in Botswana Water and land in Botswana

Travel Vaccinations for Botswana

Vaccines To Consider When Visiting Botswana

A consultation will be completed with one of our specialist travel health nurses to assess your individual travel plans and health background before making recommendations, which can then be administered during the same appointment.

Hepatitis A - Adult
From £79
Hepatitis B
From £59
Cholera (oral)
From £44
Typhoid vaccine
From £49
Rabies IM
From £89
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
From £49
There is a risk of Malaria in Botswana. London Travel Clinic offers a range of antimalarials to keep you protected

Book Your Vaccinations For Botswana Online

Book Now
Water and land in Botswana

Destination Information for Botswana

Visitors to Botswana in Southern Africa have a treat in store! The lush landscapes and prolific wildlife make this incredible and vast country one of the world’s go-to destinations for tours, safaris and bird-watching. The iconic African landscape of Botswana evokes images of deserts and wilderness, but there’s also plenty of history and culture to discover along the way.

The plentiful game-reserves and national parks are Botswana’s biggest draw, and cover almost a fifth of the country. The Okavango Delta is a popular place for tourists, at the point where the Okavango River widens, forming the world’s largest delta and attracting animals from miles around. For bird-watching, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is unbeatable for the sheer variety of birds attracted to the salt pans. For any trip involving a safari, it’s usually beneficial to visit during the dry winter months of May – October, particularly June – August when it is cooler, rain is rare and the malaria risk is lowest.

If you’re interested in the traditions and culture of Botswana, the villages of D’Kar, in the Ghanzi district close to the capital, and Xai-Xai, in the far north of the country, offer tourists the opportunity to sample arts and crafts, and participate in rituals. The Tsodilo Hills in north-west Botswana near the Namibian border are a fascinating place to visit, with the highest concentration of rock art in the world offering a glimpse into human activities and developments since the Stone Age.

Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:

Malaria and regions within country:

There is a high risk of P.Falciparum malaria in the northern half of the country and anti-malarial medication is advised. There is low to no risk in the southern half of the country including the city of Gaborone and anti-malarial medication is not normally advised.

Book Now

Non Vaccinated Diseases

Rift Valley fever

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that usually affects domesticated animals (such as cattle and sheep), but can also infect and cause illness in humans. The majority of human infections are caused by direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is primarily spread to humans either by infected ticks or animal blood. Human-to-human transmission can also occur resulting from close contact with the blood, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes in many countries. There are usually no symptoms, although some people develop mild flu-like symptoms, nausea and skin rash. The virus is not contagious and should get better without any treatment.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

African tick bite fever

Bacterial infection from bite from infected ticks. Most common between April-November and in rural, camping and hiking areas. Causes redness around site of bite and symptoms usually within 2 weeks, such as fever, muscle pain, headache and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and it causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. The disease shares some clinical signs with Dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems Bed Bug Barrier Bedsheet
£12.99
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions. Avoid swimming in fresh water rivers, streams and lakes if you can. You often don't have any symptoms at first, but after a few weeks may develop a rash, high temperature, cough, diarrhoea and joint pain. Schistosomiasis can usually be treated successfully with a short course of a medication that kills the worms.

Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tsetse fly, which is only found in rural Africa. Initial symptoms include severe headache, insomnia, enlarged lymph nodes, anaemia and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Additional Health Risks Information for Botswana

Botswana is a popular destination for British tourists, and most visits are completely trouble-free. Although the spectacular wildlife is a big draw for visitors, it can also occasionally be a hazard, with wildlife on the roads, especially at night. Avoid bathing in lakes and rivers due to the risk of Schistosomiasis caused by a fresh water parasite and the risk from animals which may see you as intruding on their space! Some areas of Botswana are high risk for malaria, so consult a travel clinic for all the necessary vaccines, malaria tablets and travel health advice before travelling.

Crime and attacks on tourists in Botswana is rare, but it does happen. Take care of your personal safety and the security of your belongings just as you would at home. The major towns of Gaborone, Francistown and Maun commonly experience petty crime and more serious incidents. Keep your valuables out of sight, even if you’re travelling by private car, and make use of your hotel safe. Game reserves and tourist areas are generally considered safe and secure.

If you’re travelling to a remote area, take a first aid kid and plenty of bottled water, along with a means of summoning help if necessary. Healthcare facilities in major towns are good, but very limited elsewhere, and communications can be unreliable. Take sensible precautions against mosquitos, use 50% Deet insect repellent, especially if you are trekking or camping in wooded areas.

Book Now