Tips and recommendations for healthy travel to top destinations
Learn more about your flu vaccine options
Learn more about the travel visa requirements for top destinations
Botswana is often considered one of the best places in the world to experience and be close to the wild of Africa. With many options of different safari locations and game reserves, nature-lovers flock to Botswana to experience wildlife.
The capital city of Botswana, Gaborone, is the largest city in the country and considered one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. It holds four American-style malls, cinemas, hotels, golf-courses and night clubs.
Botswana’s other major cities include Francistown, Molepolole, and Selebi-Phikwe.
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Botswana. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for Botswana: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, yellow fever, rabies.
The risk of contracting malaria is considered low. But, it is prevalent in the northern regions of Botswana. Check with a travel medicine specialist to see if antimalarials are right for you.
Traveler’s diarrhea is a serious risk to individuals visiting Botswana. Make sure you bring a traveler’s diarrhea kit as part of your travel preparations.
Private medical facilities, emergency rooms and trained doctors are available in Gaborone. But, services are hard to find elsewhere. You must pay for your health care upfront.
To find out more about these vaccines, see our vaccinations page. Ready to travel safely? Book your appointment either call or book online now.
Cholera is prevalent in Botswana, due in part to cholera outbreaks in neighboring Zimbabwe. Recent outbreaks have occurred in the Palm Tree region of Botswana.
The most reliable protection against cholera is through vaccination. Passport Health clinics offer Vaxchora, the only cholera vaccine available in the United States. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today!
A passport with at least six months validity is required to enter Botswana. U.S. citizens are allowed stays of up to 90 total days within a 12-month period without a visa.
If a U.S. citizen has a temporary travel document or passport, they must have a visa to enter. Without one, individuals will face fines and delays.
As of October 1, 2016, minors traveling to Botswana must have a certified copy of their birth certificate as well as their passport.
Contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist for more information by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
Botswana’s climate is semi-arid. It is hot and dry for the majority of the year. But, there is a rainy season in the summer months (November-March). Rain is erratic and unpredictable and is usually short-lived and heavy. January and February are peak months for rainfall.
Summer days are hot and winter nights are cold.
Best visiting months are from April to October for weather and game-viewing.
Botswana is considered one of the safest countries in Africa, but crime still occurs.
Petty crime is common in Botswana and hotels are not free from physical activity. Muggings by knifepoint are reported to the police. Crimes are even reported in game park and nature reserves.
Try to avoid driving 4x4s as they are more prone to car-jackings.
Do not walk alone at night and avoid high-crime areas such as Gaborone Dam and Kgale Hill.
The majority of tourists come to Botswana for its access to close-encounters of African wildlife. On safari, you can get up-close to giraffes, elephants, lions, hippos, and zebras.
There are 45 safari camps in the Botswana wilderness, offering different experiences for tourists.
Some safaris are traditional rustic camps, which usually offer a more intimate experience with the animals. Others offer luxurious accommodations where you can swim in a heated swimming pool next to elephants.
It’s important to keep in mind that you will not see animals every moment of your safari trip. It’s important to be flexible and patient to see the wildlife you are hoping for.
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Botswana:
All Americans visiting Botswana should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
The U.S. Embassy in Botswana is located in Gaborone:
U.S. Embassy Gaborone Embassy Drive Government Enclave Gaborone, Botswana Telephone: (+267) 395-3982 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(267) 395-7111
Visit the Embassy to Botswana website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
If you have any questions about traveling to Botswana or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
