Health
It is imperative that you obtain malaria
prophylactics before entering Botswana. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or
pharmacist that you intend visiting Botswana. Start your course at least 24 hours before
entering Botswana and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after leaving the country.
If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after
dinner as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms. 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. Travellers should be aware that there is a presence of
bilharzia the only way of avoiding contact is to stay out of the water. It is not caught by
drinking untreated water, and the disease is easily cured today .
Medical Services
Botswana does not have a national health welfare scheme. It is therefore advisable to obtain
medical insurance prior to arrival. Health care standards in Botswana are high, with excellent
hospitals in Gaborone and Francistown. All main towns have well stocked pharmacies, but as most
tourist areas are in remote areas, it is recommended that you bring any medicines you may
require with you.
Water
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.
HEALTH
There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of malaria throughout Africa, and Botswana
has endemic malarial areas. Consult a doctor at least 2 weeks prior to entering Botswana, and
take every precaution advised. Bilharzia is another ever present threat in African streams and
rivers, and the only way of avoiding contact is to stay out of the water. It is not caught by
drinking untreated water, and the disease is easily cured today.
