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BOTSWANA
What Is the Climate Like in Botswana?
How Safe Is Botswana?
What Should I Pack for Botswana?
Consulate of Canada in Botswana
Entry and Exit Requirements for Botswana
Botswana should be added to your “to visit” list if you’re in search of a classic African safari.
The Okavango Delta is an oasis in the middle of landlocked Botswana. Flooded each year during the winter months, the water attracts one of the continent’s greatest concentrations of wildlife. This makes the Okavango Delta a prime place for safaris, especially with the popular Chobe National Park nearby. The flooding of the delta doesn’t stop tourists, either. Mokoro safaris – waterway adventures in carved out wood canoes – twist through the labyrinth of waterways, creating one of the most unique and serene ways to watch wildlife.
Botswana has terrific camping in the Tswapong Hills in the east, and Tsodilo in the northwest. Travellers can observe more than 4,500 rock paintings adorning the nearby caves.
The country is one of the safest destinations on the continent for Canadian travellers. This means you can focus on what you came for, be it adventure or relaxation.
Do I Need Vaccines for Botswana?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Botswana. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for Botswana: typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and influenza.
| Vaccine | How Disease Spreads |
|---|---|
| Typhoid | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Cholera | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis A | Contaminated Food or Water |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated Body Fluids (Sex, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Influenza | Airborne Droplets |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors |
There is malaria in the Central and Northwest regions of Botswana, including parts of the Okavango Delta. The risk to travellers is very low, though an anti malarial regime is still something to discuss. Infected mosquitos in Botswana are resistant to Chloroquine. Precautions should also be taken to protect against other insect bites, as they can cause sleeping sickness, Rift Valley Fever, and West Nile Virus.
Gaborone has sufficient hospitals, but medical facilities are limited outside the city. Ensure a safari operator is carrying a well supplied first aid kit.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Travel Medicine Specialist by calling or book online now.
What Is the Climate Like in Botswana?
Here’s what to expect in a few key destinations in Botswana:
- Gaborone– The temperature for most of the year ranges between 26º Celsius and 32º Celsius. Precipitation can be unpredictable in the capital city, and rain greatly affects the city’s temperature. The summer months of October to April are wettest and can bring thunderstorms and fog.
- Okavango Delta– April to August are the best months to head out on a safari in the delta. April and May temperatures are around 30º Celsius during the day, and the winter months of June to August can be mild. Evenings in the delta are surprisingly cold. December to March bring hot and humid weather accompanied by heavy rain and thunderstorms.
- Tswapong Hills– The mountain range in eastern Botswana experiences its own microclimate, and sees much more rain than the rest of the country. The average daily temperature differs dramatically from winter to summer, with June and July being the coldest months at 14º Celsius and January reaching 26º Celsius. Pack warm clothes for camping.
Rainy season in Botswana is during the summer months of December to March. While consistent rains won’t fall, these months will certainly be the wettest time of year.
How Safe Is Botswana?
Botswana is one of the only countries in Africa where the Government of Canada does not have a travel advisory in place. The country has not experienced political or civil unrest in a number of years, and Canadians rarely face security issues during trips.
Precautions should still be taken, including storing any important belongings or documents in a hotel room and not showing signs of affluence.
The most risk comes not in the cities, but on safari. Reputable tour companies have proper policies in place, and ensure you’re always heeding their advice. It is recommended that travellers not swim in lakes and rivers, or walk alone in the wilderness because of potential attacks from wild animals. Cars should always be reliable 4×4 vehicles.
What Should I Pack for Botswana?
Here are a few essentials you should bring to Botswana:
- Universal travel adapter– Outlets in Botswana are a mix of British-style plugs and South African outlets. Carrying a universal adapter will ensure there is always a power source for devices.
- Waterproof bag– This is an important item to pack if heading onto the water as part of a mokoro safari.
- Soft sided luggage– While a standard 23 kilogram suitcase may be fine for international trips, many safaris in Botswana involve journeys in small chartered aircraft. Soft bags and duffels are much more flexible to pack in small cargo holds. Be sure to check with a tour company about weight restrictions.
- Sunscreen– The sunscreen found in Botswana will not be as reliable as lotion purchased at home. Bring a bottle from Canada to protect from the sun during safaris.
- Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries– Perfect for the city or bush. Power cuts are frequent in Botswana, and sometimes safari camps don’t have any hydro at all.
Consulate of Canada in Botswana
All Canadians visiting Botswana should register online with the Consulate of Canada in Botswana before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach you in the case of an emergency or evacuation. Main consular services for Canadians in Botswana are managed through the Embassy of Canada to Zimbabwe. If you plan to purchase a local SIM card you can also enter your phone number to receive SMS updates from the office.
Consulate of Canada in Botswana
Ground Floor, Mokolwane House
Fairgrounds, Gaborone
Telephone: 267-390-4411
canada.consul@info.bw
Hours of Operation
Monday and Thursday: 09:30 to 12:30
Visit the Embassy of Canada to Botswana website prior to your departure to confirm correct contact details for the Canadian Consulate in Botswana.
The Government of Canada also operates a 24 hour Emergency Operations Centre. The collect call number to reach the centre while abroad is +1-613-996-8885.
Entry and Exit Requirements for Botswana
Canadians do not require a tourist visa for visits of up to 90 days. Travellers do need a Canadian passport valid for at least six months beyond the expected date of departure. Extensions for stays of longer than three months can be issued in country.
If you have any questions about travelling to Botswana or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic by calling or booking online today.
