Logistics
Health requirements
Botswana has no compulsory vaccination requirement for most travellers, but there are conditions worth planning around — particularly if you are travelling north after the congress.
Yellow fever
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have recently transited, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. If your itinerary includes such a country, carry your certificate.
- Yellow fever is not present in Botswana itself.
Malaria
- Gaborone and the south-east of the country carry low to negligible malaria risk, and October falls before the main transmission season.
- Risk is materially higher in the north — the Okavango Delta, Chobe and the Zambezi region — and rises through the rainy season from November. If you are travelling on to those areas, seek advice on prophylaxis from a travel clinic before you leave home.
- Regardless of prophylaxis, use insect repellent, cover arms and legs after dusk, and sleep under a net where one is provided.
Routine vaccinations
- Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio.
- Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccination is commonly recommended for travel in the region.
- Rabies vaccination may be advised for delegates planning extended time in rural areas or working with animals.
Practical matters
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering emergency treatment and medical evacuation is strongly recommended. Evacuation cover matters if you are travelling to remote areas after the congress.
- Private medical facilities in Gaborone are of a good standard. Serious cases are often referred to South Africa, which is what makes evacuation cover worthwhile.
- Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medication in its original labelled packaging, together with a copy of the prescription.
- October is hot and dry. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are the most common problems delegates actually encounter — drink more water than you think you need, and use sun protection.
- Tap water in Gaborone is treated and generally safe to drink.