Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 997 for ambulance. In safari areas: contact your lodge/camp manager FIRST — they coordinate evacuations. Okavango Air Rescue and Medical Rescue International (MRI) provide air ambulance services. Gaborone Private Hospital and Princess Marina Hospital (public) are the main urban facilities. For serious cases: air ambulance to Johannesburg (Netcare hospitals — 1 hour flight).
Response time: 15-30 minutes in Gaborone, Francistown. Safari areas: helicopter evacuation may take 30-90+ minutes depending on weather and location. Remote camps: the lodge/camp emergency protocol is your lifeline.
Cost: Public ER: BWP 50-200 (~€4-15) for non-citizens. Private ER: BWP 500-2,000 (€38-150). Private admission: BWP 1,000-5,000/day (€75-375). Air evacuation from Okavango/Chobe: $5,000-15,000. Air evacuation to Johannesburg: $15,000-40,000+.
Healthcare System
Botswana has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure, largely driven by the HIV/AIDS response (one of the world's most effective programmes). Public hospitals are functional but not at Western standards. Private options are limited but growing — Gaborone Private Hospital and Bokamoso Private Hospital are the main private facilities. The key healthcare challenge for tourists is remoteness: the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Makgadikgadi, and Central Kalahari are vast wilderness areas hours from any hospital. Medical evacuation by air is the standard protocol for safari emergencies. Maun (gateway to Okavango Delta) has a small public hospital — Letsholathebe II Memorial Hospital — but serious cases evacuate to Gaborone or Johannesburg. English is an official language — communication is straightforward. Botswana is a premium safari destination — visitors are typically on organised tours with emergency evacuation plans.
Designed for: Botswana citizens receive free public healthcare. Visitors pay at public facilities or use private clinics.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics in Gaborone and Francistown. Public clinics charge non-citizen fees. Safari lodges have basic medical kits and radio/satellite communication for evacuations.
Typical wait: Private clinic: same-day. Public: 1-4 hours.
Availability: Moderate in Gaborone. Basic in Francistown, Maun, Kasane. Very limited in safari/wilderness areas — lodge medical kits and evacuation plans are the healthcare system.
GP Visit
Private GP: BWP 200-500 (€15-38)
Private GP
BWP 200-500 (€15-38) per consultation
ER Without Insurance
Private ER: BWP 500-2,000 (€38-150). Air evacuation from safari: $5,000-15,000. Air evacuation to Johannesburg: $15,000-40,000+. Without insurance, a safari medical emergency is financially catastrophic.
Medication
Medications available in Gaborone pharmacies. Stock more limited in Maun and Kasane. Bring all necessary medications for safari trips — there are NO pharmacies in the bush.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-1pm in cities. Very limited in Maun and Kasane.
OTC: Basic range in Gaborone. Limited elsewhere. Bring your own supplies for safari.
Controlled substances: Carry doctor's letter for all medications. Drug laws are strict.
Practical Tips
- Medical evacuation insurance is NON-NEGOTIABLE for safari travel — minimum $100,000 coverage
- Confirm your safari lodge's emergency evacuation plan before arrival — ask about radio/satellite communication and nearest airstrip
- Malaria prophylaxis essential for Okavango, Chobe, Makgadikgadi — start before arrival
- Gaborone Private Hospital (+267 390 1999) is the best private facility
- For safari: pack comprehensive first-aid kit, DEET repellent, and all personal medications
- Medical Rescue International (MRI) provides air ambulance — your insurance should have their number
- Rabies: avoid touching any wildlife — even seemingly friendly animals. Post-exposure prophylaxis available at Gaborone hospitals.
- Drink bottled water in rural areas — Gaborone tap water is generally safe
Who can get care in Botswana?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Botswana treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics in Gaborone and Francistown. Public clinics charge non-citizen fees. Safari lodges have basic medical kits and radio/satellite communication for evacuations. Typical cost: Private GP: BWP 200-500 (€15-38). Specialist: BWP 400-1,200 (€30-90). Lab tests: BWP 100-500 (€8-38). Typical wait: Private clinic: same-day. Public: 1-4 hours.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: Private ER: BWP 500-2,000 (€38-150). Air evacuation from safari: $5,000-15,000. Air evacuation to Johannesburg: $15,000-40,000+. Without insurance, a safari medical emergency is financially catastrophic..
Documents worth having ready
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Comprehensive travel insurance with MEDICAL EVACUATION (critical for safari areas)
- Yellow Fever certificate (if from endemic area)
- Malaria prophylaxis medication
- All prescription medications
- DEET insect repellent
Local contacts in Botswana
Emergency services
997 (ambulance) / 999 (police) / 998 (fire)
Call 997 for ambulance. In safari areas: contact your lodge/camp manager FIRST — they coordinate evacuations. Okavango Air Rescue and Medical Rescue International (MRI) provide air ambulance services. Gaborone Private Hospital and Princess Marina Hospital (public) are the main urban facilities. For serious cases: air ambulance to Johannesburg (Netcare hospitals — 1 hour flight).
Pharmacies
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-1pm in cities. Very limited in Maun and Kasane.
Basic range in Gaborone. Limited elsewhere. Bring your own supplies for safari.
What is the emergency number in Botswana?
997 (ambulance) or 999 (police) or 998 (fire) in Botswana. Call 997 for ambulance. In safari areas: contact your lodge/camp manager FIRST — they coordinate evacuations. Okavango Air Rescue and Medical Rescue International (MRI) provide air ambulance services. Gaborone Private Hospital and Princess Marina Hospital (public) are the main urban facilities. For serious cases: air ambulance to Johannesburg (Netcare hospitals — 1 hour flight).
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Botswana?
Private GP: BWP 200-500 (€15-38). Specialist: BWP 400-1,200 (€30-90). Lab tests: BWP 100-500 (€8-38). Private consultations: BWP 200-500 (€15-38) per consultation.
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Sources: Botswana Ministry of Health, WHO Botswana, CDC Travelers Health Botswana 2025, Medical Rescue International
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare