Botswana has seasonal mosquito activity, with peak risk during the rainy season from November through March. The Okavango Delta, Chobe district, and the northern border areas carry the highest malaria risk. The Kalahari region and southern areas including Gaborone have minimal risk.
Malaria (P. falciparum and P. vivax) is the primary concern in northern Botswana. The Okavango Deltas extensive wetlands create ideal mosquito breeding habitat. Southern and central Botswana are effectively malaria-free.
Anopheles arabiensis is the primary malaria vector. Safari travelers to the Okavango Delta and Chobe should take antimalarial prophylaxis and use bed nets, while visitors to Gaborone and the south face minimal risk.
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Explore mosquito risk briefings for other destinations in Southern Africa.
Disease presence data is sourced from WHO, CDC, ECDC, and OpenDengue. This is not medical advice — consult a travel health professional before your trip.