Zambia Health & Vaccinations
Everything you need to know about staying healthy during your trip to Zambia. Vaccinations, malaria prevention, healthcare, and essential health tips.
Malaria Risk
Yes - Take Precautions
Tap Water
Not Safe
Healthcare Quality
Private hospitals in Lusaka offer reasonable care (Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital
Required Vaccines
1
Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
Required only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Not required for direct flights from Europe, North America, or non-endemic countries.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Rabies (especially for remote safari areas)
- Cholera (for remote or rural travel)
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is present in Zambia. Take preventive measures seriously.
High-Risk Areas
- • Throughout the country, including Lusaka and all safari areas
Low-Risk Areas
Common Antimalarial Medications
Consult your doctor to choose the right medication for you. Start taking it before arrival as directed.
Prevention Tips
- •Use DEET-based insect repellent (at least 30% DEET)
- •Sleep under mosquito nets (treated nets are best)
- •Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk
- •Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms
- •Take antimalarial medication as prescribed
Water & Food Safety
Tap Water
Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Zambia. Always drink bottled or purified water.
- •Drink only bottled water (check seal is intact)
- •Avoid ice in drinks unless from a trusted source
- •Use bottled water for brushing teeth
- •Consider a water purification bottle or tablets
Food Safety Tips
- •Eat at busy restaurants with high turnover
- •Avoid raw vegetables and salads unless you trust the source
- •Eat fruits you can peel yourself
- •Ensure meat and seafood are thoroughly cooked
- •Carry hand sanitizer and use before eating
Healthcare in Zambia
Private hospitals in Lusaka offer reasonable care (Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital, Medland Hospital). Facilities are very limited in rural and safari areas. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential.
Healthcare Quality
Private hospitals in major cities offer good care and are recommended for tourists. Public hospitals may have long waits and limited resources.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for Zambia. Healthcare costs can be expensive, and medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
Medical Coverage
Minimum $100,000 recommended
Medical Evacuation
Essential for remote safari areas
Trip Cancellation
Protects your investment
Health Essentials to Pack
Emergency Contacts
Emergency/Ambulance
991
Police
999
Fire
993
Tourist Police
+260 211 254 146