Zimbabwe Health & Vaccinations
Everything you need to know about staying healthy during your trip to Zimbabwe. Vaccinations, malaria prevention, healthcare, and essential health tips.
Malaria Risk
Yes - Take Precautions
Tap Water
Not Safe
Healthcare Quality
Private hospitals in Harare are adequate for basic care (Avenues Clinic
Required Vaccines
1
Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
Yellow Fever
Required only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country. Not required if arriving directly from Europe, the US, or South Africa.
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Tetanus
- Rabies (recommended for safari and remote areas)
- Cholera (recommended if visiting rural areas)
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before your trip.
Malaria Prevention
Malaria is present in Zimbabwe. Take preventive measures seriously.
High-Risk Areas
- • Hwange National Park
- • Mana Pools
- • Victoria Falls
- • Zambezi Valley
- • Lowveld areas
Low-Risk Areas
- • Harare (higher altitude, lower risk)
- • Bulawayo
- • Eastern Highlands above 1,200m
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 Zimbabwe. 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 Zimbabwe
Private hospitals in Harare are adequate for basic care (Avenues Clinic, West End Hospital). Victoria Falls has a small hospital. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential, as serious conditions require evacuation to South Africa.
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 Zimbabwe. 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
994
Police
995
Fire
993
Tourist Police
+263 242 700 881