Recommended Vaccinations:

• Required: Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if arriving from countries with risk of Yellow Fever transmission

• Strongly Recommended:

  • Hepatitis A and B

  • Typhoid

  • Tetanus-diphtheria

  • Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)

  • COVID-19 (check current requirements)

• Consider Based on Activities:

  • Rabies (if engaging in outdoor activities or visiting remote areas)

  • Cholera (for long-term stays or humanitarian work)

Malaria Prevention:

• Zimbabwe is a malaria-endemic country, particularly in low-lying areas

• Consult your doctor about appropriate antimalarial medication

• Common options include Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone), Doxycycline, or Mefloquine

• Start medication before arrival according to your doctor’s instructions

Where to Get Medical Advice:

• Travel clinic in your home country (ideally 4-8 weeks before departure)

• Your regular physician

• CDC Travel Health or WHO International Travel and Health

Malaria is present throughout Zimbabwe, with highest risk in:

• The Zambezi Valley (including Victoria Falls and Kariba)

• Lowveld areas in the south

• Eastern border regions

Risk varies seasonally:

• Highest: November-June (rainy season)

• Moderate: July-October (though still present)

Prevention measures:

• Take prescribed antimalarial medication as directed

• Use insect repellent with DEET (20-30%)

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, especially from dusk to dawn

• Sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets where provided

• Use air conditioning or sealed screens when possible

• Apply permethrin spray to clothing and gear

Know the symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, usually appearing 7-30 days after infection. Seek medical attention immediately if you develop these symptoms, even months after returning home.

Water Precautions:

• Tap water safety varies throughout Zimbabwe

• In major cities, tap water may be treated but infrastructure issues affect quality

• In rural areas, tap water is generally unsafe for visitors

• Recommended: Bottled water with sealed caps or treated water

• Water purification methods: Boiling (1 minute), water purification tablets, quality water filter

Food Safety Tips:

• Choose freshly cooked, hot foods

• Avoid raw vegetables and salads unless properly prepared at reputable establishments

• Peel fruits yourself before eating

• Be cautious with street food, especially in high heat

• “Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it” is a good rule of thumb

• Dairy products should be pasteurized

Common Foodborne Illnesses:

• Traveler’s diarrhea

• Typhoid

• Hepatitis A

• Cholera (occasional outbreaks)

Beyond malaria, be aware of these insect-transmitted diseases:

Dengue Fever:

• Transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes

• No specific treatment or vaccine

• Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, rash

• Prevention: Same mosquito precautions as for malaria

African Tick Bite Fever:

• Transmitted by ticks during bush walks or safari activities

• Symptoms: Fever, headache, muscle pain, and characteristic black skin lesion

• Prevention: Wear long clothing, use insect repellent, check for ticks

Tsetse Flies:

• Present in some game reserves (mostly in Zambezi Valley)

• Can transmit sleeping sickness (rare in tourists)

• Painful bites can cause local reactions

• Prevention: Avoid dark blue/black clothing, use insect repellent

Zimbabwe’s sun is intense, especially at high altitudes:

Sunburn and Heat-Related Illnesses:

• Use sunscreen with SPF 30+ and reapply regularly

• Wear broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses

• Limit sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM

• Stay hydrated (2-3 liters of water daily)

• Take breaks in the shade during activities

Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke:

• Symptoms of heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/clammy skin, nausea

• Symptoms of heatstroke: High body temperature, hot/dry skin, confusion, possible unconsciousness

• Treatment: Move to cool place, hydrate, seek medical attention for severe symptoms

A parasitic infection found in freshwater bodies throughout Zimbabwe:

• Transmitted through skin contact with contaminated water

• Present in Lake Kariba, parts of the Zambezi River, and many other water bodies

• Risk activities: Swimming, wading, water sports in untreated freshwater

• Symptoms may not appear for weeks or months

• Prevention: Avoid swimming in lakes and rivers unless explicitly declared safe

• Treatment available if exposed (consult doctor upon return)

Safe Swimming Options:

• Hotel pools with chlorinated water

• Designated safe swimming areas at Victoria Falls (Devil’s Pool in dry season)

• Hot springs in some locations (higher temperature kills parasites)

Important Emergency Contacts:

• Medical Emergency: Private ambulance services in major cities

  • MARS (Medical Air Rescue Service): +263 242 302 141

  • EMRAS Ambulance: +263 242 771 221

• Police Emergency: 995 (service quality varies)

• Tourist Police (Victoria Falls): +263 83 2844578

• Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Helpline: +263 242 758 712

Air Evacuation:

• Available from remote areas to Harare or Johannesburg

• Requires appropriate insurance coverage

• Coordinate through your insurance company’s emergency assistance

• Safari operators can usually assist with arrangements

Note: In emergency situations, immediately inform your accommodation, tour operator, or safari guide who can assist with local emergency procedures.

Zimbabwe is generally safer than many African destinations, but standard precautions apply:

In Urban Areas:

• Leave valuable jewelry at home

• Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash

• Be aware of surroundings, especially at night

• Use registered taxis rather than walking after dark

• Keep car doors locked and windows up in cities

• Be cautious at ATMs and when handling money

• Watch for opportunistic theft in crowded areas

While Traveling:

• Keep bags secure and within sight

• Use luggage locks when appropriate

• Maintain copies of important documents

• Be wary of unsolicited assistance with bags

• Avoid displaying expensive cameras/electronics

• Keep a modest amount of cash in an accessible pocket

Specific Areas:

• Harare CBD and Bulawayo require normal urban precautions

• Border areas (especially Beitbridge) deserve extra vigilance

• Victoria Falls town is generally safe but remain alert

Road travel in Zimbabwe presents significant challenges:

Road Conditions:

• Major highways are generally adequate

• Secondary roads often potholed and deteriorated

• Rural roads may be rough, especially in rainy season

• Wildlife on roads presents hazards, particularly at night

• Limited street lighting even in urban areas

Driving Tips:

• Drive on the left side of the road

• International Driving Permit required with your license

• 4x4 vehicles recommended for rural/park areas

• Avoid night driving whenever possible

• Carry extra water, food, and fuel on long journeys

• Police roadblocks common (keep documents accessible)

• GPS navigation often unreliable; paper maps recommended

Traffic Police:

• Numerous checkpoints on major routes

• Always polite and cooperative

• Request official ID if uncertain

• Know the legitimate fees for any infractions

Alternative Options:

• Private drivers/guides highly recommended for travelers unfamiliar with Zimbabwe

• Scheduled bus services connect major cities (variable quality)

• Domestic flights available between major destinations

Zimbabwe has experienced political challenges in recent years:

• Mostly stable situation for tourists who avoid political involvement

• Demonstrations occasionally occur in urban centers

• Photography of government buildings, military installations, and police is prohibited

• Avoid political discussions in public spaces

• Follow local news and your embassy’s travel advisories

• Register with your country’s embassy upon arrival

Practical Advice:

• Carry photocopies of passport and visa

• Be polite and respectful with officials

• Keep embassy contact information accessible

• Monitor local media and travel advisories

Zimbabwe has restrictive laws and conservative social attitudes regarding LGBTQ+ issues:

• Same-sex acts are illegal under Zimbabwean law

• Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are risky

• Discretion is strongly advised

• Major international hotels in tourist areas are generally more accommodating

• Consider connecting with LGBTQ+ travel specialists for specific guidance

Resources:

• Check your country’s travel advisory for LGBTQ+ specific information

• International LGBTQ+ travel association can provide guidance

Accessibility in Zimbabwe is limited:

• Few facilities are designed for wheelchair users

• Major hotels in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls have some accessible rooms

• Public transportation rarely accommodates mobility devices

• Safari operators can often make special arrangements with advance notice

• Private guides and vehicles provide the best accessibility options

Planning Tips:

• Contact accommodations directly about specific accessibility needs

• Book private transfers rather than relying on public transportation

• Consider specialized tour operators with experience in accessible travel

• Safari lodges can often customize game drive vehicles with advance notice

Zimbabwe can be a rewarding family destination with proper preparation:

• Child-friendly accommodations available in major tourist areas

• Many safari lodges welcome children (age restrictions may apply for activities)

• Consider child-specific health risks (consult pediatrician before travel)

• Pack appropriate medications, sunscreen, and insect protection

• Schedule activities with sufficient rest periods

• Victoria Falls town, Nyanga, and private game reserves are particularly family-friendly

• Some activities (walking safaris, certain adventure sports) have minimum age requirements

Seasonal Threats:

• Flooding during rainy season (November-March) affecting low-lying areas

• Occasional drought conditions in dry years

• Thunderstorms with lightning risks, especially in Eastern Highlands

Preparation:

• Check weather forecasts regularly during travel

• Follow local authorities’ advice during severe weather

• Have emergency contact information readily available

• Plan flexible itinerary that can adapt to weather conditions

• Carry additional supplies if traveling during rainy season

Register with your country’s embassy or consulate upon arrival:

Major Embassies in Harare:

• United States: +263 24 2758 800-1

• United Kingdom: +263 24 2853 235

• Canada: +263 24 2252 181-4

• Australia: +263 24 2853 235 (UK represents Australian interests)

• European Union countries maintain embassies in Harare

Services Usually Provided:

• Emergency assistance for citizens

• Replacement of lost/stolen passports

• Information during crises or emergencies

• Lists of local medical providers and legal assistance