What vaccines do I need for Zambia?

Required: Yellow Fever (required for travelers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travelers). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies (for wildlife-focused itineraries), Meningococcal, Malaria prophylaxis.

Is tap water safe to drink in Zambia?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Zambia. Drink bottled or treated water throughout your trip, including in resort areas.

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Southern Africa

Zambia Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

Zambia has one of the highest malaria burdens in sub-Saharan Africa, with transmission occurring year-round and peaking during the rainy season from November to April. Travelers to Victoria Falls, national parks, and rural areas face the highest risk from vector-borne and waterborne diseases. Medical facilities outside Lusaka are very limited, and medical evacuation insurance is strongly advised.

Food Safety: High Risk Tap Water: Unsafe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for Zambia

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required for travelers arriving from endemic countries; recommended for all travelers)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Rabies (for wildlife-focused itineraries)
Meningococcal
Malaria prophylaxis

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Zambia

Malaria Risk

High risk throughout the country year-round, with greatest intensity during and after the rainy season (November to April). P. falciparum is predominant and chloroquine resistance is widespread. All travelers, including to Lusaka, should use chemoprophylaxis. Livingstone and Victoria Falls carry significant risk.

Food and Water Safety

High Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water is not safe to drink and should be avoided even for brushing teeth in rural areas. Use sealed bottled water or water treated with iodine or chlorine tablets. Avoid raw or undercooked foods. Schistosomiasis is a serious risk in the Zambezi River and Lake Kariba; do not swim.

Key Health Tips for Zambia

Take malaria chemoprophylaxis for all areas of Zambia and use insecticide-treated bed nets, especially during the rainy season.
Do not swim in the Zambezi River, Lake Kariba, or other freshwater bodies due to schistosomiasis risk.
Purchase comprehensive travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation, as facilities outside Lusaka are severely limited.
Carry mosquito repellent with at least 30 to 50 percent DEET and treat clothing with permethrin before travel.

Disease Risks in Zambia

Official Resources

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