What vaccines do I need for Zimbabwe?

Required: Yellow Fever (required for travelers arriving from endemic countries). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera (for travelers with higher-risk exposures), Rabies (for wildlife itineraries or extended stays), Malaria prophylaxis.

Is tap water safe to drink in Zimbabwe?

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

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Southern Africa

Zimbabwe Travel Health

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

Zimbabwe presents significant health risks including malaria in northern and eastern regions and periodic cholera outbreaks linked to inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure. Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers coming from endemic regions. The country's healthcare system has faced severe constraints, making medical evacuation coverage essential. Travelers to Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and the Zambezi Valley face the highest infectious disease risk.

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

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Vaccines for Zimbabwe

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required for travelers arriving from endemic countries)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid
Cholera (for travelers with higher-risk exposures)
Rabies (for wildlife itineraries or extended stays)
Malaria prophylaxis

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — Zimbabwe

Malaria Risk

High risk in the Zambezi Valley (including Victoria Falls and Kariba), Hwange district, and northern and eastern lowlands. Risk is lower in Harare and Bulawayo at higher altitudes but not absent. Transmission peaks November through May. P. falciparum predominates; chloroquine resistance is present.

Food and Water Safety

High Risk Tap water: not safe to drink

Tap water is unsafe throughout the country, including in Harare, due to deteriorated water treatment infrastructure and recurrent cholera outbreaks. Use sealed bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and making ice. Do not swim in the Zambezi River or Lake Kariba due to schistosomiasis.

Key Health Tips for Zimbabwe

Use antimalarial chemoprophylaxis and insect precautions for all travel to Zimbabwe, with particular diligence in lowland and northern regions.
Drink only commercially bottled or properly treated water given the ongoing risk of cholera and typhoid from contaminated municipal supplies.
Obtain comprehensive medical evacuation insurance before travel, as hospitals in Zimbabwe frequently lack basic medications and equipment.
Avoid all contact with freshwater rivers and lakes, including the Zambezi, due to schistosomiasis risk.

Disease Risks in Zimbabwe

Official Resources

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