Health & Safety in Zimbabwe

Health

It is crucial that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Zimbabwe; tell your doctor or pharmacist which areas in Zimbabwe you intend visiting. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering Zimbabwe and continue the course for 6 weeks after leaving the country.

If you suffer from side-effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics after dinner, as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms.

Precautionary measures that you can take to prevent contact with mosquitoes are: sleeping under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick; and wearing long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night.

Any person entering Zimbabwe from, or via, a yellow fever or cholera infected area must be in possession of a valid International Certificate of Vaccination against Yellow Fever and/or cholera. Tetanus immunisation is recommended.

Avoid swimming in dams and rivers as the water may be infected with bilharzia. If you are canoeing or rafting and cannot avoid the water, this is not a problem - just remember to towel off as soon as possible.

Tap water is usually safe to drink: check with locals once you are there.

Medical Services

Zimbabwe does not have a national health welfare scheme; obtain medical insurance prior to arrival and bring with you any medicines you may require.

Medical services within Harare and Bulawayo are good, but outside of this facilities are scarce. In some parts doctors often expect cash payment.

Safety

Over the past few years Zimbabwe's tragic political situation caused a rapid descent into chaos and unrest. Civil unrest occurs mainly in Harare and the large urban areas, but the main tourist areas are not affected.

Victoria Falls and the National Parks, for example, remain unaffected by the turmoil in the rest of the country. It is advisable to restrict your travels to these areas - anywhere else would be distinctly risky and it is advisable to keep your political opinions to yourself.

Fuel shortages mean that self-drive holidays are not recommended at this time.

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