What health kit do I need for Victoria Falls?

For Victoria Falls, pack antimalarials (essential - Vic Falls is a high malaria zone), DEET repellent, waterproof plasters, SPF 50+ sunscreen, oral rehydration salts, paracetamol, and hand sanitiser. Waterproof protection for electronics is also advisable due to the falls spray.

Is tap water safe in Zimbabwe?

Tap water in Zimbabwe is unreliable. Harare water supply has been inconsistent. Victoria Falls hotels generally provide treated water. Use bottled water to be safe everywhere. Bottled water costs $1-2 USD.

Do I need medical evacuation insurance for Zimbabwe?

Yes, this is critical. Zimbabwe public healthcare has severe resource constraints and facilities outside Harare are very limited. Medical evacuation to South Africa may be necessary for serious illness or injury. MARS (Medical Air Rescue Service) provides air ambulance services.

What are Zimbabwe emergency numbers?

Emergency: 999 or 112. MARS air evacuation: +263 24 273 3466. Police: 995. Ambulance: 994. UK Embassy: +263 24 233 8800.

Is Victoria Falls a malaria area?

Yes. Victoria Falls is in a high malaria zone along the Zambezi River. Antimalarials are essential year-round, especially during the wet season (November to April). Use DEET repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.

Travel Health Checklist for Zimbabwe — 2026

Most Zimbabwe visitors head to Victoria Falls and safari destinations in the Zambezi Valley — both high malaria areas. Proper health preparation is essential, especially as rural medical facilities are limited.

Pre-Travel (4–6 Weeks Before)

Book travel clinic for vaccinations

Yellow Fever only if arriving from endemic country (not needed from UK/US/SA)

Get: Hep A, Typhoid, Rabies (essential for Vic Falls — baboons), Hep B

Obtain antimalarials for Vic Falls, Hwange, Mana Pools, Kariba

Travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation (critical for Zimbabwe)

Ensure routine vaccines are up to date

Water & Food Safety

Tap water in Harare — has been unreliable; use bottled water to be safe
Victoria Falls: Hotel water is generally treated and safe; bottled water is readily available
Bottled water is priced in USD (Zimbabwe uses USD) — $1–$2 per bottle
Safari lodges provide safe drinking water
Street food in Harare: sadza, grilled meat from busy stalls generally safe if freshly cooked
Carry water purification tablets for remote safari camps

Sun & Heat Protection

The Zambezi Valley (Vic Falls, Mana Pools, Kariba) gets extremely hot — 35–45°C in summer (Oct–Mar).

SPF 50+ sunscreen

UV sunglasses and wide-brimmed hat

After-sun / aloe vera

Reusable water bottle (3+ litres daily)

Lip balm with SPF

Eastern Highlands (Altitude)

If visiting the Eastern Highlands (Nyanga, Chimanimani), altitudes reach 1,500–2,592m (Mount Nyangani). Mild altitude effects possible for some.

Stay hydrated and avoid overexertion on arrival day
The highlands are malaria-free — a great alternative for health-conscious travellers
Cooler temperatures (10–20°C) — pack warm layers for evening hikes

Medical Facilities & Emergency Numbers

Important: Zimbabwe public healthcare has severe resource constraints. Private clinics in Harare offer better care but facilities outside major cities are very limited. Medical evacuation insurance is essential.

Location	Facility	Phone
Victoria Falls	Victoria Falls Pharmacy & Clinic	+263 83 284 4485
Victoria Falls	Victoria Falls Hospital	+263 83 284 4201
Harare	Avenues Clinic (private)	+263 24 275 1000
Harare	Borrowdale Trauma Centre	+263 24 288 2636
Bulawayo	Mater Dei Hospital	+263 29 288 1272

Emergency	999 / 112
MARS Evacuation	+263 24 273 3466 / +263 77 272 3456
Police	995
Ambulance	994
UK Embassy Harare	+263 24 233 8800
US Embassy Harare	+263 86 770 0000

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical evacuation — CRITICAL for Zimbabwe

Medical cover minimum $500,000

Cover for adventure activities (bungee, white water rafting at Vic Falls)

Repatriation cover

24-hour emergency helpline

MARS (Medical Air Rescue Service) provides air ambulance evacuation across Zimbabwe. Consider their tourist membership for peace of mind.

Travel Health Checklist for Zimbabwe — 2026

Pre-Travel (4–6 Weeks Before)

First Aid Kit

Medical Basics

Safari & Vic Falls Kit

Water & Food Safety

Sun & Heat Protection

Eastern Highlands (Altitude)

Medical Facilities & Emergency Numbers

Travel Insurance

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