Zimbabwe
Travel Destination – Zimbabwe
From the thundering Victoria Falls and the wildlife of Hwange National Park to the bustling energy of Harare, Zimbabwe offers a rich and unforgettable travel experience. Whether you’re planning a safari, exploring cultural and historical sites, or relaxing by Lake Kariba, being aware of local health risks and taking a few simple precautions can help ensure your trip goes smoothly.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
It’s a good idea to discuss your trip with a travel doctor before heading to Zimbabwe. They can provide a personalised travel health plan based on your itinerary - whether you’re planning a safari in Hwange National Park, visiting Victoria Falls, or exploring more remote rural areas. Your doctor will review and recommend any necessary immunisations, ensure you have prescriptions for preventive medications such as malaria tablets if needed, and check that you are prepared for region-specific risks.
Ideally, book your appointment at least six to eight weeks before departure, so there is enough time for vaccines that require more than one dose. Even if your trip is coming up soon, it’s still worth arranging a consultation, as some vaccinations can be given on an accelerated schedule and essential travel health advice can still be provided.
Insect avoidance
In Zimbabwe, mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, particularly in low-lying rural areas and near major safari destinations.
The best protection is to avoid mosquito bites. Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened accommodation wherever possible, and use a permethrin-treated mosquito net if sleeping in unscreened areas. When outdoors - especially from dusk to dawn, when malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active - wear long sleeves and long pants. Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin.
Food and water hygiene
Zimbabwe offers a wide variety of delicious local dishes and fresh produce, but it’s important to take a few precautions to reduce your risk of gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal infections. Always wash your hands with soap and water or use antiseptic hand gel before meals. Avoid raw, undercooked, or reheated foods, and be cautious with buffets where food may have been sitting out for long periods.
Street food can be safe when it is freshly prepared in front of you and served hot. Fruits and vegetables are best when you can peel them yourself, such as bananas, oranges, or avocados, while salads washed in untreated tap water are to be avoided.
To stay safe, drink only bottled, boiled, or properly filtered water, and avoid untreated tap water and ice unless you are confident it has been made from a safe source. These simple steps will help ensure your culinary experiences in Zimbabwe are memorable for all the right reasons.
Rabies prevention
Australia is one of the few countries where rabies does not occur, but in Zimbabwe the virus is present in animals such as dogs and cats. Rabies is transmitted through bites or scratches, and once symptoms develop, the illness is almost always fatal.
The best prevention is to avoid contact with animals, particularly strays, which are common in some areas. For most short-term travellers, pre-travel rabies vaccination is not required. However, it may be recommended if you plan to work with animals, spend time in rural or remote regions, or stay in Zimbabwe for an extended period.
If you are bitten or scratched, seek urgent medical care. Prompt post-exposure treatment, which includes rabies immunisation, is essential and can prevent the illness from developing - even if you have been vaccinated previously.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Zimbabwe?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver, typically spread through contaminated food or water. The severity of illness can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can lead to serious complications. While Hepatitis A is uncommon in Australia, it remains more prevalent in countries like Zimbabwe. Travellers who have not previously completed a two-dose course of the Hepatitis A vaccine are strongly advised to get vaccinated before their trip. This is particularly important if you planning a homestay.
Typhoid
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Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi or Paratyphi, typically spread through contaminated food or water. It can lead to high fever, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms. In Zimbabwe, where sanitation and food hygiene standards can vary, typhoid is a recognised risk - particularly for travellers eating street food, visiting smaller towns, or staying for extended periods. A typhoid vaccine is available and provides three years of protection. Your travel doctor may recommend it based on your itinerary and planned activities.
Hepatitis B
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Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and is spread through contact with blood or bodily fluids—for example, through unprotected sex, tattooing, or sharing personal items like razors. While many younger Australians are protected through routine childhood vaccination, not all adults are immune. For travel to Zimbabwe, hepatitis B vaccination is generally recommended for those who will be staying for a prolonged period, making frequent short visits, or who may engage in activities with a higher risk of exposure. If you're unsure of your vaccination status, a travel doctor can assess whether immunisation is appropriate for your plans.
Routine vaccinations
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Thanks to Australia's strong immunisation programs, many common infections - like measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus - are rarely seen at home. However, in countries like Zimbabwe, these diseases may circulate more widely, increasing the risk of exposure for travellers. Preparing for your trip is an ideal time to review your routine vaccinations and ensure you're up to date. This may include boosters for measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus, influenza, and COVID-19. A travel health consultation can help identify any gaps and provide recommendations tailored to your health history and itinerary.
Zimbabwe
Other health risks in Zimbabwe
Rabies
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Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection transmitted through the bites or scratches of infected animals, including dogs, cats, and other mammals. While Australia is free from rabies, the virus remains present in many countries, including Zimbabwe. Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal, making prevention essential.
Travellers are advised to avoid contact with animals - especially stray dogs and cats. A rabies vaccine is available and may be recommended if you’ll be working with animals, spending extended time in rural or remote areas, or if access to medical care may be limited. If you are bitten or scratched while in Zimbabwe, seek medical attention immediately. Even vaccinated individuals will need a prompt course of post-exposure treatment to prevent infection.
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis, often referred to as traveller’s diarrhoea, is commonly caused by bacteria such as Campylobacter, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and Salmonella, which are ingested through contaminated food or water. In Zimbabwe, where sanitation and food handling standards can vary, the risk of these infections is higher. Symptoms typically appear within 24 to 72 hours and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort.
The primary treatment for gastroenteritis is to maintain hydration, which can be done through oral rehydration solutions that replace lost fluids and salts. Antibiotics are generally reserved for severe or prolonged cases, or for travellers with underlying health risks. Most cases resolve within one to three days without complications. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms are severe, prolonged, or if you are unable to keep up with fluid intake.
Preventive measures include washing your hands thoroughly before eating, using antiseptic hand gel, and avoiding high-risk foods - such as raw, undercooked, or reheated meals - as well as drinking only purified, bottled, or boiled water.
Sleeping Sickness
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Another insect-borne illness of concern is trypanosomiasis (African sleeping sickness), transmitted by the bite of infected tsetse flies. This disease is rare among travellers but can be serious if contracted, causing fever, headaches, joint pain, and later neurological symptoms. Tsetse flies are mainly found in game reserves and rural areas. To reduce risk, wear long sleeves and neutral-coloured clothing (tsetse are attracted to dark or bright colours), use inset repellant, and avoid areas where flies are visibly active.
Non-infectious conditions
Deep vein thrombosis
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Prolonged travel by air, road, or rail can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the veins, usually in the legs. This is caused by reduced blood flow due to prolonged periods of immobility. The risk is higher on long-haul flights to destinations like Zimbabwe.
To reduce your risk of DVT during travel, try to move around regularly - stand up, stretch, and walk every couple of hours. Staying well-hydrated is also important, as dehydration can increase the risk of clotting. For individuals with pre-existing risk factors, such as a history of DVT or certain medical conditions, wearing below-knee compression stockings can help improve circulation. Should DVT occur, treatment typically involves blood-thinning medications to prevent further clotting.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Part of travelling is embracing new experiences and adventures - but it’s important to be aware of the risks and take steps to stay safe. If you're considering riding a motorbike while overseas, make sure you have the appropriate skills, understand local road rules, and always wear a helmet. When using other road transport, choose vehicles equipped with working seatbelts whenever possible.
In hot climates like Zimbabwe’s, excessive heat exposure is a real risk. To avoid it, stay well hydrated, wear lightweight and breathable clothing, take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. Don’t forget sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
Whatever activities you choose, it’s always wise to take out travel insurance that covers medical care and emergency evacuation.