Overview
In Zimbabwe malaria is high all year in the north, east and north-west, which takes in the Zambezi valley and Victoria Falls. The centre of the country, Hwange and Matobo included, carries a seasonal risk, and Harare and Bulawayo stay moderate. No vaccine is required to enter from Belgium; yellow fever is only asked for if you have been in certain countries in the six days before arrival.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
In the high-risk and seasonal areas, bite protection and preventive tablets are advised; in Harare and Bulawayo bite protection is enough except for higher-risk travellers. If you develop a fever during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
Malaria risk is regional, concentrated in the areas detailed below.
The north, east and north-west of the country, including the Zambezi valley, Victoria Falls and the Chizarira, Gonarezhou and Mana Pools national parks: high risk year-round, with bite protection and preventive tablets advised.
The Midlands, parts of Matabeleland North, Mashonaland West, the centre of the country and the Hwange and Matobo parks: a seasonal risk from September to May, with the same precautions.
Harare and Bulawayo: a moderate risk year-round, bite protection, with tablets for higher-risk travellers.
The seasonal risk in the centre of the country runs September to May; the north, east and north-west stay high-risk all year.
Other health risks
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for Zimbabwe?
No vaccine is required if you arrive directly from Belgium. Yellow fever is only asked for if you come from (or transit through) a country where it circulates.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: high risk depending on the region. The seasonal risk in the centre of the country runs September to May; the north, east and north-west stay high-risk all year. In the high-risk and seasonal areas, bite protection and preventive tablets are advised; in Harare and Bulawayo bite protection is enough except for higher-risk travellers. If you develop a fever during or after the trip, get tested for malaria as soon as possible.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.
Entry requirements: Crossing to the Zambian side at Victoria Falls, no yellow-fever certificate is asked for.