A little preparation can help you enjoy Victoria Falls with confidence. Health recommendations depend on your personal medical history, the countries and areas you will visit, the season and the activities you have planned.
Speak with a travel-health professional
Arrange a visit with your doctor or travel clinic well before departure—ideally at least a month ahead, when possible. Ask about routine vaccinations, any destination-specific recommendations, and whether your itinerary calls for malaria prevention or other precautions. This is especially important if you are pregnant, travelling with young children, managing a medical condition or visiting several countries.
Plan for mosquitoes and malaria
Malaria prevention advice varies by destination and route, and malaria risk is present in Zimbabwe and Zambia as well as some parts of Botswana. Ask a clinician whether preventive medicine is appropriate for your specific itinerary and follow their instructions. Reduce bites with a suitable insect repellent, light long-sleeved clothing in the evening, and screened or air-conditioned accommodation where available.
Check vaccination and border-health requirements
Yellow fever vaccination recommendations and entry-certificate rules depend on where you have travelled or transited, your route and the authorities’ current requirements. Do not assume the rule is the same for every country or traveller. Confirm your situation with a travel-health professional and official sources before departure. See the current CDC guidance for Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.
Everyday precautions while travelling
- Use insect repellent as directed and take sensible steps to avoid bites.
- Wash or sanitise your hands before eating; choose food and drinking water carefully.
- Keep hydrated, especially in the heat and during outdoor activities.
- Avoid touching or feeding wildlife, and seek medical care promptly after an animal bite or scratch.
- Carry your essential medicines in their original packaging, with prescriptions or supporting documents where appropriate. Check whether any medicine needs special permission for the countries you are visiting.
Keep a simple health plan
Review your travel-insurance cover, including emergency medical care and evacuation. Keep important medical and emergency contacts accessible, and bring enough of your regular medicines for the trip plus a reasonable delay. If you develop a fever during your visit or after returning home, seek medical care promptly and tell the clinician about your travel history and dates.
This page offers general travel-planning information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Health guidance can change, so confirm current recommendations with a qualified clinician and the official health guidance for your destination.
Continue planning with our visa and entry guide and Victoria Falls packing tips, or contact Triloe about your itinerary.