Travel Vaccines for Zambia
Everything you need to stay healthy in Zambia — from Victoria Falls to South Luangwa National Park and the Zambezi River. About 4,000 Canadians visit Zambia each year.
Verified by CDC · Updated February 2025
What Vaccines Do You Need for Zambia?
Zambia requires several vaccines for safe travel due to tropical disease risks. Yellow Fever vaccination may be required depending on your travel route. Comprehensive immunization is strongly recommended.
Hepatitis A
Strongly RecommendedRecommended for all travellers. Hepatitis A is spread through contaminated food and water, which is a significant risk in Zambia. Two-dose series provides long-term protection.
Typhoid
Strongly RecommendedRecommended for all travellers. Typhoid is endemic in Zambia and transmitted through contaminated food and water. Injectable or oral vaccine available.
Yellow Fever
Strongly RecommendedRequired if arriving from a Yellow Fever endemic country (including neighbouring countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda). Zambia may require proof of vaccination upon entry. A single dose provides lifelong protection. Carry your yellow card.
Hepatitis B
RecommendedRecommended for most travellers. Hepatitis B prevalence is significant in Zambia. Transmitted through blood, sexual contact, and contaminated medical equipment. Three-dose series.
Rabies
RecommendedRecommended for travellers doing safari, wildlife viewing, or spending time in rural areas. Post-exposure treatment is difficult to access outside Lusaka. Pre-exposure series is 2–3 doses.
Cholera
RecommendedRecommended for travellers visiting areas with limited access to clean water. Cholera outbreaks occur periodically in Zambia, particularly during the rainy season. Oral vaccine (Dukoral) available.
Routine Vaccines
RecommendedEnsure routine vaccinations are up to date, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and annual flu shot.
We stock all these vaccines. Book a free consultation and we'll create your personalized protection plan — usually completed in a single visit.
What to Watch Out For
Zambia's tropical climate and abundant waterways create several health risks for travellers. Malaria, waterborne parasites, and wildlife exposure are the primary concerns.
Malaria
HIGH risk throughout Zambia year-round, including in Livingstone (Victoria Falls), Lusaka, and all safari areas. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant species. Transmission is most intense during the rainy season (November–April).
Take antimalarial medication (Malarone or Doxycycline) as prescribed. Use DEET-based insect repellent, sleep under treated bed nets, and wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn.Schistosomiasis
Present in freshwater throughout Zambia, particularly the Zambezi River, Lake Kariba, and other rivers and lakes. Caused by parasitic worms that penetrate skin during freshwater contact, even brief wading.
Avoid swimming, wading, or bathing in freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams. This includes the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. Use only treated swimming pools. If accidental exposure occurs, towel dry vigorously and seek medical evaluation.Rabies
Present in domestic and wild animals throughout Zambia. Stray dogs are common in urban areas. Wildlife encounters during safari increase risk. Post-exposure treatment is difficult to access outside Lusaka.
Pre-exposure rabies vaccination recommended for safari travellers. Avoid contact with stray animals and wildlife. If bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes and seek urgent medical care.Cholera
Periodic outbreaks occur in Zambia, particularly in Lusaka's peri-urban areas and during the rainy season (November–April). Spread through contaminated water and food.
Drink only bottled, boiled, or purified water. Avoid street food and raw vegetables in high-risk areas. Oral cholera vaccine (Dukoral) provides partial protection. Maintain strict hand hygiene.Traveler's Diarrhea
Very common in Zambia. Contaminated water and food hygiene issues are widespread, particularly outside upscale lodges and hotels. Can significantly disrupt safari and travel plans.
Drink ONLY bottled, boiled, or purified water. Avoid ice, raw vegetables, and unpeeled fruits. Eat at reputable lodges and restaurants. Carry oral rehydration salts, Imodium, and a prescribed antibiotic.Malaria Risk in Zambia
High Risk — Medication RequiredMalaria risk in Zambia is HIGH throughout the entire country year-round. All travellers to Zambia must take antimalarial medication regardless of their itinerary.
Risk Areas
HIGH risk throughout Zambia year-round, including Livingstone (Victoria Falls area), Lusaka, South Luangwa National Park, Lower Zambezi National Park, Kafue National Park, and all other safari and tourist areas. Transmission peaks during the rainy season (November–April) but remains present year-round. There are no malaria-free areas in Zambia.
Recommended Prevention
Antimalarial prophylaxis is essential. Recommended medications include Atovaquone-Proguanil (Malarone) — start 1–2 days before, take daily, continue 7 days after leaving — or Doxycycline — start 1–2 days before, take daily, continue 4 weeks after. Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant species and is chloroquine-resistant. Do NOT use chloroquine for Zambia.
Essential Health Tips
Safari Safety
- Always follow your safari guide's instructions — never leave the vehicle without permission
- Bring a well-stocked first aid kit — medical facilities are very limited in national parks
- Keep a safe distance from all wildlife — hippos and crocodiles are particularly dangerous near waterways
- Wear neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige) — avoid dark blue and black which attract tsetse flies
- Bring adequate sun protection — SPF 50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, and UV-protective sunglasses
- Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation from remote areas
Mosquito Protection
- Take antimalarial medication exactly as prescribed — this is the single most important health precaution for Zambia
- Apply DEET 30%+ repellent to all exposed skin, reapplying every few hours
- Sleep under a permethrin-treated bed net every night — most safari lodges provide them
- Wear long sleeves and pants in the evenings, especially during sunset game drives
- Consider permethrin-treating your safari clothing before departure
- Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn — be extra vigilant during these hours
Water Activities Safety
- Do NOT swim in the Zambezi River, Lake Kariba, or any freshwater — schistosomiasis risk is high
- Only swim in treated pools at lodges and hotels
- If you do white-water rafting below Victoria Falls, minimize water contact and dry off immediately
- The "Devil's Pool" at Victoria Falls edge involves river water exposure — be aware of schistosomiasis risk
- Drink only bottled, boiled, or purified water at all times
- Carry water purification tablets as a backup when travelling between lodges
Common Questions About Traveling to Zambia
Yes, there is HIGH malaria risk in the Victoria Falls/Livingstone area year-round. The Zambezi River and surrounding wetlands create ideal mosquito breeding habitat. Antimalarial medication is essential even for short visits to Victoria Falls. The risk is highest during and just after the rainy season (November–April), but transmission occurs year-round.
Zambia requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination if you are arriving from or have transited through a Yellow Fever endemic country. This includes many neighbouring countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. If you are flying directly from Canada with no stops in endemic countries, the certificate may not be required — but we recommend getting vaccinated anyway if your travel route includes multiple African countries. Always carry your yellow card.
No, swimming in the Zambezi River is not recommended due to schistosomiasis (bilharzia), a parasitic infection present in freshwater throughout Zambia. The parasites can penetrate your skin even during brief water contact. This also applies to Lake Kariba and other rivers and lakes. Additionally, the Zambezi has hippos and crocodiles. Use treated swimming pools at lodges instead. If you do activities like white-water rafting that involve water exposure, dry off thoroughly afterward.
For a Zambia safari, essential health preparations include: antimalarial medication (Malarone or Doxycycline), recommended vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies), a comprehensive first aid kit, DEET insect repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, and sun protection. Ensure you have travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage — safari parks are remote and the nearest hospital may be hours away. Start your antimalarials before departure and continue after returning.
Yes, cholera outbreaks occur periodically in Zambia, particularly in Lusaka's peri-urban areas and during the rainy season (November–April). The risk for tourists staying in established lodges and hotels is relatively low, but it increases if you're travelling through rural communities. The oral cholera vaccine (Dukoral) provides partial protection and is recommended for travellers visiting affected areas. Strict food and water hygiene is essential.
Ideally, schedule your travel health consultation 6–8 weeks before departure. Some vaccines like Hepatitis B and Rabies require multiple doses over several weeks. Yellow Fever vaccine should be given at least 10 days before arrival for the certificate to be valid. However, even last-minute travellers should come in — we can create an accelerated schedule to maximize your protection. Most essential vaccines can be administered in one to two visits.
Get Protected Before Your Zambia Trip
Free consultation — we'll review your itinerary, recommend vaccines, and get you protected. Most patients complete everything in one visit.
Zambia Travel Consultation
Free — No Consultation FeeBook your free travel health consultation for Zambia. We'll review your itinerary, assess your health risks for Victoria Falls, safari parks, and beyond, and administer all recommended vaccines and antimalarials.