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Health & Safety


Travel in Zimbabwe is as safe and convenient as any other African safari destination.

Malaria is endemic to Zimbabwe, with the risk increased during the hot wet season between October and April. Precautions are necessary. These include wearing long sleeve shirts, trousers and closed shoes at dusk, use mosquito repellents and a daily or weekly does of prescribed prophylactics. What are the symptoms of malaria? High fever (similar to the onset of flu), chronic diarrhoea and intense headaches.
 

Swimming in rivers and dams is strongly discouraged. Bilharzia is common in slow flowing rivers and dams, where water may stagnate. Additional swimming hazards include hippos and hungry crocodiles!

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required should you be arriving from an infected area – as these vary from time to time, we suggest that you check the requirements before you leave home.
 

HIV/AIDS is relatively common, and normal sensible precautions are advised. Condomise and travel responsibly.
 

Medical Services

As the country does not have a national health welfare scheme in place, personal medical insurance and a comprehensive travel medical bag is advised. There are top quality hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo, but good medical treatment is lacking in the more remote regions. Should a medical emergency arise whilst on safari, air evacuations are usually utilised from safari camps and luxury lodges to the larger towns (or to Johannesburg, depending on the severity of the medical condition).
 

Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink, however Journeys2Africa recommends consuming bottled water, which is readily available. Dehydration is a common safari malady, and we recommend that 2 to 3 litres (4 to 6 pints) of water per day be consumed.
 

Important Tips on Local Customs

Zimbabwe and Camouflage Clothing - Very Important Information
Regardless how fashionable camouflage prints may be at the time of your vacation, do not wear any camouflage prints on board shorts, long trousers, shirts, hats, caps, bags etc in Zimbabwe!
 

Please note a new law has been passed. It is illegal to wear (or even have in one's possession) camouflage-style clothing in Zimbabwe. It is an offence to be in possession of a "camouflage uniform" which is defined for legal purposes as any piece of "apparel" bearing a camouflage print or pattern. Should you be found in possession with any camouflage-style clothing you could receive a fine, 6 months in jail or both. They hold the right to detain passengers for up to 48 hours in prison before charging them.
 

As an open hand is the symbol of the main opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), care should be taken when waving in public. Opposition supporters are often intimidated, and even tourists may be accused of being disrespectful to President Mugabe.
 

Bear in mind that it is illegal to make derogatory or casual remarks about the president or the ruling ZANU-PF party, and most locals prefer to avoid political conversations or undertones.

Homosexuality is taboo in Zimbabwe!
 

General Safety

Due to the remoteness between built up areas and lack of sufficient lighting, night driving is discouraged as domestic and wild animals are frequently encountered.
 

Care should be taken while walking in cities as pick-pockets and confidence tricksters are common, particularly in markets and at airports.