Zimbabwe is a hidden gem. A journey through Zimbabwe takes you through attractive landscapes. It has a mix of highveld, flaming msasa trees, lush mountains, and laid-back towns.
It doesn’t matter what part of the world you are from; you’ll find that the people in Zimbabwe are polite, warm, and welcoming. Travelers have rendered their journey and the local cuisine of Zimbabwe as spectacular.
The country also offers an eclectic mix of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If your spirit lies in outdoor adventure, Zimbabwe rarely lets you down. Before you take off for Zimbabwe, make sure to purchase travel medical insurance as protection against any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, or injuries.
Zimbabwe Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Medical facilities are decent in major towns, especially around the capital. But there aren’t many well-equipped clinics in most outlying areas. Adequate medical provision is usually provided privately and tends to be very costly. Buy Zimbabwe travel medical insurance to mitigate these costs and have a stress-free vacation.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Zimbabwe?
It is not mandated by law to have travel medical insurance if you’re a foreigner entering Zimbabwe. Although, buying travel medical insurance for Zimbabwe could indeed be a big advantage, given the uneven quality of the country’s medical facilities. Only private hospitals in urban areas provide adequate medical provisions and may require health insurance before admission.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Zimbabwe?
If you’re traveling far away from the city and are injured during an adventure activity, chances are that you may need emergency medical assistance. If you buy travel medical insurance for Zimbabwe, you can have a financial safeguard against these costs.
Most clinics in the outlying areas don’t have preventive and wellness care, and prescription drugs have to be imported from the cities. Be prepared to pay heavy taxes and duties on these pharmaceuticals if you don’t have travel medical insurance.
Things to Do for Travelers in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe presents an eclectic mix of adventure, outdoor activities, and sightseeing. Major attractions for tourists include unique national parks and museums, while activities like swimming in lakes, canoeing safaris, and hiking mountains await you.
- Victoria Falls: It forms a part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of Africa’s best-known natural wonders and the most impressive waterfall. There are many adventure activities around the falls that can be booked impromptu. The adjoining town is worth a visit with its lush green landscape.
- Explore Bulawayo: Zimbabwe’s second largest city, Bulawayo, is rich in heritage and historical associations. The National Museum in the city has artifacts from the 13th century. The city also has tourist attractions like the ancient Khami ruins, caves with rock paintings, and exotic rock formations.
- Lake Kariba: It is the world’s largest man-made dam and is located on the northwest of the country along the Zambian border. You can view stellar sunsets from various waterfront lodges and riverboats or go on a canoeing safari on the lake.
- Nyanga National Park: This stunning national park is an area of waterfalls, cliffs, lakeside cottages, evergreen forests, and high grasslands. There is a wide range of flora and fauna that you can explore here. When you’re outdoors, do engross yourself in trout fishing and bird-watching.
- Hike at Eastern Highlands: Zimbabwe’s lush countryside and the presence of the highest mountain in the country make the Eastern Highlands a mecca for trekkers. The top of the mountain offers incredible vistas and a view of the Nyanga village with its stunning English Gardens.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Zimbabwe
- Waterborne Diseases: It is not recommended to drink the local water without boiling it first, as it can carry multiple pathogens. Contaminated water in Zimbabwe carries high risks of typhoid, cholera, and other enteric diseases.
- Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls: Swimming in some areas in the Devil’s Pool is very dangerous, and even trained swimmers have lost their lives while treading. There is a steep 368-meter (about 1,200-foot) drop through a waterfall that can cause life-threatening injuries.
- Unreliable Air Travel: The national carrier, Air Zimbabwe, is very unreliable, and flights may be subjected to unannounced schedule changes, delays, or cancellations.
- Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Except for Harare and Bulawayo, malaria is a health risk in all areas. Another mosquito-borne disease prevalent in Zimbabwe is filariasis. Be wary of places where you can't trust the food hygiene.
Before You Travel to Zimbabwe…
- Do not carry any form of clothing with camouflage material, as it is illegal to wear it. The local police may arrest or even prosecute you.
- Get the vaccine for yellow fever, as it is highly recommended for foreign travelers. Also, carry enough medications or prescription drugs in their original packaging to last the full duration of your stay.
- Keep your travel documents in order and carry them safely in a folder, as you can be subjected to security checks while in the country.