Practical & Tips
Health & Medical Care in Zanzibar
By Haji, your local · updated on 12.07.2026 · 7 min read
Part of our complete Zanzibar travel guideTraveling healthy means enjoying more. This overview of health and medical care in Zanzibar helps you prepare – from vaccinations to malaria to travel insurance. Very important upfront: These are general infos, not medical advice.
Important Note Upfront
This article does not replace medical advice. Vaccination and health recommendations change and depend on your personal situation. It's best to talk to your GP, a travel or tropical medicine specialist 4–6 weeks before your trip and check the current advice from the Foreign Office and a tropical institute.
Vaccinations
Commonly recommended are current standard vaccinations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio) as well as hepatitis A; depending on your travel style, also hepatitis B and typhoid. A yellow fever certificate is generally only necessary if you are entering from or traveling through a yellow fever area. Your doctor will clarify what is sensible for you.
Malaria & Mosquitoes
Zanzibar is considered a malaria area – the risk is lower than on the mainland, but present; dengue also occurs. The most important protection is consistent mosquito protection: repellent, long, light clothing in the evening, and a mosquito net. Whether malaria prophylaxis is sensible for you is something you decide with your doctor.
Water & Food
Only drink bottled water and be cautious with ice cubes. Eat freshly prepared food at well-visited places. More on this in the Culinary Guide.
Medical Care on Site
In Stone Town and the tourist regions, there are clinics, private practices, and pharmacies for standard cases. For more serious illnesses or accidents, a transfer to Dar es Salaam (mainland) or abroad may be necessary. Bring a small travel pharmacy (painkillers, electrolytes, anti-diarrheal medication, plasters, your regular medications).
Travel Insurance – Don't Skimp
Foreign health insurance with coverage for repatriation is highly recommended. It's inexpensive and invaluable in an emergency.
Traveling well-prepared is more relaxing. Tell me your travel period – I'll plan a coherent, doable route for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need malaria prophylaxis for Zanzibar?+
Zanzibar is a malaria area. Whether medication prophylaxis is sensible for you depends on many factors – you decide this with a travel or tropical medicine specialist. Consistent mosquito protection is important in any case.
Is a yellow fever vaccination mandatory?+
Generally only if you are entering from or traveling through a yellow fever area. Check the current regulations before your trip and ask your doctor.
How is the medical care in Zanzibar?+
For standard cases, there are clinics, practices, and pharmacies, especially in Stone Town and the tourist regions. For severe cases, a transfer may be necessary – hence a good travel insurance is important.
Can I drink tap water?+
Better not. Drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes if in doubt.