No, Livingstone, Zambia—the primary tourism gateway for Victoria Falls—is not malaria-free, as it is situated in a high-risk, year-round malaria transmission zone. This is due to its location in the humid Zambezi River basin, which provides the ideal habitat for the Anopheles mosquito, the vector for the malaria parasite. While the risk varies throughout the year—peaking during the "wet season" from November to April when standing water is abundant—the risk never truly disappears. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that travelers consult a travel medicine specialist before departure to discuss antimalarial prophylaxis such as Malarone, Doxycycline, or Lariam. In addition to medication, "bite prevention" is the most effective line of defense: this includes wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers after sunset, sleeping under a mosquito net (which most lodges in the area provide), and using high-concentration DEET-based insect repellents. While many visitors to Livingstone have a trouble-free experience by taking these precautions, the presence of the disease means that any fever or flu-like symptoms that occur during or after a trip to the region must be treated as a potential medical emergency.