Health Advice for travelling to South Africa

Requirements

Apart from malaria in certain areas, traveling on your South Africa holiday generally poses no medical threat.

Malaria prophylactics are recommended for travellers to Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal. These are available from South African chemists, but you should consult your local pharmacist regarding malaria.

If you have any concerns, please consult your own doctor. For travellers entering South Africa within six days of leaving a yellow fever risk area, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required. Apart from this, there are no compulsory inoculations.

The only other health threat is the hot African sun. You should not underestimate the effects of the sun; it is quite common for visitors to lose a day of holiday to sunstroke through overindulgence. Plenty of sun cream, a good sun hat and gradual adjustment are recommended.

Tap water in South Africa is free and safe to drink. If you want to pay, however, bottled water is also available.

Medical Services

South African medical services are good in urban areas and in the vicinity of game parks and beaches, but are limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals may require immediate cash payment, but usually accept major credit cards.

You should secure medical cover on your travel insurance before arriving in the country. Major hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists, but you should bring along supplies of specialised medication you may require.

Alternatively, you can buy medicines at pharmacies, and emergency pharmacies are open all night.

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