Visitors Info Index | Arriving | General | Transport | Banking & Shopping | Safe Travelling | When & Where
1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving from infected areas. African countries formerly classified as endemic zones are considered by the South African authorities to be infected areas.
The yellow fever vaccination certificate only becomes valid 10 days after immunisation.
2: Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the low altitude areas of the Northern Province (Limpopo), Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park) and north-eastern KwaZulu/Natal as far south as the Tugela River. The risk is highest from October to May. Resistance to chloroquine has been reported.
It is strongly recommended that visitors to these areas take anti-malaria tablets before entering these areas (tablets are available from pharmacies without prescription). The recommended prophylaxis is chloroquine plus proguanil or chloroquine plus pyrimethamine.
It is advisable to contact your medical advisor.
3: Tap water is safe to drink in urban areas, but may be contaminated elsewhere and sterilisation is advisable. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.
4. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.
5. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is endemic in the north and east of South Africa and may be present elsewhere. Avoid swimming and paddling in stationary water. Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe.
6. Hepatitis A occurs and hepatitis B is hyper endemic.
Medical facilities are excellent. Health insurance is recommended.
Doctors are listed under "Medical " in the telephone directory and hospitals under "H". All major hotels have contracts with physicians and dentists.
High Risk Areas
Eastern areas bordering Mozambique (mainly Kruger Park) stretching to Messina on Zimbabwean border.
Northern portion of KwaZulu Natal bordering Mozambique (mainly Ndumo and Tembe Elephant Park)
Intermediate Risk Area
Eastern area of Swaziland bordering Mozambique.
Eastern areas of north Zululand form St Lucia Lake northwards including Hluhluwe and Mkuze.
Low Risk Area
KwaZulu Natal northern area from Tugela northwards to Swaziland excluding higher lying areas.
Area bordering Kruger Park into northern portion of Limpopo province bordering Zimbabwe
Please consult your medical practioner or chemist for anti-malarial drugs; specially when travelling between October and May.
