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South African Health and Safety

Tips on Health and Safety

South Africa is a large country and health concerns will vary according to region. All South African cities have top class private medical facilities, while rural areas will mostly have only clinics. Ensure that your medical insurance covers private hospitalisation expenses as public hospitals offer unreliable healthcare.

South Africa’s Mpumalanga region, where the Kruger Park and other safari parks are located, are malaria zones. Speak to your doctor before visiting and get a prophylactic medication such as doxycycline. Use a mosquito repellent and cover exposed areas (especially arms, legs and feet) at dusk when mosquito activity is at its highest.

South Africa unfortunately has one of the world’s highest rates of HIV infection. Exercise extreme caution if engaging in any sexual activity. Prostitution is not legal, but widely available. Help our nation by exercising responsible tourism!

Do not be tempted to buy or use narcotic drugs, they are illegal! Procuring them is dangerous. It’s not worth risking your personal safety!

Personal Safety Tips

1. Be careful but not paranoid. Observe sensible precautions: don’t leave valuables in your car, lock passports and jewellery in the hotel safe, and carry only the cash you require for the day.
2. Be aware of people around you. Pickpockets and muggers do target tourists in the major cities.
3. Drive defencelessly. South Africans are notoriously poor drivers, especially mini-bus taxi drivers. Expect unsignalled lane changes and sudden stopping.
4. Tip car guards, waiters and other people providing a service. Do not tip street children or those soliciting charity at traffic lights.
5. Talk to the locals! South Africans are friendly people, and very welcoming to visitors from abroad. A smile and a greeting is all you need to start a conversation, or when asking for help or advice.
6. Get international roaming on your mobile phone, or hire a Vodafone free of charge from Journeys2Africa. South Africa has wide network coverage and being able to call for information or help from your mobile phone will be very useful.
7. Do wear sun cream! The beaches are punctuated with lobster-red visitors from colder climates not used to the strong African sun!
8. Do drink the tap water. South Africa has excellent quality tap water, generally superior to European quality standards. Refill plastic water bottles from the tap and save your money (and the local environment at the same time). If you still feel unsure about drinking the water, bottled water is readily available throughout South Africa.