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Zebra in Mokala National Park, South Africa

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South Africa health care and vaccinations

Vaccination identifier Special precautions
Diphtheria

Yes
Hepatitis A

Yes
Malaria

Sometimes*
Rabies

Sometimes
Tetanus

Yes
Typhoid

Sometimes
Yellow Fever

No**

No vaccinations are essential. However:

* Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and northern KwaZulu-Natal are low risk malaria areas during December-April.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year old arriving from an infected area.

Medical facilities are good in urban areas but can be limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended to cover the fees of private facilities.

Food and drink: 

Mains water is considered safe to drink. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption, as are local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables.

Other risks: 

Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant or slow-moving water as there is a low risk of contracting bilharzia; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.

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