We advise:
Exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the threat of violent crime.
South Africa is famous for its nature adventures and a trip is not complete without going on safari to see the famous ‘Big 5’ (lion, elephant, cape buffalo, leopard and rhino), or cage diving in Gansbaai to come face-to-face with a Great White shark. For those who are not animal lovers, the picturesque Table Mountain makes for an excellent hiking experience. There are various hikes you can choose from depending on your experience or preferred difficulty level, but don’t worry – there is a cable car that can take you straight to the top if you prefer.
Whatever activities you have planned on your trip to South Africa, it’s important to consider the risk of contracting infectious diseases and other illnesses. Speak with your healthcare professional about how you can best protect yourself prior to your departure.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all travellers are up-to-date with their routine vaccinations including; measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, influenza and pneumococcal disease. These vaccinations are given as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). For a full list please refer to the NIP schedule, available here. In some cases, you may need a booster or re-vaccination against a disease to ensure you still have immunity.
Travellers to South Africa who are aged 5 years or older should also ensure they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Other diseases that are considered a risk in South Africa include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, malaria and rabies. Your doctor will be able to let you know which vaccinations or medications are recommended for you, based on the time of year, destination/s, activities planned and the duration of your stay.
It is best to consult with your doctor or travel health clinic at least a month prior to your departure. They will be able to advise you about any vaccinations that you may need for your trip well before you leave, based on your specific travel plans.
What your doctor will need to know:
Your doctor may also conduct a general health check-up. This may be needed for your travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
If you are not up-to-date with your routine vaccinations or if the doctor believes you may be at an increased risk of contracting a vaccine-preventable disease, then they may recommend you get a booster or be revaccinated against a particular disease.
If a safari in Krugar National Park is on your itinerary, it is recommended that you are up-to-date with your routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, influenza and pneumococcal disease.
These vaccinations are given as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP), available here. For a full list please refer to the NIP schedule or speak with your doctor.
You should also consider vaccination for both hepatitis A and typhoid, as these diseases are passed on through contaminated food and water, which is common in South Africa. In addition, your doctor may advise you to take prescription medication for malaria before, during and after your visit to Kruger National Park, as malaria-transmitting mosquitoes are considered a risk within the area.
You should also consider vaccination for both hepatitis A and typhoid, as these diseases are passed on through contaminated food and water, which is common in South Africa. In addition, your doctor may advise you to take prescription medication for malaria before, during and after your visit to Kruger National Park, as malaria-transmitting mosquitoes are considered a risk within the area.
In some circumstances, your private healthcare may cover the cost of the vaccination.
This will however depend on the specifics of your policy with your provider – the type of cover you have (hospital, hospital + extra) and the specifics of your extras cover.
Contact your provider to find out if vaccinations are included as part of your cover.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of South Africa and will depend on your travel plans. For example, the Kruger National Park, the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal pose a malaria risk during the summer.
Speak with your healthcare practitioner at least a month before you leave and they will be able to let you know whether you will need malaria medication, based on where you are going, when you are travelling and what activities you have planned.
MAT-AU-2200218 Date of preparation March 2022
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