Many foreign visitors are unaware that South Africa has a well-devloped infrastructure, high standards of water treatment and medical facilities to rival the best in the world. The following information will hopefully address any health and safety questions you may have.

HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CARE

South Africa (SA) is a global leader in a great many medical disciplines, The first heart tansplant operation was carried out by a SA doctor and South African trained doctors are much sought after around the world. There is a large network of public and private hospitals country wide offering excellent medical care. However, you should always have adequate health insurance to cover private hospital fees.

MALARIA

Malaria is found only in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo and on the Maputoland coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Malaria is low risk in the winter months. Remember there is no way you can contract malaria unless you are bitten by an infected mosquito. With modern insect repellants and some common sense you can greatly reduce your chances of being bitten. The chepest, safest and most effective measures against malaria are physical barriers such as a mosquito net and a good insect repellant. If you decide to take malaria prophylaxis you should take it a week or two before entering a maleria-endemic are and should continue taking it for four weeks after leaving the malaria risk area. Please consult a medical professional before embarking on a course of malaria prophylaxis.

OTHER HEALTH RISKS

Polio & Typhoid
Vaccination recommended.

Yellow Fever
A vaccination certificate is required* on arrival by all travellers over one year of age travelling from infected areas. Passengers arriving by unscheduled flights at airports other than those used by scheduled airlines must possess a certificate.
*No other vaccinations are required when visiting South Africa.

Bilharzia; Cholera and Rabies
It is recommended that visitors take precautions against typhoid, bilharzia, and rabies.

AIDS/HIV
There is a high prevalence, visitors should seek medical advice before travelling.

PERSONAL SAFETY

South Africa is a fairly safe destination for tourists and most parts of the country can be safely visited provided you take basic common-sense precautions. Do not walk alone in deserted areas at night and think about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewelry you carry. Most violence in South Africa is between people who know each other and random acts of violence are the minority of cases. Most major cities run Crime Prevention Programmes and Basic Safety Tip guidelines will be available at hotels and tourist information Centers. If in any doubt as to the safety of any particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism Information & Safety Line on 012 245. This number may also be used for practical assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents.

FOOD AND WATER

While water quality, hygiene and food preparation are top notch in hotels, restaurants and nightspots, water outside of municipal areas is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products except those bought sealed from supermarkets as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.