Cape Town and the Western Cape have very few health issues to be concerned about. No inoculations are needed and the health infrastructure is of a good standard. However, South Africa is facing a crisis with HIV/AIDS and visitors are advised to take precautions.

WATER

High quality water is available everywhere in Cape Town and the Western Cape and tap water is safe to drink. Many local manufacturers produce bottled water from sources around the Western Cape’s mountain ranges. Hikers drinking water from streams maybe at risk of waterborne diseases. Though the water in most mountain streams is safe to drink, it is advisable to purify the water first or to drink bottled water.

HEALTH TIPS

Cape Town and the Western Cape are malaria-free, and no vaccinations are required for cholera or smallpox. If you are on chronic medication, please keep a prescription or part of the packaging showing the generic name. If you wear spectacles, ensure you have a copy of your lens prescriptions.

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.

Medical services are of a very high standard in Cape Town and the surrounding areas. In the event of an emergency, use one of the major private clinics. You may contact the police on 10111 for directions to the nearest hospital. You may also contact the ambulance services on 10177. Many doctors do house calls and are listed under Medical in the telephone directory.

PERSONAL SAFETY

When you visit Cape Town and the Western Cape, there are basic travel safety measures to follow to ensure your visit is a fantastic experience.

The Western Cape is as safe as any other destination in the world. As in other countries, there are a few basic, common sense, precautions you should take during your visit to ensure that your stay is as pleasant and safe as possible:

• Separate your cash & credit cards & don’t carry all your cash with you.
• Store parcels out of sight in the boot of the car.
• Never leave your luggage unattended.
• Do not allow strangers to assist you in your transactions at ATM's
• Obtain a route map before you set out and plan your route beforehand.
• Try to explore in groups and stick to well-lit streets especially at night.
• Never pick up strangers.
• Park in well-lit areas at night.
• Always drive with your doors locked and your windows closed.

If unsure of any area, approach the local police station or tourism office for further advice and guidance. Although incidents against tourists in South Africa are rare, it is advisable for you to be aware of basic emergency procedures in the unlikely event that you are a victim of crime. If you have been victimised, call the police emergency number (10111) and briefly explain what happened. If you are using a cell phone dial 112 for emergency services.

There is also a one-stop call centre to assist you. You may call the Tourism Information and Safety Call Line at 083 123 2345 any time, day or night, seven days a week. Tourists can ask about services (accommodation, transport, etc), queries of any kind, and what to do in an emergency.

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.

OTHER HAZARDS

THE 'MEN IN GREY SUITS'

The Southern Cape can be a bit sharky. Surfers should always ask a local (or your guide) for advice before paddling out at an unknown spot. The City of Cape Town, as part of a holistic approach to the shark safety issues has started Shark Spotting and Warning Programmes that are in place at Muizenberg and Fish Hoek beaches, as well as to facilitate the establishment of similar safety programmes at Sunrise Beach, Mnandi, Strandfontein, Monwabisi and Macassar.