South Africa Health & Safety

Most of South Africa is free from the risk of malaria, but the low-lying areas in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces carry a risk throughout the year. A risk also exists in the rural coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal. In all areas where malaria is prevalent, the risk decreases in the months of June to September. Visitors are advised to take preventative measures to avoid being infected.

Private clinics and hospitals in the cities and near the major game parks are of a high standard, but hospitals in rural areas are often lacking. Pharmacies are generally well-stocked and medicines equivalent to those found in the west are readily available.

The majority of visitors to South Africa enjoy their stay in the country without experiencing theft or violent crime, but the possibility of becoming a victim does exist. In urban areas such as Johannesburg, violent crime, including armed robberies, carjackings and muggings, are all too common. Visitors are advised to be on guard and aware of their surroundings at all times, and to avoid walking alone after dark in urban areas that are not frequented by tourists.