Staying healthy on your trip to South Africa

The private hospitals in South Africa are excellent, some of them are even better then the ones in some European countries. The public healthcare system however is overcrowded and underfunded.

Make sure you have a health insurance that covers illness or injuries abroad.

Immunisations

We advice you to check with your doctor if you need any immunisations at least 6 weeks before travel. Vaccination for yellow fever is required if you have been in an area where yellow fever is endemic. We recommend taking antimalarial medication, especially when you plan to visit Mpumalanga, the Northern Province, Swaziland and the North-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal.

Malaria

The risc of contracting malaria can be reduced by wearing light-coloured clothing, using mosquito repellents, not using perfumes, sleeping under a mosquito net and taking antimalarial medication.

Bilharzia

Bilharzia is being transmitetd by minute worms in fresh water. Avoid swimming or bathing in stagnant water.

Sun

Even on an overcast day you can easily get a sunburn. Use sunblock, avoid the sun at the heat of the day and wear sunglasses, a hat or a cap. Make sure you drink at least two liters of water a day.

Snake bites

Although the risc of being bitten by a snake is small, we do advice you to pay attention to where you are walking and to always wear boots, socks and long trousers when you are walking through undergrowth. 

Ticks

Try to cover your arms and legs when you are walking through tall grass or bushes. Ticks might attach to you as you brush by.  Check your body for ticks when you return from a walk. If you find one, you can remove them with a tick removal pen.

First Aid Kit

Your first aid kit should at least contain the following items:

Aspirin
Loperamide or diphenoxylate (for diarrhoea)
O.R.S. (Oral Rehydration Salt)
Band-aids and bandages
Insect repellent
Sun screen
Tweezers
Scissors
Antuseptic
Tick removal pen
Antihistamine for allergies (when needed)

Aids/HIV

Aids/HIV is a huge problem in South Africa. Make sure you protect yourself. Condoms are available at most pharmacies, drug stores and supermarkets.