Health & safety: South Africa
Tap water
Safe
Food safety
Safe
Can you drink the tap water in South Africa?
Cape Town + Johannesburg tap water excellent. Rural areas more variable.
Food safety in South Africa
Major cities + restaurants high standards. Street food + townships pick carefully.
Vaccinations
Required for entry
- Yellow Fever if arriving from risk countries
Recommended by CDC/WHO
- Hepatitis A + B
- Typhoid
- Routine current
Always check the CDC traveler's health page 4-6 weeks before departure for current recommendations.
Altitude warnings
Johannesburg + Pretoria (1,750m). Drakensberg (3,000m+).
Mosquito-borne diseases
Malaria risk in Kruger National Park + low-altitude north (Oct-May). Prophylaxis advised. Cape Town zero malaria.
Heat risk
Northern provinces Dec-Mar 35-40°C+.
Emergency medical infrastructure
Mediclinic + Netcare world-class. Public hospitals limited. Insurance essential.