Travel Health Advice: South Africa
South Africa is an unforgettable destination—rugged coastlines, vibrant cities, rich wildlife, and cultural diversity. But before you head off on safari or stroll through Cape Town’s markets, take the time to make sure your health is well protected.
At Walker Street Doctors, we help travellers prepare for a safe and healthy journey. Here’s what you need to know before travelling to South Africa.
Vaccinations to Consider
We recommend the following vaccines for all durations of stay, unless otherwise stated:
Routine Vaccines
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ADT Booster (Tetanus/Diphtheria): Make sure you’re up to date—boosters are usually due at High School and then at aged 50.
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Polio: If you've never been vaccinated, this is essential.
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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Ensure you've had two doses. Measles remains an emerging risk globally.
Travel-Specific Vaccines
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Hepatitis A: A must-have. Transmitted through contaminated food or water.
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Hepatitis B: Recommended for all travellers, particularly if:
- You’ll be staying longer than 6 months
- You may need medical care while overseas
- You work in healthcare or have potential blood/body fluid exposure
Hepatitis B vaccination is now routine for infants and adolescents in Australia.
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Typhoid: Food and water-borne, this is especially important for travellers visiting friends and relatives or venturing off the usual tourist track.
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Rabies: Consider if you’ll be working with or around animals, or travelling to rural or remote areas.
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Yellow Fever: Only required if you’re arriving from a yellow fever risk country (including airport transit >12 hours).
Malaria Risk in South Africa
Malaria is present in northeastern parts of the country, including:
- Kruger National Park
- Mpumalanga Province
- Limpopo Province
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Northern KwaZulu-Natal, as far south as the Tugela River
There is chloroquine resistance in these regions, so appropriate malaria tablets are essential. Our team will recommend the best option for your trip.
Tip: Malaria prevention includes both medication and mosquito avoidance (long sleeves, repellents, nets).
Other Infections & Health Alerts
Chikungunya
- Spread by mosquitoes, both day and night.
- Symptoms include fever, rash, fatigue, and joint pain.
- No vaccine available—mosquito bite prevention is key.
Avian Influenza (H5N1)
- Avoid contact with poultry and wild birds.
- Do not visit live poultry markets or eat undercooked poultry.
- Wash hands frequently.
Other insect-borne illnesses
- Diseases such as dengue, Rift Valley fever, leishmaniasis, filariasis, and sleeping sickness are rare but possible.
- Again, insect bite prevention is crucial.
Schistosomiasis
- Found in freshwater rivers and lakes.
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Do not swim in lakes, rivers, or dams—stick to well-chlorinated swimming pools.
Travel Safety Tips
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Road accidents are a leading cause of injury for travellers.
- Always wear seatbelts and avoid travelling at night, especially in rural areas.
- Be alert as a pedestrian—roads may not have footpaths or pedestrian signals.
Feeling Unwell After Your Trip?
If you develop fever, flu-like symptoms, or joint pain during or after travel (up to one year later), seek medical care immediately and let your doctor know where you’ve been. This is especially important after travel to a malaria-risk area.
Let Us Help You Get Travel Ready
Walker Street Doctors offers:
- Travel health consultations
- Personalised vaccine schedules
- Malaria medication and insect repellents
- Travel kits and medication letters
- Yellow fever certification (if required for multi-country travel)
We recommend booking your travel appointment 2–4 weeks before departure for best protection.
Walker Street Doctors – Travel Medicine Done Properly
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