24-8 Cybertravel health and safety




		The following information is for the general guidance of travellers. Specific enquiries should be directed to the nearest South African Consulate. Health Considerations Travel in South Africa poses no medical threat, apart from malaria in certain areas. No compulsory vaccinations are required but inoculations against typhoid, tetanus, polio and hepatitis A are recommended. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you have been in an infected area 6 days prior to arriving in South Africa or if you have come from East Africa or South America. Visit your doctor or health clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure for advice on travel, malaria and vaccinations. Insurance Obtain travel insurance that covers medical as well as holiday curtailment and cancellation. The medical insurance should cover accident, sickness, hospitalization, emergency evacuation and repatriation. Medical Services Private health care in South Africa is excellent. With world class hospitals, clinics, medical practitioners and emergency services. The medical facilities in the rural areas are not as sophisticated as the cities but they are adequate. Doctors normally require cash payments, although some have credit card facilities. The major hotels have access to doctors and dentists, if required. In urban areas, most medicines are available from a well-developed network of chemists / pharmacies. Diseases Travellers to Mpumalanga, Northern KwaZulu-Natal and areas bordering on Mozambique should consider taking malaria prophylactics. It is recommended you consult you doctor in this regard. It is also advisable to take the following precautions when in a malaria area: sleep under a mosquito net, use insect repellent and wear long sleeved shirts and trousers, especially at night. SA is a high-risk AIDS area. Use condoms to reduce the risk of aids and other sexually transmitted diseases. Some areas in SA are infected with rabies. If bitten by a wild or stray animal, seek immediate medical attention. If cut on any foreign object, an anti-tetanus injection is advisable. General Health Tips Tap water in all towns is drinkable, however, bottled water is available if preferred. The sun can be extremely fierce and harmful to the skin, especially during the summer. Hats and high quality block-out creams should be used and the mid day sun avoided.
		Safety Considerations On the road Keep doors locked. It is inadvisable to pick up hitchhikers. Avoid stopping at isolated roadside locations. Don’t leave valuables, visible in the car. Park in well-lit, busy areas. Be vigilant at intersections and traffic lights, especially after dark. Game Reserves Game reserves and national parks contain dangerous, wild animals. Do not leave you vehicle or hang out of the vehicle. Do not get too close to the animals, especially elephants. If you want to be out in the open go on an accompanied game drive or walk with qualified and authorized game reserve/park staff. General safety tips Keep up to date with local news, to avoid any trouble areas. Seek advice of hotel staff and/or other locals concerning the safety of any particular area. Visits to townships are becoming increasingly popular, but should only be undertaken with a reputable tour company. Constantly be aware of what is going on around you. Do not walk in lonely areas, across open fields or greenbelts. Do not openly carry valuables and keep your passport and money well concealed.