South Africa
South Africa occupies the southern extremity of the African plateau and covers 1.25 million sq. km. The country divides into three main zones: the interior African Plateau extending northwards to form part of the semi-arid Kalahari Basin; the rugged semi-circular Great Escarpment bordering the plateau and rising north-eastwards to form the Drakensberg Range; and the peripheral coastal plains forming narrow, fertile lowland strips in the west, south and east.
The climate is temperate, with plentiful sunshine and good average annual rainfall. The warm Mozambique current promotes rich vegetation and high temperatures along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. The west coast is drier and further north it is desert. Summer temperatures vary between 21°C and 24°C in January and are cooler in winter, averaging 11°C in July.
![]({"file":"0bb221fc-fdb4-4190-96f7-593e37099eb2.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":80}}} "South Africa")
Pre-travel Preparation Will Help Protect Your Health While You Are Away
Pre-travel preparation will help keep you safe and healthy while you are away. Please consult the Travel Doctor-TMVC before you travel overseas. We will provide specific recommendations tailored to your itinerary. Our doctors will assess and advise you on your risks, and recommend appropriate vaccination and medication to minimise your risk of becoming seriously unwell on your trip.
Vaccination Recommendations/Requirements
Before you travel, make sure that you are up to date on all routine vaccines recommended for you based on your age and underlying risk profile.
These include:
- Chickenpox (Varicella): either previous disease or vaccination
- Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
- Flu (Influenza)
- Hepatitis B
- Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR): travellers born during or after 1966 are recommended to have received two vaccinations previously
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Polio: per childhood schedule
- SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
Additional vaccines may be required or recommended for this destination. This will vary depending on your medical history, prior immunisations, length of travel, season of travel, itinerary and other relevant factors.
Insect Avoidance
In many countries, insects carry dangerous diseases. While mosquitoes pose the main risk to travellers, bites from sand flies, ticks, fleas and bedbugs can also transmit diseases. Ensure you are prepared and read up on our insect avoidance tips.
Safe Eating and Drinking Practices
One of the great pleasures of travel is sampling the local cuisine. However, contaminated food and beverages are a common cause of traveller’s diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Safe eating and drinking practices are essential in minimising your risk of contracting traveller’s diarrhoea.
Health Risks
The following diseases are known to occur in the area:
Disclaimer: The following information is intended as a guide only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Health Alerts
Don't leave your health to chance.
Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.
![Book with one of our travel medicine clinics today to get our advice and better protect your health on your next trip.]({"file":"cta-image-01.jpg","breakpoints":{"xs":{"width":480,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"md":{"width":720,"mode":"resize","quality":80},"xl":{"width":1920,"mode":"resize","quality":60}}} "Don't leave your health to chance.")