South Africa

South Africa: Travel Health Information

South Africa is known for its natural landscapes, wildlife, ecotourism, and bustling cities. Travellers can visit the Kruger National Park - one of the most famous safari parks in the world – to see elephants and countless other animals in the wild. Visitors can also make the climb up the Lion’s Head in Cape Town for panoramic views of the city.

Healthcare

The standards for patient care and medical services in South Africa may differ from your home country. South Africa has both public and private healthcare systems. The quality and accessibility of public healthcare varies largely around the country. Public healthcare facilities are accessible in major cities and there are numerous high-quality university-affiliated hospitals. In rural areas, public healthcare can be extremely limited and poor quality – some facilities have outdated equipment, a shortage of supplies, and a shortage of trained staff. Private sector healthcare services and facilities are largely located in major cities and generally meet a very high standard.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in South Africa may require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in South Africa.

Pharmacies and medications

Pharmacies are generally accessible in South Africa and pharmacists are usually well-trained and can offer basic medical advice. The majority of pharmacists practise in community pharmacies in urban areas, which either are pharmacist-owned or owned by a company chain. Community pharmacies provide a range of prescription and non-prescription medications.

If you are travelling with medication, check with South Africa’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. If your medication is a psychotropic or narcotic, you can review South Africa’s regulations on the International Narcotics Control Board. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.

Road safety

Most roads in South Africa are in good condition. However, there are limited vehicle maintenance and safety regulations and road rules are inconsistently enforced. In rural areas, roads may be unlit and poorly maintained. Seat belts and helmets should be worn by drivers and passengers of vehicles at all times for safety. In South Africa, traffic moves on the left. In many vehicles, steering wheels are on the right.

---

Sources