Tourist Safety Guide For South Africa

No vaccination certificates are required from visitors coming from the UK, however visitors from a yellow fever zone must have a valid certificate. Visitors to the eastern lowveld of Mpumalanga and Northern Province, the Kruger National Park and the game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal should take a course of anti-malaria tablets before entering these zones. In a malaria region, preferably wear long sleeves and trousers at night and avoid dark coloured clothes. The bilharzia parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams in some of the northern and eastern parts of the country, so visitors should not drink from or bathe in these waters. The Eastern Cape is bilharzia free. It is safe to drink the tap water throughout South Africa. Visitors should ensure they take a medical insurance before they arrive in South Africa. Most hotels have a list of doctors, whose names may also be found in the "medical" section of telephone directories.

Despite news reports about crime, South Africa is not in general an unsafe place for international tourists but it is necessary to take basic safety precautions to avoid becoming a victim of random crime. Do not draw attention to yourself by flaunting large amounts of cash or jewellery. Close the door securely when you are in your hotel room and use all the locking devices provided. Put valuables in the hotel safety deposit boxes. Do not needlessly display guest room keys in public or carelessly leave them on restaurant tables, at the swimming pool, or other places where they can be easily stolen. Always keep your baggage or handbag close at hand and never leave items unattended.

A camera displayed prominently identifies you as a tourist - carry it in a bag. Avoid dark, unlit places. When returning to your hotel or motel late in the evening, use the main entrance. When driving, be observant and look around before entering car parks. Park in well lit areas and never pick up strangers. Ensure that car doors are kept locked at all times. Do not leave packages or personal items on the seat of the car, put them in the boot. Plan your route in advance, use maps and when in doubt as to the safety of specific areas or which route to take - contact the police.

Dial 10111 for the police and 10177 for an ambulance.