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Travel and Health Advice - South Africa

Vaccinations
 Visa
 Money
 Clothing
First Aid
 Dive Equipment

Vaccinations

The following vaccinations are highly recommended for tourists visiting South Africa:

Tetanus
Typhoid
Polio
Hepatitis A

Malaria is a risk in some part of South Africa. Further information can be obtained from www.MASTA.org or www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk.

Before travelling, always get the most up-to-date advice
from you GP or your nearest travel clinic

Visa

A visa not required for British passport holders (and most other European passports holders), however entry permit needs to be obtained from customs on arrival.

Money

Many places in South Africa do except most major credit cards and cash points are present. It is advisable to carry some travellers cheques (preferably in US$) and some cash (either £ sterling or US$), which can both be changes easily into local currency at banks and bureau de change.

Clothing

Throughout the year, it is recommended to wear light tropical clothing during the day. Shades and a hat are also highly recommended. During their winter months (May – September) cool monsoon winds occur, especially in coastal areas. It is therefore recommended to bring a fleece or warm top for the evenings.

During the evenings, long sleeved shirts, long trousers and socks should be worn as a protection against mosquito bites.

The type of footwear to bring is dependent upon the type of holiday you book. Reef-type sandals are very practical, especially for beach-based holidays. Closed shoes (e.g. trainers or lightweight walking boots) are recommended for walking and safari activities and also to be worn at night.

For advice on avoiding mosquito bites, visit www.traveldoctor.co.uk.
Preventing mosquito bites and malaria infection

First aid

It is recommended to carry a small first aid kit with the following items:

Headache remedies
Diarrhoea remedies
Anti-histamine cream (insect bites)
Re-hydration salts

Some plasters & bandages
Iodine
Some sterile needles

Insect repellent (preferably DEET-based)
Mosquito net (impregnated with permethrin)
High factor sun cream

Further information and advice can be obtained from www.traveldoctor.co.uk.

Lonely Planet has published a very useful booklet on Healthy Travel – Africa by Isabelle Young (only £3.99). For further details visit Healthy Travel - Africa - book by lonely planet www.lonelyplanet.com.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling equipment

Information on scuba-diving and staying healthy, including medical issues such as the choice of malaria prophylaxis and diving, can be found on www.traveldoctor.co.uk.

All dive centres used by Baobab provide good quality dive equipment. However, it is useful to bring your own mask, snorkel and fins, and if you have, your own dive computer.

If you want to bring your own dive equipment, a 5 mm full wetsuit should be sufficient for diving on Aliwel Shoal & Protea Banks. Be aware that spares may be difficult to get hold of.