Vaccinations for South Africa
Complete overview of recommended and required vaccinations, health risks and practical information for your trip.
About South Africa
South Africa is the 'Rainbow Nation' with a diverse culture and spectacular nature. Kruger Park offers the Big Five, Cape Town has the iconic Table Mountain, and the Garden Route is one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world. The country has a complex history and is now a vibrant democracy with excellent wines and gastronomy.
Health risks
Yellow Fever - Conditional (g1)
Yellow fever is NOT endemic, no risk. Only required when transiting from high-risk area (any transit duration). Not endemic. Only required when entering from high-risk area.
Malaria risk
Malaria risk in Kruger Park and northeastern border areas. No risk in Cape Town.
Need malaria tablets for this trip? Request a prescription online - a practitioner reviews your request.
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Schistosomiasis risk when in contact with fresh water.
Base vaccinations
Basic vaccination against three serious infectious diseases.
Protects against liver inflammation via contaminated food or water.
Protects against liver inflammation via blood or sexual contact.
Especially important when visiting family or for extended stays.
Additional vaccinations
Consider for contact with animals or remote areas.
When to start vaccinating?
Plan your vaccinations ideally 6-8 weeks before departure. Some vaccinations require multiple doses for full protection. For yellow fever, you must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival.
Last minute trip? We can often help within the same week. Contact us.
Practical travel information for South Africa
Best time to travel
May to September is the best safari season; Cape Town is at its best from November to March.
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in the northeast (including Kruger Park and parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga), mainly in the summer months. Cape Town and the Garden Route are malaria-free.
Our advice in short
- Hepatitis A and DTP are standard; typhoid for touring trips and longer stays.
- A yellow fever certificate is mandatory on arrival from a yellow fever country (for example when transiting via Kenya or Ethiopia).
- Rabies for longer stays and animal contact.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need antimalarials for Kruger Park?
Usually yes, certainly in the summer months. We base the advice on your exact travel dates and route.
Want to know exactly what you need for South Africa? Our practitioners provide personal advice - consultation from EUR 25.
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Let our specialists advise you. We create a personal vaccination program for your trip to South Africa.
Overview South Africa
- Region: Africa
- Base vaccinations: 4
- Additional: 1
- Malaria: Risk present
- Yellow fever: Conditional