Tips and recommendations for healthy travel to top destinations
Learn more about your flu vaccine options
Learn more about the travel visa requirements for top destinations
South Africa provides a diverse experience for travelers with a variety of landscapes and cultures.
There are nine official ethnic groups in South Africa. The largest communities include people with European, Asian and multiracial descent.
Due to this large number of different ethnicities, there are 11 official languages. This is the most official languages of any country in the world. There are also many different religions practiced throughout the country.
South Africa hold three major capital cities including Cape Town, Pretoria, and Bloemfontein.
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for South Africa. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for South Africa: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, and influenza.
Many of the countries surrounding South Africa require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry. Consult with a travel health specialist to learn if you will need the vaccine.
Malaria is present in some regions of South Africa. Use mosquito repellents, netting and antimalarials if you are traveling to these areas.
Medical facilities are common and in good condition in urban areas and near game parks. But, facilities are limited in rural areas. Most facilities only accept cash payments before a procedure is done. Medicare does not cover these expenses.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
The CDC list South Africa as a region with some risk of cholera. Many of the regions surrounding the country have also had outbreaks in recent years. Make sure you’re protected through cholera vaccination and taking precautions with food and water.
Passport Health’s travel clinics carry VaxChora, the only cholera vaccine approved for use in the United States. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today by calling or book online now.
A visa is not required for US citizens visiting for less than 90 days. You will still need a valid passport and possibly proof of yellow fever immunization.
If traveling from a country that has yellow fever, you must have proof of immunization.
For more information contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
Due to its size, the climate of South Africa is different depending on the region.
The Southwestern corner of South Africa has a Mediterranean climate.
The interior of South Africa has a temperate climate.
The Northeastern part of South Africa has a subtropical climate.
A small part of the northwest has a desert climate.
Although there is a range of different climates in South Africa, temperatures stay in the high-90’s in summer and low-30’s in winter.
The majority of the country experiences warm days and cool nights. There is a rainy season from November to March.
Stay away from strikes and political demonstrations for they may often turn violent.
You should be extremely cautious of petty crime including theft and muggings in central business districts, especially at night.
If you are going to a game park in South Africa, do not leave your vehicle out of risk of being attacked by wild animals.
Do not swim alone or at isolated beaches, for riptides can be sudden and dangerous. Be mindful of sharks.
Although many tourists come to South Africa to experience safaris and wildlife, South African wineries are not to be missed.
The best area to experience the wine culture of South Africa is called the Boland.
Towns in this area include Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Wellington and Tulbagh. Among these towns, some of the most popular wineries to visit include KWV, Diemersfontein Wine Farm, and Spier.
The best time of year to visit the Boland region is during April. During this time, wildflowers bloom on the mountainsides.
This area is also perfect for photographers and nature-lovers for its picturesque views.
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to South Africa:
All Americans visiting South Africa should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.
Once in South Africa, the information for the U.S. Consulate is:
U.S. Consulate General Johannesburg 1 Sandton Drive (opposite Sandton City Mall) Johannesburg 2196 South Africa Telephone:+(27)(11) 290-3000 / 011-290-3000 (from within South Africa) Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(27) 79-111-1684 / 079-111-1684 (from within South Africa) Fax: +(27)(11) 884-0396 / 011-884-0396 (from within South Africa) Email: consularjohannesburg@state.gov
If you have any questions about travelling to South Africa or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
