South Africa
Southern Africa · Temperate
A temperate destination with developed infrastructure where malaria is limited to the northeast (Kruger and the Lowveld) and overall disease risk is low. Excellent private healthcare in major centers.
Recent alerts
All alerts →On 2 May 2026, in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR), WHO received a notification from the National IHR Focal Point (NFP) of the United Kingdom of a cluster of severe acute respiratory illness aboard the Netherlands-flagged cruise ship M/V Hondius,…
WHO Disease Outbreak News · Jul 2, 2026
Vaccines
Disease-specific guidance
Malaria
LowMalaria risk is geographically and seasonally concentrated. High risk in the lowveld of Mpumalanga (including Kruger National Park) and northeastern Limpopo from September to May; moderate risk in the same areas June to August. Lower year-round risk in northern KwaZulu-Natal (Tembe, Ndumu, iSimangaliso, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi) and elsewhere in northern Limpopo and Mpumalanga. No risk in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Garden Route, or southern South Africa.
- High risk
- Kruger + NE Limpopo (Sept–May)
- Moderate
- Same areas (Jun–Aug)
- Low risk
- Northern KwaZulu-Natal year-round
- No risk
- Cape Town, Joburg, Durban, Garden Route
Yellow fever
NoneNo yellow fever risk in country. A vaccination certificate is required at entry for travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk. Note: travelers from Zambia, Tanzania, Eritrea, Somalia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Rwanda are exempted.
General prevention
Food & water
Tap water in major cities is generally safe and meets international standards. Restaurants in tourist areas have reliable food standards. Outside major centers, use bottled water.
Mosquito protection
Malaria risk is limited and concentrated in low-altitude eastern areas, primarily Kruger National Park and the surrounding lowveld. No risk in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, or Garden Route. Chemoprophylaxis recommended for travel to malaria areas during peak season.
Sources
Based on CDC Travelers’ Health, CDC Yellow Book, and the Swiss Federal Vaccination Schedule (BAG). Always verify current recommendations before travel.
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This brief is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice.
Consult a travel medicine specialist 4–8 weeks before departure.