What vaccines do I need for South Africa?

Required: Yellow Fever (required only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, including transit through endemic airports for 12 or more hours). Recommended by the CDC: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid (for travelers outside of major cities or eating in informal settings), Malaria prophylaxis (for Kruger, Limpopo, and northeastern regions only), Rabies (for extended stays or wildlife work).

Is tap water safe to drink in South Africa?

Tap water is generally safe in South Africa, though bottled water is advisable in rural areas.

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Southern Africa

South Africa Travel Health

Reviewed by Alexander Webber, Chief Epidemiologist · Updated 2026-08

South Africa is one of the more developed travel destinations on the continent, but health risks vary significantly by region. Malaria is a risk in the northeastern lowveld areas including Kruger National Park and Limpopo, but Cape Town and Johannesburg carry no malaria risk. Travelers visiting game reserves should be aware of tick-borne illnesses including African tick-bite fever. Tap water is generally safe in major cities.

Food Safety: Moderate Risk Tap Water: Safe Malaria Risk Present

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Vaccines for South Africa

Required for Entry

Yellow Fever (required only if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, including transit through endemic airports for 12 or more hours)

CDC Recommended

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Typhoid (for travelers outside of major cities or eating in informal settings)
Malaria prophylaxis (for Kruger, Limpopo, and northeastern regions only)
Rabies (for extended stays or wildlife work)

Source: CDC Travelers' Health — South Africa

Malaria Risk

Low to moderate risk limited to the northeastern Limpopo province and Mpumalanga lowveld, including Kruger National Park. No risk in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or the Western Cape. Prophylaxis recommended for travelers visiting malaria zones.

Food and Water Safety

Moderate Risk Tap water: safe

Tap water is safe to drink in major cities including Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Exercise food hygiene caution in rural areas and informal markets. Standard restaurant and hotel food safety is generally reliable.

Key Health Tips for South Africa

Determine your itinerary before making decisions about malaria prophylaxis; most tourist circuits do not require it.
Use DEET repellent and wear long sleeves at dusk and dawn in game reserve areas.
Check for ticks after bush walks; African tick-bite fever is transmitted by ticks in wildlife areas.
HIV prevalence is high; follow safe sex practices and carry supplies from home.

Disease Risks in South Africa

Official Resources

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