Mountain in South Africa Colourful houses in South Africa

Travel Vaccinations for South Africa

Vaccines To Consider When Visiting South Africa

A consultation will be completed with one of our specialist travel health nurses to assess your individual travel plans and health background before making recommendations, which can then be administered during the same appointment.

Hepatitis A - Adult
From £79
Hepatitis B
From £59
Rabies IM
From £89
Typhoid vaccine
From £49
Cholera (oral)
From £44
Tetanus, Diphtheria & Polio
From £49
There is a risk of Malaria in South Africa. London Travel Clinic offers a range of antimalarials to keep you protected

Book Your Vaccinations For South Africa Online

Book Now
Stones by side of water in South Africa

Destination Information for South Africa

The vast and diverse country of South Africa sits on the Southernmost tip of the African continent. With 11 official languages, the strongest economy in Africa and spectacular scenery and wildlife, it’s no wonder that South Africa is the destination of choice for almost 10 million tourists and holidaymakers every year.

While not the official capital, Cape Town is the country’s ‘mother city’ and the gateway to South Africa for many visitors. Its host to world-famous landmarks such as Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, along with vineyards, fine dining, great nightlife and amazing beaches. If you’re exploring more of the country, head also to Johannesburg and Durban, two other popular cities. There are more than 20 national parks in South Africa, the oldest, largest and most well-known is Kruger, a popular tourist destination in the North of the country where you can see the best of African flora and fauna in well-maintained yet unspoilt conditions. Roads and transport links are good, so it is easy to travel around the country.

If you’re planning a holiday to South Africa, it’s advisable to work on an itinerary for your trip, as there is so much on offer. A few days sampling beach life, a week-long safari or a long-weekend of city culture – it is possible to pack it all into your break, but you’ll need to be organised and decide on your priorities. For tourists headed to the west, the warmer months from November to April will be the most comfortable, but if your base is inland, cooler may be better, which is from May to October.

Whether you are getting in touch with nature or exploring lively cities, it is advisable to get vaccinated before you leave for South Africa. Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus is recommended for all visitors; however, your itinerary may increase other risks such Rabies, Hepatitis B, and in some cases Cholera. Please book a consultation at a travel clinic to ensure you are fully informed.

Infections and Outbreaks frequently change from country to country and by attending our clinics you will be given the most up to date clinical and safety advice from our team of specialists. Our advice to you often includes aspects such as:

Book Now

Non Vaccinated Diseases

Rift Valley fever

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, fever-causing viral disease that usually affects domesticated animals (such as cattle and sheep), but can also infect and cause illness in humans. The majority of human infections are caused by direct or indirect contact with the blood or organs of infected animals.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is primarily spread to humans either by infected ticks or animal blood. Human-to-human transmission can also occur resulting from close contact with the blood, organs or other bodily fluids of an infected person.

West Nile virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is spread by mosquitoes in many countries. There are usually no symptoms, although some people develop mild flu-like symptoms, nausea and skin rash. The virus is not contagious and should get better without any treatment.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

African tick bite fever

Bacterial infection from bite from infected ticks. Most common between April-November and in rural, camping and hiking areas. Causes redness around site of bite and symptoms usually within 2 weeks, such as fever, muscle pain, headache and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and it causes fever and severe joint pain. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rash. Joint pain is often debilitating and can vary in duration. The disease shares some clinical signs with Dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where Dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems Bed Bug Barrier Bedsheet
£12.99
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25

Schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis, also called bilharzia, is an infection caused by a parasitic worm that lives in fresh water in subtropical and tropical regions. Avoid swimming in fresh water rivers, streams and lakes if you can. You often don't have any symptoms at first, but after a few weeks may develop a rash, high temperature, cough, diarrhoea and joint pain. Schistosomiasis can usually be treated successfully with a short course of a medication that kills the worms.

Trypanosomiasis

Human African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected tsetse fly, which is only found in rural Africa. Initial symptoms include severe headache, insomnia, enlarged lymph nodes, anaemia and rash.

Travel Kits and Accessories
Price
Deet 50% - 100ml
£8
Deet 50% - 50ml
£6
Lifesystems EX4 Anti-Mozzie Fabric Spray - 350ml
£8.50
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Single
£20
Lifesystems Micro Mosquito Net - Double
£25
Natural Mosquito Repellent - 100ml
£7.75

Latest South Africa Articles

Woman taking a photo of some mountains

Our Top 5 Instagrammable Places

With the continual popularity of Instagram, what better way to find inspiration for your next travel destination. Whether you’re looking for beautiful white beaches, endangered species or mountain adventures, you can count on Instagram to provide inspiration and wanderlust. But …

Read More