Health
No vaccination certificates are required from visitors coming from the UK, however visitors from a yellow fever zone must have a valid certificate. Visitors to the eastern lowveld of Mpumalanga and Northern Province, the Kruger National Park and the game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal should take a course of anti-malaria tablets before entering these zones. Consult your doctor for appropriate medication.
In a malaria region, avoid wearing perfume or after-shave and wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. Alternatively, some game reserves are malaria free. The bilharzia parasite is present in streams, rivers, lakes and dams in some of the northern and eastern parts of the country, so visitors should not drink from or bathe in these waters. The Eastern Cape is bilharzia free.
It is safe to drink the tap water throughout South Africa, and health regulations control the hygiene of street food vendors. While South Africa boasts excellent medical facilities, visitors should ensure they take out insurance to cover the cost of treatment should the need arise.
Most hotels have a list of doctors, whose names may also be found in the "medical" section of telephone directories.
Hiking
This is a popular pastime in South Africa and there are hiking trails throughout the country, some gentle, some more demanding. A number of specialist operators have put together packages enabling the visitor to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the country on foot. On foot you can get really close to the flora and the fauna for which the country is famous. Walking safaris, accompanied by a game ranger, are very popular. All nine provinces offer a wide choice of hiking possibilities. Maps, itineraries and excellent hiking literature are available in South Africa. Information can be obtained at the local tourist offices.
Historic flights
Historic aircraft operate to popular tourist destinations within Southern Africa. On static display at Johannesburg International Airport is a Lockheed Constellation, Vickers Viking, Lockheed Lodestar and a De Havilland Dove - all of which have served with SAA.
Horse-riding
Horse-riding safaris and mountain trails are offered by specialist operators in South Africa