Health in South Africa
For travel to South Africa, several vaccines are sensible (typhoid, polio and tetanus), though none are required. Malaria is generally not present in the southern Cape, but is found in Mpumalanga and the northern and eastern sections of South Africa; always check the latest news and advice from your doctor or travel clinic. (See the Scottish NHS site for more travel info on health issues in South Africa.)HIV infection rates are high; AIDS is prevalent here. This isn't usually an issue for travellers, but they should be aware of the situation, and take the same sensible precautions to avoid infection which are wise in most countries. We understand that blood supplies used by the private hospitals here have been carefully screened for many years.
Language in South Africa
English is one of South Africa's 11 official languages and is very widely spoken; other official languages include Afrikaans, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana and Zulu.Visas for South Africa
At the time of writing (Aug '09), travellers with British passports (as well as US citizens) do not need visas when travelling to South Africa. That said, always check for the latest regulations with your nearest South African High Commission before you travel. The South African Embassy in London provides detailed visa information for travellers from the UK.Weather and climate in South Africa
South Africa is a large country, and it spans several quite different climatic zones. The weather in the centre and east of the country, for example Mpumalanga, broadly follows the same weather pattern as the other countries nearby in the subcontinent: see our comments on the weather in South Africa for more details.The weather pattern in South Africa's Cape is totally different from any other area – and in fact has rain when most of the rest of the country is dry, and vice-versa. See our webpage: weather and climate in South Africa's Cape.
Our top picks for holidays to South Africa
We'll always tailor-make your Town for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.
Cape Genet Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.
US$3,650 - US$4,370 per person
Cape Grysbok Self-drive Safari
20 days • 8 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Explore Cape Town, Hermanus, Franschhoek and Namaqualand, amongst other memorable destinations, during this leisurely self-driven safari. Fine dining, varied activities and impressively comfortable lodges, estates and country houses await.
US$4,810 - US$7,240 per person
Bontebok Self-drive Safari
12 days • 5 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
This varied and great-value self-drive trip visits Cape Town, the Winelands and diverse sections of the Garden Route, staying at great places with real local character. It’s ideal for active couples and families who want to explore the Cape’s stunning locations.
US$1,800 - US$1,940 per person
Waterbuck self-drive
12 days • 6 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.
US$2,980 - US$3,380 per person
Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari
12 days • 4 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.
US$4,520 - US$7,630 per person
Black Wildebeest Self-drive Safari
19 days • 10 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Journey from South Africa’s cosmopolitan Cape Town to central Namibia’s Okonjima Nature Reserve during this self-driven safari. The route passes through a stunning variety of landscapes, offering access to this beautiful continent’s rich diversity.
US$4,140 - US$4,250 per person
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$15,270 - US$19,670 per person
Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.
US$13,430 - US$17,990 per person
Kwandwe Self-drive Safari
3 days • 1 locations
PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
An elegantly stylish lodge that is well suited to families, Kwandwe offers a range of safari activities and the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" during exploration of the Eastern Cape.
US$3,120 - US$4,420 per person
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
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