Travel vaccines for South Africa

Cape Town, the Garden Route and most of the country are malaria-free. Tablets are only needed for Kruger and the far north-east in season.

Vaccines for South Africa

Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.

Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.

Advised for most travellers

Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip

RabiesAdvised for long stays and remote areas. Also for water sports along the coast of the Northern, Western and Eastern Cape as far as Algoa Bay, where more than 100 rabies cases have been confirmed in Cape fur seals since 2024.Ask about a faster courseHepatitis BHepatitis B is common in South Africa.Ask about a faster courseCholeraLow risk for most travellers.Ask about a faster course
TuberculosisTB (BCG) vaccine is advised for unvaccinated children under 16 who will live in the country for more than 3 months, and for some health workers. It is not given in pharmacy; ask your GP.
MeaslesMeasles risk is higher than in the UK. Check you have had two doses of MMR, which is free from your GP.

These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.

Entry rules

  • A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country.
  • Not required if you fly direct from the UK.

Malaria

Tablets only for Kruger and the far north-east, September to May.

  • Low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, including the Kruger National Park: atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended from September to May. Risk is very low from June to August.
  • Far north-east KwaZulu-Natal and some other parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo: low risk, awareness and bite avoidance.
  • No risk in the rest of South Africa, including Cape Town, the Garden Route, Johannesburg and Durban.
About malaria tablets

Other health risks

Schistosomiasis

Present in fresh water. Avoid swimming or wading in lakes and rivers.

Altitude

The Drakensberg rises above 2,500 metres, with Mafadi Peak at 3,450 metres.

Insect and tick-borne infections

African tick bite fever is a common souvenir of safari. Avoid bites day and night.

More than one country?

Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.

Common questions about South Africa

What vaccines do I need for South Africa?+

For most travellers, Hepatitis A, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio and Typhoid are advised. Others may be advised depending on your route, how long you stay and what you will be doing. Your pharmacist will only recommend what suits your trip.

Do I need malaria tablets for South Africa?+

Tablets only for Kruger and the far north-east, September to May. Low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, including the Kruger National Park: atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended from September to May. Risk is very low from June to August. Far north-east KwaZulu-Natal and some other parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo: low risk, awareness and bite avoidance. No risk in the rest of South Africa, including Cape Town, the Garden Route, Johannesburg and Durban.

Do I need a yellow fever certificate for South Africa?+

A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country. Not required if you fly direct from the UK.

How far in advance should I get vaccines for South Africa?+

Ideally six to eight weeks before you fly, so any courses can be finished. If you leave sooner, still book: many vaccines help close to departure.

Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment. Clinical content by Lyneham Pharmacy and Travel Clinic (GPhC registered pharmacy 9010716).

Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.

We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.

Call 01249 892813