• Malaria: Is endemic to Mpumalanga and areas in KwaZulu-Natal (in the north and north-east of the country) and visitors are most at risk in the hot summer months.  This is probably one of the biggest safety concerns of visitors coming to South Africa, but it is easy to avoid contracting the disease.  Malaria is spread by bites from infected mosquitoes, so make sure to use lots of insect repellent and to wear long-sleeved clothes and pants, especially after dark when the mozzies are most active.  Sleep in a room with a bed net or mosquito proofing.  Also speak to your doctors/pharmacist about appropriate prophylactics.  Anti-malarials are not 100% effective so your best recourse is to ensure that you are always covered in insect repellent.
• Yellow fever: A vaccination certificate is necessary for travellers entering South Africa within six days of leaving an infected area and if coming from East Africa.
• Infectious and tropical diseases: There is bilharzia in some east-flowing rivers, but if it is caught early, it is easily treated.  Avoid swimming in parts of a river/dams where the water is not flowing freely.  Visitors who are concerned about contracting bilharzia can have a routine monthly check once they get home, for about two months, to ensure they are fine.  Tickbite fever, which you can get from infected ticks, can be avoided by wearing pants and socks when out in the bush and covering up with insect repellent.
• AIDS/HIV: The disease is prevalent in South Africa, but does not pose any safety risk to visitors.  If any travellers should engage in sexual activity, be sure to use condoms.  Due to numerous government programmes and education at various levels and schools, there is a high awareness about the virus in the country.
• Sunburn: Most visitors underestimate the effects of the hot, African sun and it is common for travellers to lose a day or more due to sunburn.  Even those with a darker complexion are in danger of getting burnt if they do not take precautions.  Wear a hat/cap and make sure that you stock up on sun protection lotions, lip balm and sunblock
• General Health: South Africa is medically speaking, really quite a safe country where it is possible to drink the tapwater and eat any kind of cuisine from a large variety of gourmet restaurants.  Hayfever sufferers may want to consider bringing their anti-histamine medication along in case the specific brand is not available locally.
  

Entry Requirements:
Please consult your nearest South African Consulate.  All travellers should have a valid passport and though most European and North American citizens do not require a visa to visit the country for short stays, it is best to check with the local consulate.