Somerset Hospital in Cape Town. Image courtesy of mallix

South Africa has been at the forefront of medical care and services ever since Professor Christiaan Barnard made world medical history in 1967 with the first-ever human heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. (If travellers are interested, there’s a fascinating little ‘Heart of Cape Town’ museum at the hospital that relives that moment.)

Doctors and hospitals

There are public hospitals throughout South Africa, but as in many other countries, generally speaking your client will get quicker and better care at a private hospital or clinic than a government one (make sure your client has comprehensive medical insurance before leaving home). Well-qualified doctors are to be found in every town and city. If a visitor develops toothache, don’t worry, there are also plenty of well-qualified dentists.

Malaria

Malaria, which is only carried by mosquitoes, is prevalent throughout the year in many of the main game-viewing areas of Mpumalanga, Limpopo and northern KwaZulu-Natal. Don’t be casual about the risk and advise your client to consult a healthcare professional about medication at least a month before leaving home.

The old adage ‘prevention is the best cure’ holds true. Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks should be worn in the evenings when mosquitoes are at their busiest, and relevant bug spray should be used. Your client can always opt for malaria-free game reserves such as Madikwe or Pilanesberg in North West province, the Waterberg in Limpopo, or private reserves in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape. This may be worth considering particularly if your clients are travelling with children aged six and under.

HIV/Aids

HIV/Aids: There is no danger of your client contracting this syndrome unless he/she has unprotected sex with someone they don’t know, uses an old syringe, or exchanges bodily fluids in some other way.

Drinking water

South Africa has some of the cleanest tap water in the world, and it is treated and safe to drink, except perhaps in very rural areas. It’s quite safe to have ice in drinks and to eat salads.

Safety precautions

Use common sense and take basic safety precautions. Keep valuables locked away and don’t wear expensive watches or jewellery, flash expensive cameras, or walk in deserted areas. Keep car doors and windows locked at all times. If in doubt, advise your client to ask a guide or at their accommodation for safety guidelines.

A massage at the mountain gazebo, Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town

Spas and wellness destinations

These abound, as separate establishments or at hotels. They are at most major tourist destinations, including your beach, bush or game lodge.

Need to know

What are the symptoms of malaria?
If a traveller develops a bad headache, has aching joints and recurring fevers and chills, they should go to a doctor immediately and explain they have been in a malarial area. Malaria symptoms can be confused with flu symptoms, so be alert.

What to do if medication is lost or mislaid?
A traveller should always carry the relevant doctor’s prescription. Chemist shops occur almost everywhere and will fill a prescription if a visitor has the necessary documentation.

Is it better and safer to buy bottled water?
No. Tap water is treated and is of a very high standard, except perhaps in some rural areas. In South Africa, bottled water is an unnecessary expense and is environmentally unfriendly.