Somerset Hospital in Cape Town. Image courtesy of mallix

Fun fact: The world’s first heart transplant was performed in Cape Town’s Groote Schuur Hospital by Dr Christian Barnard. Today, you can visit the hospital’s ‘Heart of Cape Town’ museum, which pays tribute to all involved.

South Africa’s private medical sector is highly advanced, and private hospitals and clinics in all areas offer cutting-edge facilities. They are also equipped with the latest technology, with doctors and specialists offering an extremely high level of care. It’s a good idea for your clients to invest in comprehensive medical insurance before leaving home so that they can access these services if necessary, as the standard of care in private hospitals is generally higher than at government facilities.

Although there’s nothing worse than feeling sick far from home, visitors needn’t worry: there are well-qualified doctors and dentists in all towns and cities.

Malaria

Visitors travelling to Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and northern KwaZulu-Natal should be advised to take precautions against malaria, a disease which is carried by the Anopheles mosquito. These include consulting a travel doctor to determine which medication provides the most effective protection against the disease; as well as preventing bites by wearing trousers, socks, and long-sleeved shirts (especially in the evening, when mosquitoes are at their most active), and using insect repellent.

Remember that there are plenty of malaria-free game-viewing areas (including reserves like Madikwe and Pilanesberg in the North West Province, the Waterberg in Limpopo and the private reserves of the Eastern, Western, and Northern Cape) if malaria is of particular concern; for instance, if your clients are travelling with children under the age of six.

If your client experiences symptoms related to malaria (including a headache, aching joints, and chills) once they have returned home, it’s a good idea for them to let their healthcare practitioner know that they have recently visited a malaria area.

Drinking water

Though tap water is generally safe to drink, many South Africans prefer to use bottled water, especially in remote areas or in the bush.

Safety precautions

A few basic precautions will ensure your clients are safe: keep valuables locked away (safes are available in most hotels and lodges) and avoid deserted areas (especially at night). If in doubt, your client’s accommodation host or hotel should be able to provide advice.

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