The Great Karoo area is malaria free, however, if you plan to visit other regions please read the following.

Malaria risks in the northeastern parts of the Northern Province, eastern Mphumalanga and northern Kwazulu Natal is high ( F. Falciparum strain).

Consult any chemist (drugstore) for details.

For a more comprehensive discussion of health requirements, the following website is recommended:

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/safrica.htm The risk during summer months is high for malaria but for visitors visiting the northern areas of the country it is recommended that preventative measures should be taken throughout the year. 

The Mpumalanga Lowveld, Kruger National Park and Zululand in Natal, are all malarial areas. If you should go into these areas, it is probably best to leave as little of the body exposed when the mosquitoes are active after sunset. You are advised to use mosquito nets and vapour repellents too.

Rabies is present and if you are bitten by an animal you must seek medical assistance immediately. Vaccination against rabies is unnecessary for most visitors, but would be wise for those who travel for extended periods, or stay in rural areas.

Unless you are specifically told by authorities that the water is safe to drink, bilharzia can still be found in most of the malaria invested areas where there are lakes, lagoons, dams and stagnant water. Don't just drink any water and be careful about swimming in such places. The water is safe to drink in all main towns, but it is best to drink bottled water in rural areas. The Cape Provinces are generally safer. 

An emergency kit is a must if you're going to stay and spend some time on foot in rural areas. There are scorpions, snakes and spiders, but if you leave them undisturbed, they usually shy away from you. Don't turn over rocks. It is best to wear long pants and boots to prevent possible bites, when out in the veld.

Check yourself for ticks at the end of an outing.

No immunization is needed when entering the country except when entering it within six days after leaving a yellow-fever infected area.

Visit the SATOUR, or British Airways sites to ensure the correct information on health requirements.