South Africa wildlife vacations advice

Visit your GP at least 6-8 weeks before you travel to ensure you are up-to-date with vaccinations that are required for South Africa.

The southern and western regions of the country are malaria-free, so it is possible to travel here without the need for antimalarial medication. However, malaria is present in the northeast – including Kruger National Park.

Cities have good health facilities, but do be sure to take out good travel insurance that includes emergency repatriation.

Be careful of temperature extremes, and don’t presume that it is always hot. Depending on your location, there can be very cold winter nights, even if it is hot during the day. Talk with your vacation company for advice on packing and read your trip notes well. Always protect yourself against the harmful rays of the sun, ideally with environmentally friendly sun creams, and also keep well hydrated.

Tap water is safe to drink in most of South Africa, though check with your lodge or campsite if staying in remote areas.

Bring a basic first aid kit and medication for sickness and diarrhoea if planning to travel in remote regions.

Check the latest health advice for South Africa.

Always listen to your tour guide with respect to animal watching and behaviour. They are the experts, and certainly with responsible wildlife watching companies, they know exactly what harms, frightens or disturbs a wild animal. Never get too close to a wild animal, no matter how badly you think you need a photo.

Do not touch the wild animals. Ever. A responsible tour operator will never allow this, and so if you are ever invited to ‘pet’ or ‘walk with’ a wild animal, you must report it. It is not safe, nor is it good for the wild animal. We carry diseases and bacteria that are very harmful to them.

Don’t use flash photography with wildlife as it can frighten them and reactions can be aggressive. Similarly, try and be very quiet around wild animals so as not to disturb them.

Crime levels are notoriously high in South Africa, particularly in cities, townships and public transport. However, violent crime generally takes place away from popular tourist areas, and most visits are incident-free. Larger towns and cities have tourist police.

Be careful at ATMs. Avoid using them in secluded places and after dark and don’t withdraw large amounts of cash. Just as you would back home, always check that the machine has not been tampered with, and that no one is looking over your shoulder.

Keep all valuables out of sight, even in your car during the day, as robberies can happen at traffic jams. There have also been cases of theft at Johannesburg airport, so you are advised to keep valuables in your carry-on luggage.

Avoid driving at night if possible, especially on the approach roads to Kruger National Park and around KwaZulu-Natal. And drive within the speed limits at all times.

Do not pick up hitchhikers or stop to assist travelers ‘in distress’ – these techniques are often used by hijackers.

Take note of the nationwide emergency number – 10111.

Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for updated safety advice.

“Go on every possible game drive. Every one of them was special in some way, and if we had missed a single drive, we probably would have regretted it when speaking to others on their return. As first time safari goers we didn't want to go with a checklist of what we wanted to see. We just went to see whatever Africa had to offer. We were not disappointed!” – Janet Thomas

“If going during the winter season, plenty of layers are required for evening/morning wear – before the sun gets up. Otherwise, simply enjoy – it is a sensational trip!” – Guy Wills

“Have a good camera, enough memory sticks. Every moment is worth a shot. "– Louise Chen

“South Africa is best suited for the very first-time safari goers – it has the perfect travel infrastructure and seemed more predictable than going the very first time on safari in Tanzania, Zambia or Botswana. Luxury lodges are agreeable to stay at, though there you will be deprived of many basic and fascinating things the wild nature offers. Getting suntanned is South Africa is quite risky, better be fully covered all the time.” – Yuriy Danchenko

“If you have an interest in flora and fauna of all sorts this vacation will suit you perfectly. We were as captivated by insights into birds, insect life and plants as much as we were by the excitement of the traditional big five on safari.” – Martin Thomson

“Remember that the distances are a lot bigger than in the UK, and petrol stations may not be open 24 hours a day – which almost led to us being stranded...!” – David Campbell

“Take a trip to a charity shop before you leave to buy shirts/tshirts etc as part of the fun is getting wet and dirty when cleaning and playing with the monkeys. Leaving things behind when you depart helps other volunteers. Take a pack of rubber gloves and leave behind what you don't use.” – Sara Lee