South Africa draws UK travellers to Cape Town and the Winelands, the Garden Route, the Kruger National Park and the private reserves around it, and to family and friends across the country.
For many trips the main question is whether your route includes an area with a risk of malaria, which depends on the region and the time of year. Longer stays, rural travel, working with animals and onward travel to neighbouring countries can also change what is advised.
At your appointment at North Wales Clinics, Dyserth, the pharmacist goes through your itinerary and your vaccine history and explains what current UK guidance advises.
UK guidance usually advises these vaccines for most travellers to South Africa. Each has its own page explaining what it protects against and how the course works:
Vaccines to consider for South Africa
A summary of current UK travel health guidance. What is right for you depends on your route, your health and the vaccines you have already had.
Usually advised
Advised for most travellers to this destination.
Sometimes advised
Advised for some travellers, depending on the trip and the person.
- CholeraTravellers at higher risk, such as aid workers and those going to areas with a cholera outbreak where safe water and medical care are limited.
- Hepatitis BTravellers whose activities or medical history put them at higher risk, and those staying for a long time. It can be considered for any traveller.
- MeaslesAll travellers should be up to date with their measles (MMR) vaccines. An early dose can be considered for infants from six months old who will be mixing with local people.
- RabiesTravellers at higher risk: those working with animals, going to places where medical care is limited, doing activities such as running or cycling, or staying for more than a month.
- TuberculosisNot offered at this clinicChildren under 16 who have not had the vaccine and will stay for more than three months, and some people at risk through their work.Ask your GP surgery about this vaccine.
Certificate requirements
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over 1 year of age arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever, or who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in one. There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa itself.
Malaria
There is a risk of malaria in the low-altitude areas of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, including the Kruger National Park, mainly from September to May, and a low risk in the far north east of KwaZulu-Natal. There is no risk in the rest of South Africa.
The pharmacist will advise on avoiding mosquito bites and on whether antimalarial tablets are recommended for your trip.
This is a general guide from UK travel health guidance, last checked 12 October 2026. The pharmacist confirms what is right for you at your consultation, based on your itinerary, health and vaccine history.
Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, South Africa. Last checked 12 October 2026.
When to book
Book six to eight weeks before you travel if you can, as some vaccines need more than one dose. A later appointment is still useful. The pharmacist can tell you what is possible in the time you have and help you plan for any part of the trip where malaria is a risk.
Getting your travel vaccines at Peter Morgan Pharmacy
- Book a free video consultation. The pharmacist goes through your trip, your health and the vaccines you have already had.
- Get your plan. You leave the call knowing which vaccines and advice UK guidance suggests for your route.
- Come in for your vaccines. The team books you in at Peter Morgan Pharmacy, Dyserth, at a time that leaves room for any course to finish before you go.
South Africa travel health questions
I am going to the Kruger National Park. What should I know?
The malaria note on this page summarises the risk for that area and the season. Tell the pharmacist your dates and where you will stay, and they will advise on prevention.
I am visiting other countries in southern Africa as well. Can you advise on those?
Yes. Bring your whole route. The advice and the certificate rules can differ from one country to the next.
I am only visiting cities. Is an appointment worth it?
It is worth a check. Some vaccines are advised for most travellers, and the pharmacist can confirm whether your routine UK vaccines are up to date.
Still have a question? Call 01745 570232
More destination guides
Visiting more than one country? Read each guide before your consultation, and tell the pharmacist your full route.