Health in South Africa
For travel to South Africa, several vaccines are sensible (typhoid, polio and tetanus), though none are required. Malaria is generally not present in the southern Cape, but is found in Mpumalanga and the northern and eastern sections of South Africa; always check the latest news and advice from your doctor or travel clinic. (See the Scottish NHS site for more travel info on health issues in South Africa.)HIV infection rates are high; AIDS is prevalent here. This isn't usually an issue for travellers, but they should be aware of the situation, and take the same sensible precautions to avoid infection which are wise in most countries. We understand that blood supplies used by the private hospitals here have been carefully screened for many years.
Language in South Africa
English is one of South Africa's 11 official languages and is very widely spoken; other official languages include Afrikaans, Sotho, Swazi, Tswana and Zulu.Visas for South Africa
At the time of writing (Aug '09), travellers with British passports (as well as US citizens) do not need visas when travelling to South Africa. That said, always check for the latest regulations with your nearest South African High Commission before you travel. The South African Embassy in London provides detailed visa information for travellers from the UK.Weather and climate in South Africa
South Africa is a large country, and it spans several quite different climatic zones. The weather in the centre and east of the country, for example Mpumalanga, broadly follows the same weather pattern as the other countries nearby in the subcontinent: see our comments on the weather in South Africa for more details.The weather pattern in South Africa's Cape is totally different from any other area – and in fact has rain when most of the rest of the country is dry, and vice-versa. See our webpage: weather and climate in South Africa's Cape.
Our top picks for holidays to South Africa
We'll always tailor-make your Town for you. Here are some of our favourites to inspire you.