last edited Dec 11, 2019
Health and Safety in Southern Africa
Official Recommendations
In France, both for individuals and professionals, the "travel advice" from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding precautions for each country has legal value. A similar online travel advice system exists in several countries:
Precautions
Overall, while basic precautions are essential, this part of the continent presents fewer health risks than the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, except for HIV/AIDS, which remains a major issue in the region. In terms of nature and environment, the presence of desert areas (Namib Desert, Kalahari, and others) can pose problems if you venture into them without proper preparation. However, crime and delinquency remain the biggest issues in the region, and no country is truly spared, starting with South Africa. Therefore, it is more than useful to be cautious and follow basic safety practices to minimize risks.
Health
Diseases
Hygiene
As always, good personal and food hygiene is necessary if you are not used to "eating local." In this case, avoid dishes or foods that do not appear completely fresh, if only to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. As for tap water, while it is drinkable in most cities, this is far from the case elsewhere in most countries. Bottled mineral water is therefore preferable.
Local Healthcare Facilities
While healthcare facilities are relatively good in capital cities and major urban areas—at least in the private sector, as public hospitals are often overcrowded and under-resourced—the situation is very different elsewhere. As with many other aspects in the region, South Africa remains the best-equipped and even receives medical evacuations from neighboring countries for the most serious cases.
That said, in the private sector, as in many countries, healthcare, hospitalization, and especially emergency interventions in remote areas can be (very) expensive. Most often, the patient’s ability to pay is assessed before any action is taken. In short, it is essential to have good travel insurance if you plan to use private healthcare facilities.
Safety
Crime and Delinquency
Socio-Political Risks
Climate and Nature
Southern Africa consists of often vast, sparsely populated countries, with populations concentrated in certain areas and immense desert regions. The climate, nature, and even wildlife can pose dangers if not taken seriously. Distances and time (especially in emergencies) are also different from what one might be used to at home. In short, in all cases—and even more so when traveling independently by car—it is crucial to take precautions, be well-equipped according to your plans (always carrying extra water and fuel), gather information, and follow advice from professionals. It is also useful to inform someone of your itinerary, especially if you plan to venture off the beaten path.