Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a yellow fever vaccination for your trip to South Africa, as it is considered to be eradicated in southern Africa. However, exceptions apply if you are traveling from an area with yellow fever. In this case, the vaccination is required.

Vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, measles and polio are generally recommended. However, we generally recommend that you obtain further information from a specialist center before you travel.

If you have any further questions about vaccinations or medication for your trip to South Africa, please do not hesitate to contact us. Vanessa, our pharmacy expert, can provide you with help and advice. Simply send us a message to gatetoparadise@gmx.ch.

Find out about the current geopolitical situation. At the time of our trip in January 2024, there were no problems or unrest. Note, however, that this can change at any time.

We prefer to travel via Airbnbs, always looking for good reviews and reading the comments of previous renters carefully. Always take a quick look at the area where your accommodation is located, whether it’s a private home or a hotel, and research whether the area is considered safe.

Most of Cape Town and South Africa in general is absolutely safe. Nevertheless, you should be careful not to walk alone at night, whether you are a man or a woman. Unfortunately, muggings of passers-by are still a daily occurrence, even in the big city.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made waves around the world, but more so in some countries such as South Africa than in other parts of the world. One area that used to be unproblematic is District 6, which is also home to exciting museums and the main train station. Currently, however, the area is very poor and the number of homeless people is very high. As white tourists, we felt a little uncomfortable there.

We personally find driving in South Africa very pleasant. There are of course official traffic rules, but these are not always strictly adhered to. On our road trip, we drove a rental car from Sunny Cars.

Here are a few points to bear in mind:

• If possible, always park your car in one of the many parking garages.
• If a person in a high-visibility vest directs you into a parking space, please remember the following: In 90% of cases, they are not official city employees, even if they claim to be. Yes, they are guarding your vehicle, but in return they demand money from you when you leave. It’s up to you whether you want to pay them.
• Always lock your vehicle, even when you are driving. Robberies are often carried out at intersections at red lights and happen faster than you think.
• Store your valuables in the trunk and not covered in the back seat
• South Africa drives on the left. If you come from a country with right-hand traffic like us, be particularly careful. Cape Town in particular can get a bit hectic at peak times.
• South Africans like to drive fast. It is customary to let cars pass by driving briefly on the emergency lane. They will thank you by flashing their hazard lights briefly. We don’t know if this is legal, but the police behave in the same way.

Cape Town has some of the cleanest drinking water in the world and is not a problem. However, we are generally cautious people and prefer bottled water from the supermarket.

Unforeseen things can happen, especially on a road trip. It is therefore very important that at least someone you know knows roughly where you are and when.

You should not miss out on a safari on your trip to South Africa. There are certain rules that must be observed. Stick to your guide at all times and follow their instructions. If you are going on a self-drive safari, follow the rules given to you at the briefing.

With these simple rules of conduct in your luggage, you are ready for an exciting journey full of adventure and can enjoy South Africa in a very special way. Stay safe!