As with travelling to any major global city, visitors should follow a few simple health and safety precautions to ensure an enjoyable hassle-free visit to Cape Town.
Cape Town is not in a malaria area and no inoculations are required to enter South Africa. However, if you are travelling from an area where yellow fever is endemic, you will need to show proof of inoculation on arrival. Hepatitis B inoculations are recommended for children below the age of 12, who have not completed the series of injections as infants. No cases of Ebola virus have been reported in South Africa.
Like any major city, Cape Town is home to a certain amount of urban crime. However, most of this is concentrated in the outer regions of the city, which are considerably less developed than the central areas of Cape Town. We would strongly recommend you avoid these areas without a guide; we would be more than happy to offer reassurance for any planned excursions you might have – just ask at the front desk about safety in the area you are hoping to visit.
All emergencies (mobile): 112
All emergencies (landline): 107
South African Police Services (SAPS): 10111
Wilderness Search and Rescue: 021 937 0300 (there is no charge for wilderness rescue services in South Africa)
Hotel reception: +27 21 4379000
