Our partners
General Travel & Health Advice
for Fans Visiting the 2010 World Cup™
Africaid provides HIV/Prevention, care, treatment and support for youth worldwide through the medium of football. Based in South Africa, RSA, we are as much concerned about the health and safety of all South Africans as we are of the many thousands of football fans who will be visiting South Africa for the FIFA 2010 World Cup™.
South Africa offers visitors a host of rich vibrant cultures, eleven national languages, scenery which expands from lush tropical forests to snow capped mountains, and from vineyard clad hillsides to vast desert ranges. Its people are warm, friendly and eager to entertain 2010 fans with a truly African style World Cup moving to the beat of the drum and the blare of the vuvuzela. Whilst this is the South Africa that the vast majority of fans will bask in, there is also a different face to the Country - one riddled with poverty, high unemployment, racial tensions, crime and one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world.
Africaid has developed the following travel tips to ensure you get the most out of the 2010 World Cup experience whilst staying healthy and HIV free.
Health - HIV/AIDS
Wherever you go in South Africa HIV/AIDS is endemic and there is no cure! The main spread of HIV in Africa is through unprotected sex amongst men and women. So please take our advice:- If you are going to have sex, then use a condom. These can be bought from various retail outlets such as chemists and garages. Many hotels will offer free packs in your room. Free condoms will be handed out at World Cup stadiums.
- Always carry a pack of condoms with you. You might not be planning to have sex but after a few beers in the surroundings of beautiful young women, common sense may go out the window.
- Check the expiry date on the condom wrapper and ensure there are no puncture holes.
- Remember many of the girls you meet have travelled in especially to meet you! They are highly professional and can make even the ugliest chap feel like David Beckham so you could be paying a very high price to have your ego fed (also bear in mind there may be a gun totting pimp just round the corner!).
- The more sexual partners you have the more risk you will be exposed to.
Health - General
Immunisations
Check all your vaccinations are up to date before travelling. You will need the following:- Courses or boosters usually advised: diphtheria; tetanus; hepatitis A.
- Vaccines sometimes advised: tuberculosis; hepatitis B; rabies; cholera; typhoid.
** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from visitors over one year of age arriving from an infected area.
Food and Drink
- Mains water is considered safe to drink. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption, as are local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables.
Other Risks
- There are confirmed cases of A (H1NI) -swine flu, as with many countries around the world. Visit www.who.int for more details.
- TB is common in RSA and there has been a cholera outbreak predominantly in the north - Limpopo Province. There have also been reports of rabies in RSA but these are not common. These health issues should not ordinarily affect your stay, but BE AWARE!
- Avoid swimming and paddling in stagnant or slow-moving water as there is a low risk of contracting bilharzia; swimming pools that are well chlorinated and maintained are safe. Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended.
Health Care
- Buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance - private hospitals are expensive.
- Medical facilities are good in urban areas but limited elsewhere. Doctors and hospitals often require immediate cash payment. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended, which should include repatriation to your home country in the event of an emergency.
Malaria
- Malaria in Kruger Park, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and northern KwaZulu Natal - if you are going to visit these areas, you will need to take a course of anti-malarials. Contact your GP for further information.
- None of the football matches will be staged in malaria regions.
See darker areas, for higher risk malaria zones.
Crime
Crime in South Africa is as prolific as HIV so you need to be vigilant. Crime is significantly higher after dark in the centres of major cities and in township areas. The inner suburbs of Johannesburg (Berea and Hillbrow) and the beachfront in Durban are particularly prone to crime so be on your guard. As crime rates are generally high in the townships, you should only visit township areas with an organised tour run by a reputable company. You should also avoid isolated beaches, lookouts and picnic areas. To summarise:- Don't wander off alone from the main streets and where possible stay in a group.
- Try to keep valuables hidden - though muggings are less likely in tourist areas. As in all tourist areas - airports, bus and railway stations are prime hunting grounds for thieves.
- Be particularly careful going out after dark anywhere in RSA.
Road Safety
- Car hijacking is prevalent and thieves employ many tricks to make you stop. If you are unsure then keep driving and call the police on 10111 or 112 from mobile phones.
- Roads in South Africa are very good but the standard of driving is variable and there are many fatal accidents. Be sure to belt up! You can use a UK driving license in RSA for up to 12 months.