Guard yourself against malaria. Consult a physician at least a month prior to departure before traveling to malaria-prone regions. Use mosquito repellents to avoid mosquito bites and sleep in a mosquito-proof tent or room. Get an electric fan and keep it running in your room, if possible.
Confirm your health coverage. Check whether coverage extends to travel abroad and supplement coverage, if necessary, because South Africa does not have a national health system.
Pack lightweight clothes that can be layered. Take at least one long-sleeved sweater and a warm jacket, especially if you are going to a game lodge.
Set up your cell phone for international roaming before you leave home. This is the most reliable, least complicated and cheapest way of receiving and making telephone calls in South Africa.
Program credit cards for use in South Africa ATM machines, before leaving the U.S. South African ATMs normally use five-digit PIN numbers.
Look left before crossing the street when walking. South Africans drive on the left side of the road.
Take care of your vehicle. Keep the car doors locked when you travel to South Africa. Park far enough behind the vehicle in front of you so that you can easily pull into another lane.
Avoid driving in areas that have land mines. Never drive off the road in Mozambique unless you know it is a detour that has been well used by many other vehicles. Land mines may still be in the least likely places.
Use caution when, where and how you go outside. Be cautious at all times. You do not want to attract attention, especially by wearing an expensive camera around your neck. Do not wear flash jewelry, even costume jewelry.
