Travelling Through the Heat: Staying Safe During South Africa’s Heatwaves

By Sbusiso Mhlongo

As temperatures rise across South Africa, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and government, including the national Department of Tourism, are urging visitors and tourism businesses to take precautions during the heatwave. The aim is to keep visitors, tourism workers and communities safe while they continue to enjoy all that South Africa has to offer.

SAWS has issued heatwave warnings for several regions this spring, and forecasters expect a hotter, drier end to 2026. Summer remains one of the best times to explore the country, from the beaches of KwaZulu-Natal to the bushveld and the Drakensberg, but it is also the season of heatwaves, high UV levels and elevated fire danger. Profound Travel and Tours supports the call and shares the official guidance below. #ResponsibleTraveller #WeDoTourism

What Authorities Advise Visitors

• Check the forecast daily. Visitors are advised to follow SAWS warnings on weathersa.co.za or the SAWS app before setting out, and to adjust plans when a heatwave or fire-danger warning is in place.
• Plan around the hottest hours. Hikes, game drives and city walks are best scheduled for early morning or late afternoon, with rest indoors or in the shade between roughly 11:00 and 15:00.
• Drink water before feeling thirsty. Travellers should carry a refillable bottle, sip regularly and limit alcohol and very sugary drinks, which speed up dehydration.
• Protect against the sun. Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), reapplied every two hours, together with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and light, loose clothing, is recommended.
• Swim safely. On the coast, swim only at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and between the flags.
• Never leave anyone in a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a closed car rise to dangerous levels within minutes, even with the windows slightly open. This applies to children, older travellers and pets.
• Look out for one another. Young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk, so travel companions should check in on each other often.

Know the warning signs

Heat exhaustion may cause heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea and muscle cramps. The person should move to a cool place, loosen clothing and sip water. Heatstroke is a medical emergency: signs include confusion, slurred speech, hot skin, fainting or seizures. Call for help immediately on 10177 (ambulance) or 112 from any mobile phone, and cool the person with water and shade while waiting.

What Authorities Advise Tourism Businesses

• Adapt itineraries. Move strenuous activities to cooler parts of the day and build in shaded rest stops.
• Keep water within reach. Provide drinking water on vehicles, at reception and at activity points.
• Brief guests. Share heat safety tips at check-in and before departures, including what to do if someone feels unwell.
• Look after staff. Guides, drivers, porters and outdoor staff work in the heat for long hours. Rotate duties, schedule regular breaks in the shade and train staff to recognise heat illness.
• Check vehicles and cooling. Service air-conditioning in tour vehicles and guest rooms ahead of peak season.
• Respect fire danger warnings. Avoid open fires and braais when warnings are in place, and make sure guests know the rules.
• Use water wisely. Heatwaves strain local supplies. Encourage guests to save water so surrounding communities are not left short.

Stay Informed: Weather Pages to Follow

Travellers are also advised to follow trusted weather pages on social media for timely updates while on the road:

• South African Weather Service (SAWS): the official source of forecasts, heatwave and fire-danger warnings, at weathersa.co.za and on its verified social media accounts.
• The Weather Hooligan: a popular South African weather page with regular forecasts and severe-weather updates, on Facebook.
• Storm chaser and severe-weather communities: groups such as the Severe Weather and Information Centre SA (SWAICSA) share real-time reports, photos and storm sightings from across the country.

Community pages are a useful early alert, but official SAWS warnings should always guide travel decisions.

Responsible Travel Is Shared Travel

Being a responsible traveller means caring for more than one’s own trip. It means protecting the people who make tourism possible and the communities and environments being visited. By planning ahead, staying informed and looking out for one another, everyone can keep enjoying South Africa safely, whatever the temperature.

Planning a summer getaway? The Profound Travel and Tours team can help you choose the right times, routes and activities for a comfortable trip. Ask a Question at info@profoundtravel.co.za or call 081 725 2388.

Hero image: Durban Tourism (visitdurban.travel).