We are going on a two week trip to South Africa that will take us to Sabi Sands, Cape Town and Johannesburg. I am wondering if the water is generally safe to drink for us Americans who seem to have "different" bacteria in our bodies. Also, I am a lover of fresh salads and fruit. Are these generally safe to eat? Thanks to all of you for your wonderful help.

I can only tell you about my own experiences..I did not even consider NOT eating anything in the places you will be visiting. I ate everything, including seafood, salads, fruit, ice cubes, water..and had no health "issues" whatsoever. I am from the US, too. Enjoy your trip..you have much to look forward to!

We (Canadians) spent a year traveling all over South Africa and Namibia, and ate everything put in front of us - including fresh fruit and vegetables/salads - and never had a problem. Eat and enjoy! Robin

I am from Canada but lived there in South Africa for several years recently. There drinking water system is one of the best in the world. You will have no problem eating or drinking anything in Sabi Sands, Johannesburg or Capetown.

Ate it all, drank it all, and enjoyed it all. At the Sabi Sands lodge I stayed at (Mala Mala) the <b>tap</b> water was even fine. That was a first for me.

Ate and drank everything. Unlike most other African countries, South Africa is &quot;first-world&quot; (even though, with many third-world problems). But the drinking water and food, especially where you will be visiting, ain't them. Enjoy!

Thank you all for your testimonials! I will take along immodium, pepto, Cipro, etc., but will eat and enjoy my way through So. Africa. We are experienced world travelers and have always been very careful about where and what we eat and drink. Of all the countries we have been to, the place where we got the sickest was Israel! Have no idea why there.

Though I must have a tummy made of iron; can't ever recall getting upset, though shouldn't jinx myself.

Yes, some of us have delicate systems, and anyone can encounter food problems anywhere even the finest restaurants... I personally believe when problems arise it's more from the travel experience.

Long flights, unfamiliar foods (though safe), water that is different (not always unsafe... just different, like being highly chlorinated), and hectic schedules with strange eating times - can get get the gut!

Of course, travel with meds, just in case. Remember the rules for water and fruit, but don't let it weigh on you to the point you don't enjoy the travel experience.

Hi arielle,

what the others have said. i often get a tummy problem or two when away, but we had no problems in SA.

regards, ann