We were warned at the travel clinic never to drink water from the tap. We will be traveling on our own for the first week of our trip (staying for part of the time at Storms River), and it would be convenient to be able to sterilize water in our water bottles rather than having to purchase plastic bottles all the time. The steriPEN uses UV light, and claims "to destroy over: 99.9999% of bacteria, 99.99% of viruses and 99.9% of protozoa (i.e. Giardia and Cryptosporidium). With batteries, it weighs 10 oz, so that is a consideration.

I have not used the steriPEN, but I know of a number of backpackers/hikers that use it. It seems to work well, there are some concerns that the lamp used for sterilization could break somewhat easily. I believe there is a traveler's version that may be more durable.

I will say that I nearly always bring another type of water filter whenever I travel to developing countries, but in 10 years of doing so, I've only used it once (and that was during my first international trip). I'm always finding bottled water now in my travels.

Are you talking about Storms River in South Africa? If so, tap water throughout the country is perfectly safe. You don't need to sterilize it.

Celia

Yes,Celia, I am! Is that really true? Our travel clinic nurse warned us about drinking any tap water anywhere except in hotels in the major cities, and even then he said you can't be too careful. Also no uncooked vegetables or unpeeled fruit anywhere, and no ice cubes unless they're made with bottled water. Where is the tap water unsafe to drink? (We'll be in Cape Town area and Garden Route, Kruger, Botswana (with Wilderness Safaris), and Rwanda (at Virunga Lodge).

I've had tap water in Kruger and Cape Town and not been sick. If you're not comfortable drinking it, there is bottled water available.

I haven't been to Botswana or Rwanda, but I imagine that the companies/lodges you've selected will be able to provide you with safe water.

Do you plan on using the SteriPen much in the future? If not, there are less expensive tablets (e.g., iodine, Portable Agua) that you can purchase and carry just in case. Personally, I wouldn't spend $100+ for something that I probably wouldn't use.

Yes, it's really true that tap water throughout South Africa is safe to drink. Raw and unpeeled fruits and vegetables are also safe. I've been to SA about 15 times over the last 25 years or so. We always eat and drink without concern. The country is known for its gourmet restaurants and fine wine; it has first world infrastructure; it's the place where the heart transplant was invented. They know all about sanitation.

I don't know what travel clinic you went to, but I'll bet its employees know nothing at all about South Africa specifically, and just give canned advice that they think applies to the whole continent. I especially don't understand the advice to drink from the taps in hotels but not elsewhere -- city water is city water whether you're drinking it in a 5-star hotel or at a little pizza place. Really, there is no more cause for concern than there is in North America or western Europe.

Please don't hesitate to eat some of the wonderful local fruit & veggies -- pineapples, oranges, etc. are grown locally and are really good.

The one time I was in Botswana I drank tap water without any problems. I've never been to Rwanda, so I can't say.

Will you be staying in Tsitsikamma Park? It's beautiful there. I know you'll have a wonderful time!

Celia

South Africa's drinking water along with fruits and veggies are as safe (or not) as if you were at home. We never gave this a thought during our visit. Food and drink were outstanding... not a tummy upset anywhere.

It's too sad that many personnel at travel clinics, whether in the States or on the Continent haven't been but 50/miles from home. They lump every country and area within together and scare the pants off travelers.

In some countries though, major hotels that have their own water purification systems separate from the public works, so do have safe water for tap drinking. However, regardless where you travel, if ever uncertain, there's bottle water at a reasonable cost.

This is so very interesting, helpful, and reassuring. Apart from the water issue, people have told us we're crazy to be self-touring, as we are for the first week of our trip. Yes, Celia, we're staying in the park in one of the "oceanette" cabins. This is where I've been most worried about the water, actually, since after this we'll be at B&B's along the Garden Route and then in the Waterfront Apartments in Cape Town.
If everything my wonderful respondents here are saying is true, we are going to have a lot of leftover Cipro!!

We traveled for a month in South Africa last year and never got sick. We drank tap water, including water from our taps in our cabin at Storms River.
For added peace of mind (as you'll have a stove and probably a microwave in your cabin), you can always boil your water, if that would make you feel safer.
As we drove around the country, I found it handy to bring along a thermos, which was always filled with hot tea.

it seems america travel clinics are maniac in view to tap water.
it's either they are too leazy to do a thorough research or they are simply under-educated in that regard!

Y E S - tap water in south africa is safe!!!

div

divine - I've read the same comments from nurses at UK clinics and I'm sure similarly espoused from other "western" countries. To be fare, you should spread the stupidity.

Bobbieharv, you will LOVE your oceanette! The view from your patio is nothing short of spectacular. Even though it was rainy and/or cloudy during our whole stay there (about 3 or 4 days, as I recall--it's been a couple of years ago), we were never anything but fascinated by the sea and sky views.

Touring by yourselves in SA is a great way to go. You won't regret it.

Celia

sandi
i did read some other threads on SA tap water and it was only incorporating american travel clinics.

but if it's also europe then i would say all these clinics are just giving "holistic pre-cautions" which don't incorporate reality.

not long ago there was a similar thread where a fodorite posted its advise gotten from an am. travel clinic to BRING bottled water to africa!

div

When we were at Tsitsikamma, we saw dolphins playing in the sea right from our oceanette. It was great!

We also did the boat trip up the estuary, or whatever it's called, which we really enjoyed. If you are planning to do that, BobbieHarv, be sure to leave early. The walk to get to the pier is very long, and a bit difficult, but well worth it. When we were there the suspension bridge was being rebuilt, so of course we didn't go on it. I'm guessing it's back in service now.

Celia

Thanks Celia! I'm wondering where you ate - I read somewhere the restaurant isn't that good? Also, is there a good food store nearby, or should we shop in George before we get there?

Hmmm. I remember being in the restaurant, and I think we had a meal or two there, but we cooked for ourselves in our oceanette most of the time. I think the operation of all the SANPARKS restaurants has been up for bidding for the last few years, so the management may not be the same as when we were there.

Yes, shop in George. Although there's a shop in the park, it had a somewhat limited stock when we were there.

The view from the restaurant at Tsitsikamma NP is fantastic, so even if you decide not to eat there, maybe stop there for a drink on the outside deck (providing it is not raining).
I agree with others, the cabins have spectacular views. It is a wonderful park in a wonderful country.