South Africa Tourism Statistics

South Africa draws visitors with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage and world-class wildlife experiences, making it a premier destination for both adventure seekers and leisure travelers.

Over 10 million tourists visit South Africa each year, excluding the pandemic years.

• South Africa welcomed 10.5 million international tourists in 2025, a 17.7% increase from the previous year.
• Before the pandemic, it recorded 10.23 million tourists in 2019.
• The number of tourists dropped to 2.8 million in 2020 and 2.26 million in 2021, due to the pandemic.
• The figure then increased to 5.7 million in 2022, which showed a modest recovery but remained 44.3% below pre-pandemic levels.
• The increasing trend continued and reached 8.48 million in 2023 and 8.92 million in 2024.

How many tourists visited South Africa in 2025?

• South Africa saw a strong recovery in tourism, with the number of international tourists totaling around 10.5 million.
• This figure marked a significant 17.7% increase compared to 2024.
• The number also exceeded the pre-pandemic figure of 2019 by 2.6%, highlighting the country's rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

How many tourists visited South Africa in 2024?

• South Africa experienced an increase in tourist arrivals in 2024, with approximately 8.92 million tourists.
• This figure marked an approximate 5.2% increase compared to the previous year, but remained 12.8% below the pre-pandemic level of 2019.

In 2025, the majority of tourists visiting South Africa came from Africa and Europe, particularly from countries within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The top 5 countries most visited were:

• Zimbabwe: 2,307,196 visitors.
• Mozambique: 2,078,635 visitors.
• Lesotho: 1,395,346 visitors.
• Eswatini: 958,716 visitors.
• Botswana: 418,474 visitors.

Other than these countries, large numbers of visitors from the USA, UK, Germany, Malawi and Namibia visited South Africa in 2025.

In 2025, the highest number of tourists visited South Africa in December and January, while tourist numbers remained relatively consistent during the other months.

• January: 1,013,984 tourists
• December: 997,165 tourists
• November: 939,654 tourists
• August: 935,738 tourists
• October: 927,426 tourists

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

The ideal time to visit South Africa depends on the activities of interest, especially wildlife safaris and coastal experiences.

• The months of May to September are ideal for wildlife safaris. During this dry winter season, animals are easier to spot as they gather near water sources, and the vegetation is less dense.
• November to March is the ideal time to visit Cape Town and enjoy beach holidays. During this summer period, the Western Cape experiences warm weather and minimal rainfall, making it perfect for outdoor activities and coastal adventures.

• In 2024, South Africa's tourism revenue reached R113.9 billion, a 12.2% increase from the previous year and exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
• Tourism contributed 4.9% to South Africa's GDP in 2024.
• South Africa's tourism sector employed 953,981 people in 2024.
• For the 2024/25 financial year, the department allocated a budget of US$194.9 million (R2.3 billion). The major portions of the budget include US$101.7 million (R1.2 billion) directed to SA Tourism, US$22.5 million (R266 million) for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and US$14.6 million (R172 million) for various Tourism Incentive Programmes (TIP).

• South Africa ranked highest in Africa and 55th globally in the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) by the World Economic Forum, with a score of 3.99.
• The country was featured in CEO World Magazine's 2025 list of the Top Ten Best Countries to Visit in Your Lifetime with a score of 59.76.
• Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Soweto were highlighted as South Africa's top destinations in the 2024 Brand Africa rankings, showcasing their contribution to the country's global reputation.
• The Kruger National Park is internationally celebrated as one of the world's best travel destinations, emphasizing South Africa's exceptional natural resources and wildlife experiences.

South Africa is home to a variety of stunning destinations and attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. Here are the top destinations or attractions in South Africa based on popularity and visitor numbers:

• Kruger National Park: one of Africa's largest and most renowned national parks, the Kruger National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife, including the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. The park offers a variety of safari experiences, including guided tours and self-drive options, and attracts nearly 2 million visitors each year.
• Table Mountain National Park: an iconic landmark in Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park is renowned for its distinctive flat-topped summit and stunning panoramic views. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features numerous hiking trails and attracts approximately 4 million visitors each year.
• Cape Town: Cape Town, a key tourist destination, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Popular attractions include the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, and the Cape Winelands. A substantial number of international tourists visiting South Africa make Cape Town a part of their itinerary.
• uShaka Marine World: situated in Durban, this marine-themed park is built around a shipwreck concept and features an aquarium, water park, and various entertainment activities. It also offers educational experiences about marine life and draws approximately 1.5 million visitors each year.
• The Garden Route: a stunning stretch along South Africa's southern coast, the Garden Route is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, quaint towns, beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities like hiking and whale watching. It is a favorite destination for both local and international tourists.