Australia overtook Germany as South Africa’s third-largest overseas source market in June after Australian arrivals climbed to 12 113, a 19% increase on the same month last year, according to the latest International Tourism Report from Statistics South Africa.
The June figure marked a clear acceleration in demand. Arrivals remained relatively steady at around 10 500 in April and May while June added more than 1 500 additional visitors in a single month. The jump builds on broader momentum from the Australian market, which has continued to record year-on-year growth since the start of 2026.
“South Africa has always been one of our hottest destinations but we’ve seen a distinct surge since the war broke out in the Middle East in February. With that region no longer viable for transit, we’re seeing travellers reroute via South Africa instead, often building in an overnight stay before continuing, which naturally gets them recorded as tourists,” said Danica Wilson, Co-Founder and Africa Travel Specialist at Encompass Africa.
“At the same time, the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa has pushed clients who were considering East Africa and gorilla trekking towards Southern Africa instead, which is increasingly seen as the safer choice.”
Safari Guru Founder Deon de Villiers has observed the same trend although he attributes the growth less to temporary geopolitical events and more to longer-term shifts in traveller preferences.
“Southern Africa continues to be viewed as a safe and accessible option amid wider regional travel complexities. New luxury properties and improved air access have only increased Australians’ interest in South Africa.”
De Villers has seen steady growth in the demand for South Africa, particularly post-COVID. He attributes the growth to South Africa offering luxury safari experiences.
“The shift in demand became particularly noticeable as more travellers began prioritising quality, space and more exclusive safari settings. They want fewer vehicles, more privacy and a more refined style of safari.”
Beyond safari, South Africa’s appeal lies in the diversity of its itinerary. According to De Villiers, first-time visitors are drawn by the ability to combine wildlife experiences with destinations such as Cape Town and the Garden Route, making it an accessible introduction to the region.
“It is considered the easy safari and the perfect entry point for anyone new to the continent. Families in particular love the flexibility Cape Town and the Garden Route offer with adventure, wildlife and relaxation all in one trip.”
Despite growing demand, Australian access to South Africa remains constrained by airfares.
“Flights remain expensive and the ongoing fuel crisis has pushed fares up significantly,” Wilson said.
