South Africa is one of Africa’s premier travel destinations — spanning wildlife safaris, wine regions, major cities, and stunning coastlines.
In 2024, South Africa recorded about 8.92 million international tourist arrivals (a ~5.1 % increase from 2023).
The African continent remains by far its largest source market, accounting for ~76 % of all tourists.
Key Stats: South Africa Tourism
- 8.92 million international visitors in 2024 — South Africa’s inbound tourism continues its rebound, marking a 5% rise year-on-year.
- Around three-quarters of all tourists came from other African countries (~6.8 million) — not just overseas markets driving the growth.
- From the Americas: ~505,000 arrivals, up nearly 11% — showing growing long-haul interest in South Africa.
- Europe remains steady: ~1.26 million arrivals, up 1% — indicating that mature markets are holding ground.
- Asia & Australasia: growing ~4% — China alone recorded ~41,651 arrivals (+11%) in 2024.
- December 2024: 920,147 tourist arrivals, up 6.7% from the year before — strong finish to the year.
- Total traveller movements (arrivals + departures + transits) hit ~30.8 million in 2024 — showing the scale of mobility, not only inbound tourism.
- Tourism revenue in December 2024 hit US$303 million (monthly) — part of the earnings recovery picture.
How Many Tourists Visit South Africa Each Year?
In 2024, South Africa welcomed ~8.92 million international tourist arrivals.
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): ~10.23 million arrivals (foreign tourist trips)
- 2020: ~2.8 million (sharp COVID drop)
- 2022: ~5.7 million arrivals
- 2023: Growth continuing, with 2024 marking recovery momentum.
- 2024: ~8.92 million arrivals, +5.1 % year-on-year.
How Many Tourists Visit South Africa Each Day?
On average, that equates to ~24,400 international arrivals per day in 2024.
(8.92 million ÷ 365 ≈ 24,440)
How Much Do Visitors Spend in South Africa?
Tourism’s economic contribution remains significant — although exact global spend figure for 2024 isn’t easily found in the sources consulted.
Some estimates suggest tourism contributes around 3.3% of GDP in mid-2025.
Which Countries and Regions Visit South Africa the Most?
The bulk of arrivals (76 %) come from other African countries; growth is seen also from the Americas, Europe and Asia.
| Region | Arrivals in 2024 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Africa (especially neighbouring countries) | ~6.8 million | ~76 % of total arrivals |
| Europe | ~1.26 million | +1.1 % growth vs 2023 |
| Americas | ~505,579 | +10.9 % growth in 2024 |
| Asia & Australasia | ~207,718 | +4.2 % growth; China +11.4 % |
Top individual source markets:
- 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe: ~2,183,260 arrivals in 2024
- 🇬🇭 Ghana: ~36,656 arrivals (+149 %) in 2024
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: ~349,883 arrivals in 2024 (–1.8 % vs 2023)
- 🇩🇪 Germany: ~254,992 arrivals (+4.0 %) in 2024
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in South Africa?
While there is no exhaustive publicly-available table for all major attractions with consistent recent annual figures, the following are widely recognised as major draws:
- Kruger National Park – one of Africa’s top safari destinations
- Table Mountain and Cape Town – iconic city-and-mountain combo
- Garden Route – scenic drives and nature tourism
- Stellenbosch / Winelands – wine tourism
- Durban & KwaZulu-Natal coast – beaches and cultural experience
- Safari lodges, wildlife reserves, wine estates, and city culture all contribute significantly to tourism volume and spend
When Is the Best Time to Visit South Africa?
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Nov–Feb) | High in coastal regions & safari lodges | Warm and rainy in some parts |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Excellent for good weather and fewer crowds | Ideal for safari and wine regions |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Strong for Cape Town & Western Cape, cooler inland | Whale watching season |
| Spring (Sep–Oct) | Transition season, wildflowers in Western Cape | Good for road travel and nature |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to South Africa?
Major events that draw international and domestic visitors include:
- International sports tournaments (e.g., rugby, cricket)
- Premier Conferences & Congresses in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg
- Cultural festivals (music, arts) and wildlife-based events
- Wine & food festivals in regions like the Western Cape
These events help drive both business‐travel and leisure travel segments.
How Much Does Tourism Impact South Africa’s Economy?
Tourism remains a key economic sector.
- ~3.3 % of South Africa’s GDP as of May 2025.
- Employment and investment in the sector continue to grow, supporting jobs across hospitality, transport, wildlife tourism, and more.
Which Key Regions in South Africa Are Most Popular With Tourists?
- Cape Town & Western Cape – city + nature + wine
- Kruger & Low-veld / Mpumalanga – safari destination
- Johannesburg & Pretoria – business & gateway travel
- KwaZulu-Natal coast & Durban – beaches and cultural heritage
- Garden Route & Eastern Cape – scenic drives and eco-tourism
FAQ – South Africa Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit South Africa each year?
About 8.92 million international arrivals in 2024.
Which region sends the most tourists to South Africa?
Other African countries send the largest share (~76% of arrivals).
What is South Africa known for?
Wildlife safaris, wine regions, major cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg), scenic drives and cultural diversity.
When is the best time to visit?
Autumn (Mar–May) or spring (Sep–Oct) are excellent. For Cape Town specifically, June-Sept for whale watching; for safari, May-Sept.
How much does tourism contribute to the economy?
Approximately 3.3 % of GDP in May 2025.
Which region in South Africa is best to visit?
It depends on interest: Cape Town & Western Cape (nature + city + wine); Kruger region (safari); KwaZulu-Natal coast (beach + culture).
Sources
- Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) — “Fewer Travellers, More Tourists: SA Sees Shift in Visitor Trends” (2024)
- Xinhua / South Africa Department of Tourism — “South Africa’s international tourist arrivals up 5.1 % in 2024” (2025-02-03)
- Department of Tourism, South Africa — “Tourism on latest growth figures from Statistics South Africa” (Feb 2025)
- Stats SA – International Tourism Release — International tourism statistical release (March 2024)
- Stats SA – Tourist Arrivals Summary — Tourism 2024 summary of tourist arrivals
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