In the calendar year 2025, the tourist inflow of Indian tourists to South Africa was around 69,680. South African tourism authorities are expecting it to reach pre-COVID tourist flow volumes in 2026.
Another major growth driver for Indian tourists is expected to be direct flights from India to South Africa and also ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), for which can help tourists directly apply on the website.
One just has to upload flight tickets, accommodation details, click a photograph of oneself at home, and upload accordingly. The whole process takes only 24-48 hours and is smooth.
Currently, Indian tourists take flights via Dubai, Doha, or Ethiopia to reach South Africa, which is time-consuming, said Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager (MEISEA), South African Tourism.
South African Tourism is also promoting newer and lesser explored destinations to attract Indian tourists. Among them, Limpopo continues to stand out for its authentic safari experiences, offering access to renowned private game reserves, rich biodiversity, and a strong sense of local culture ideal for travellers looking for immersive, nature-driven journeys.
Besides this, the Drakensberg region adds a striking landscape dimension, known for its dramatic mountain ranges, hiking trails, ancient rock art, and wellness-oriented stays. This makes it especially appealing for travellers seeking outdoor adventure and slow travel.
Nearby, Clarens offers a charming small-town experience with its creative community, boutique accommodations, and easy access to the Maluti Mountains, positioning it as a perfect stopover or short-break destination.
The Eastern Cape brings together diverse experiences—from malaria-free safari reserves and unspoilt beaches to heritage-rich towns—while destinations like Coffee Bay showcase South Africa’s raw coastal beauty, with rugged cliffs, rural village life, and a strong sense of place that resonates with experiential and adventure travellers.
South African Tourism is also hoping that the ICC World Cup 2027, which is set to take place in South Africa, will present a compelling opportunity for travellers to combine the excitement of world-class cricket with extended journeys into these regions, transforming match-led visits into deeper, more meaningful travel experiences across the country.
“India continues to be a priority growth market for South African tourism, driven by strong interest across family travel, experiential holidays, and premium travel. Indian travellers today are also planning differently, using AI-powered tools to research and customise their trips, travelling more occasionally, and showing a growing willingness to explore destinations beyond traditional favourites. This shift in traveller behaviour reflects a more confident and curious audience, and it opens up new opportunities to highlight lesser-known regions and experiences across South Africa,” she remarked.
She also added that the flight cost from India to South Africa depended on the season. In off-seasons, it could cost anything between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000 (return fair for one person). In the peak season, it is slightly more, at about Rs 80,000 for a return fare. However if one books in advance, one can definitely get a good deal.
Karmarkar also said that South Africa is very safe for tourists and that a minister from South Africa had launched a safety campaign with police officers two years back to bring about better tourist safety patrols.
“We have our office in Johannesburg and I travel there very often multiple times in a year. I drive in South Africa on my own. It is safe. You just need to be cautious like we are in any other part of the world. The country has nine provinces and ideally it takes around two weeks for an average tourist to cover different provinces of the country,” Karmarkar noted.
South African Tourism is the tourism marketing arm of the South African government, and is aiming to promote the country domestically and internationally—for leisure or business.