As Indian travellers return to international travel in growing numbers, the country is betting on easier visas, improved connectivity, and deeper cultural links to drive the next phase of India–Africa tourism.
In 2025, South Africa welcomed 69,680 Indian visitors, still below pre-pandemic levels of 100,000. For 2026, the tourism board is targeting a return to the 100,000 mark, supported by the introduction of the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which has streamlined the visa process and reduced processing time to 48 hours.
The ETA is free for Indian nationals and carries no additional processing charges.
Briefing the media at the 22nd edition of the South African Tourism roadshow, Mitalee Karmarkar, Marketing and Communications Manager, South African Tourism, said that direct flight connectivity between India and South Africa is also under consideration, which is expected to further boost arrivals.
India currently ranks as the seventh-largest international source market for South Africa.
Karmarkar noted that MICE and business travel account for 45.6 per cent of total arrivals from India, with leisure comprising the remainder.
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Wildlife and adventure continue to anchor Indian travel demand for South Africa, but newer segments are gaining ground.
Wine tourism, in particular, is seeing increased interest among millennial and Gen Z travellers, especially in the winelands around Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, following visits to Cape Town and the Garden Route.
The average Indian traveller spends around 14 days in South Africa, typically covering at least three provinces during a single visit.
While the Western Cape and Mpumalanga remain popular, the tourism board is actively promoting lesser-known regions such as Limpopo, Eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
The Limpopo landscape is made up of dramatic contrasts. It is characterised by hot savanna plains and mist-clad mountains.age-old indigenous forests and cycads. Alongside modern plantations, and ancient mountain fortresses and the luxury of contemporary infrastructure and modern day facilities.
Karmarkar noted that 55 per cent of Kruger National Park lies within Limpopo, offering a less crowded and more cost-effective safari experience compared to other regions.
KwaZulu-Natal, particularly Durban, holds cultural significance due to its large Indian-origin population and the Gandhi route in Pietermaritzburg.
The three-hour walking tour traces sites linked to Mahatma Gandhi’s time in South Africa, including the historic railway station.
The Eastern Cape, including destinations such as Coffee Bay, is being positioned as a quieter and more experiential alternative for travellers seeking offbeat itineraries.
Key attractions
- Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) has some beautiful parks with well-landscaped gardens, including St George’s Park, which covers 73 ha.
- To the north-west of Graaff-Reinet lies the Valley of Desolation, which is a national monument within the Karoo Nature Reserve.
- Varied game reserves, including the Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra and Mkambatiparks.
- South Africa’s first marine park, the Tsitsikamma National Park extends along a rocky coastline of 50 km, and 3 km out to sea.
- Southern right and humpback whales and their calves are regularly spotted from the high dunes.
- The Camdeboo National Park, near Graaff-Reinet, was proclaimed as South Africa’s 22nd National Park.
Positioning South Africa as a value-driven destination, Karmarkar emphasised cost competitiveness.
With favourable currency conversion, adventure activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving remain comparatively affordable, while dining and wine experiences continue to offer strong value for money.
To accelerate recovery, South Africa has implemented strategic marketing and policy interventions:
- Expanding Airlift: Efforts are underway to restore key routes, increase airline
partnerships, and improve direct access to a variety of cities in South Africa and access to the globe. - Targeted Market Campaigns: Promoting unique South African experiences in key markets such as China, India and the Americas.
- Boosting Digital and Artificial Intelligence-Powered Travel Planning: Enhancing traveller experiences with personalized digital platforms.
- Growing Sustainable and Cultural Tourism: Capitalising on ecotourism, cultural and heritage-based experiences.
- Enhancing Safety and Security Measures: Working with law-enforcement and industry partners to enhance traveller confidence while ensuring the safety of local communities.
As visa barriers ease and engagement with the Indian travel trade deepens, South African Tourism sees India as a key long-term growth market, underpinned by shared history, cultural connections, and expanding outbound travel appetite.
