South Africans took fewer day trips and overnight trips in 2025, but domestic tourism spending continued to rise, with Limpopo emerging as the country’s leading destination for overnight travel.
Image used for illustrative purposes/By: jacoblund/iStock
According to Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) Domestic Tourism Survey for 2025, released on 27 October 2026, residents took an estimated 29.1 million day trips and 24.5 million overnight trips during the year. This was down from 33.5 million day trips and 26.2 million overnight trips recorded in 2024.
Despite the decline in travel volumes, total domestic tourism expenditure increased from R60.6 billion in 2024 to R63.2 billion in 2025, highlighting the continued economic contribution of South Africans travelling within their own country.
Domestic travel spending increases
The latest figures reveal a contrasting picture of domestic tourism, with fewer trips taken but more money spent overall.
Stats SA recorded R22.7 billion in expenditure on day trips in 2025, up from R22.2 billion the previous year. Spending on overnight trips rose from R38.4 billion to R40.5 billion over the same period.
The figures suggest that domestic tourism continues to generate substantial economic activity, even as the number of journeys declines.
Limpopo leads overnight travel
Limpopo was the most popular province for overnight trips in 2025, overtaking KwaZulu-Natal, which held the top position in 2024.
According to Stats SA, Limpopo accounted for 16.8% of respondents’ most recent overnight trips, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 16.1% and the Western Cape at 14.1%.
For day trips, Gauteng remained the leading destination province, accounting for 23.3% of respondents’ most recent journeys. Limpopo ranked second at 16.7%, narrowly ahead of the Western Cape at 16.1%.
The results highlight the different roles provinces play in domestic travel, from short excursions and shopping trips to longer stays with family, friends or at leisure destinations.
Visiting friends and family remains a major reason to travel
Personal shopping was the most frequently reported reason for taking a day trip, accounting for 32.4% of respondents’ most recent day trips. Visiting friends and relatives followed at 20%, while leisure activities accounted for 19.7%.
For overnight travel, visiting friends and relatives remained the leading purpose, although its share declined from 50.4% in 2024 to 48.2% in 2025.
Leisure travel, meanwhile, increased from 21.6% to 24.2% of respondents’ most recent overnight trips. Travel to attend funerals also rose, from 11.2% to 12%.
These figures illustrate that domestic travel serves a variety of purposes, extending beyond holidays to include family commitments, social visits and everyday needs.
Cars remain the preferred way to get around
Private cars continued to be the most commonly used mode of transport for both day and overnight trips in 2025. Taxis and buses were also among the main transport options reported by domestic travellers.
For overnight stays, accommodation with friends and relatives remained the most popular arrangement. Self-catering establishments ranked second, followed by hotels.
The findings underline the importance of road travel and affordable accommodation options to South Africa’s domestic tourism market.
Affordability remains a barrier to travel
Not all South Africans travelled during the survey period. Financial constraints were the most commonly cited reason for not taking a trip, according to Stats SA.
The finding points to the role household budgets play in travel decisions, even as domestic tourism expenditure continues to grow. For travellers looking to explore more of the country, day trips and shorter breaks may offer alternatives to longer, more expensive holidays, depending on transport and activity costs.
What the figures mean for domestic tourism
South Africa’s latest domestic tourism figures reveal a changing travel landscape. Although fewer day and overnight trips were recorded in 2025, spending increased by R2.6 billion, while Limpopo moved into first place among overnight destinations.
Gauteng retained its position as the leading province for day trips, and the Western Cape remained among the country’s most popular destinations for both day and overnight travel.
For travellers and tourism businesses alike, the findings offer a snapshot of where South Africans are going, why they travel and how much they spend. They also highlight the importance of accessible travel options as affordability continues to influence decisions about exploring the country.
Source: Statistics South Africa, Domestic Tourism Survey (DTS), 2025. Read the report and key findings on the Stats SA website.
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