South Africa Joins Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria in Domestic Tourism Boom Fueling Africa’s Holiday Growth

As the 2025-2026 holiday season reaches its peak, a transformative trend is reshaping the African economic landscape: the explosive rise of domestic tourism. While international arrivals have long been the focus of ministry press releases, the true story of this year’s festive success lies within the borders of the nations themselves.

According to a report published by Travel And Tour World, on January 5, South Africa joins Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Algeria, Tanzania, and more as domestic tourism experiences significant growth across Africa this holiday season. This movement represents a fundamental shift in how Africans consume leisure, driven by a burgeoning middle class, improved regional infrastructure, and a collective desire to explore the diverse heritage sites and scenic wonders located right in their backyards.

The backbone of this domestic surge is the aviation sector. Across the continent, airlines have adjusted their schedules to meet an unprecedented demand for leisure and business connectivity.

 

South Africa: The Undisputed Giant

South Africa maintains its position as the industry leader in internal travel, dominating the continent’s domestic aviation market and boasting approximately 1.8 million scheduled seats for this holiday period. The “Golden Triangle” route, connecting Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, remains one of the busiest corridors in the world. This capacity is a testament to the country’s robust infrastructure and economic stability, which allows for a high volume of both corporate and holiday traffic.

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Nigeria: High Demand vs. Operational Hurdles

Ranked as the second-largest domestic market, Nigeria presents a complex picture. While the appetite for travel remains insatiable, the country saw a 7.5% decrease in available seats compared to December 2024. This contraction isn’t due to a lack of interest but rather systemic challenges. Rising operational expenses and limited aircraft availability have made it difficult for local carriers to scale, leading to higher airfares that have slightly dampened the potential for even greater growth.

 

Kenya: The East African Hub

Kenya holds the third spot with roughly 470,000 seats scheduled this season. The Nairobi-to-Mombasa route has seen a significant spike in flight frequencies, serving as a vital artery for holidaymakers heading to the coast. Kenya’s success stems from its dual identities as a premier safari destination and a bustling regional business centre.

 

Tanzania and the “Zanzibar Effect”

Tanzania has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets, with capacity surging to over 415,000 seats. Much of this is attributed to the “Zanzibar Effect”, where residents are increasingly flying to the archipelago for short breaks. Improved connectivity between Dar es Salaam and upcountry cities has also fuelled this impressive expansion.

While many nations are celebrating growth, others are in a period of strategic transition.

Egypt and Algeria: Northern Africa is seeing steady progress. Algeria has scheduled over 388,000 seats, focusing on connecting its vast territory. Egypt, while internationally focused, maintained a solid domestic presence with 391,000 seats, reflecting a balanced growth strategy.

Morocco: The kingdom’s domestic capacity has reached 240,000 seats. Morocco is successfully leveraging its modern rail and air networks to move travellers between cultural hubs like Marrakech and the Atlantic coast.

Ethiopia and the DRC: In contrast, Ethiopia saw a slight decline as it shifted focus toward optimising its massive international hub in Addis Ababa. Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to face steep declines due to infrastructure limitations and political instability, highlighting the stark logistical challenges inherent in Africa’s larger, underdeveloped markets.

 

The Economic Ripple Effect

The rise in local travel is more than just a win for airlines; it is a vital driver of economic recovery. When residents travel domestically, the “tourism dollar” stays within the national economy, supporting local artisans, hotel staff, and independent tour operators. This holiday season has proven that internal markets can provide a reliable buffer against the volatility of international travel trends.

As the continent looks toward the future, the lessons from this festive season are clear: infrastructure, affordability, and connectivity are the keys to unlocking Africa’s full economic potential.

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Join us in preserving Nigeria’s cultural legacy and showcasing its tourism treasures for future generations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) And Answers

1. Why is domestic tourism growing so rapidly in Africa right now? 

Growth is driven by a combination of improved internal flight routes, better road and rail infrastructure, and a growing middle class with more disposable income for leisure. Additionally, post-pandemic travel habits have encouraged people to explore local destinations.

2. Which African country has the largest domestic flight market? 

South Africa remains the leader by a wide margin, with 1.8 million scheduled seats this holiday season, nearly four times the capacity of its nearest competitors.

3. What are the main challenges facing domestic aviation in Nigeria? 

Despite high demand, the Nigerian market struggles with high fuel costs, fluctuating currency values (making parts and maintenance expensive), and a limited number of operational aircraft.

4. How does domestic tourism benefit local communities?

It creates jobs in the hospitality and service sectors, supports local agriculture through food supply chains for hotels, and helps preserve cultural heritage by funding the maintenance of landmarks and museums.

5. Is domestic travel becoming more affordable in Africa? 

It varies by region. While competition in places like South Africa and Kenya helps keep prices stable, other markets like Nigeria and the DRC face high costs due to infrastructure and operational hurdles.