Safari kings: SA leads 2026 bookings, Brazil and Gulf flights power healthy tourism year

South Africa has claimed the top spot for safari bookings in 2026, new data shows – and it’s just one part of a tourism surge being driven by Brazilian arrivals and expanded airline capacity.

South Africa's tourism surge is driven by Brazilian arrivals and expanded airline capacity If you’re an international traveller planning a safari for the rest of 2026, chances are you’ve already looked at South Africa, and recent data shows that scores of other international ors share that sentiment.“South Africa offers what very few destinations can: genuine wildlife, world-class wine country, iconic cities and extraordinary value, all in one itinerary and one favourable exchange rate,” Gillis says, adding that Brazilian travellers are arriving “with an appetite for exactly the safari, coastal and cultural experiences this country does best”.