Why more people are visiting South Africa instead of Brazil
South Africa vs Brazil: Why more travellers are choosing the smaller country over the larger one.
A closer look at the surprising tourism gap between two giants of the Southern Hemisphere
If you glance at the numbers, it’s a bit surprising. South Africa, with a population of just under 65 million, welcomed nearly 9 million international tourists in 2024. Brazil, with over 212 million people and a larger landmass, only saw about 6.6 million visitors. On paper, that doesn’t make much sense. Brazil is closer to Europe and North America, has a lower crime rate overall, and has all that endless Amazon jungle and world-famous beaches. So why are tourists flocking to South Africa instead?
Location Isn’t Everything
Yes, Brazil is closer to Europe, but South Africa has a few things going for it geographically. Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban are well-connected international hubs. Many flights from Europe and even the Middle East make stops in South Africa. That accessibility makes a difference for travellers looking for a straightforward trip.
Brazil, by contrast, feels huge. If you fly into São Paulo, a trip to the Amazon or the Pantanal can take hours—or even a small internal flight. Tourists often prefer destinations where multiple experiences are close together.
Safety and Perception
Crime rates are tricky to compare, because the numbers don’t always tell the full story. South Africa does have areas with high crime, but the popular tourist spots—Kruger National Park, Cape Town’s Table Mountain, the Garden Route—are relatively safe and well-managed. Tourists rarely stray into the high-risk zones.
Brazil has lower overall crime statistics, but stories about pickpocketing, scams, or occasional violence in major cities like Rio or São Paulo tend to dominate travel forums. Perception matters, and sometimes it matters more than reality.
Nature in Bite-Sized Pieces
South Africa is famous for its wildlife. You can see the “Big Five” in a single day at a game reserve. Kruger National Park and Addo Elephant Park make it easy for first-time visitors to experience Africa’s wildlife without months of planning.
Brazil’s nature is epic, but it’s sprawling. To see the Amazon, you often need weeks of travel. Beaches, cities, and the rainforest are spread out. For someone with limited vacation days, South Africa feels more doable.
A Stronger Tourism Infrastructure
South Africa has spent decades focusing on tourism. Guided tours, safari lodges, wine regions, and city attractions are polished and ready for visitors. English is widely spoken, signage is clear, and booking is simple.
Brazil has plenty to offer, but navigating it can be trickier. Portuguese is essential outside major tourist spots, and services aren’t always geared for international travellers. That extra effort can discourage people who just want a smooth trip.
So, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Brazil is enormous, diverse, and stunning—but its size, travel logistics, and sometimes daunting perception of safety make it a tougher sell. South Africa, smaller and more concentrated, with strong infrastructure and iconic wildlife experiences, ends up being easier for tourists to access and enjoy.
Next time you’re scrolling travel blogs, don’t be surprised if South Africa pops up more than Brazil. Sometimes, convenience and experience trump sheer scale.
