Overtourism is a growing problem for many destinations around the world, one of which could be a popular African country loved by visitors from the UK and visitors all over the world. South Africa is known for its bustling cities such as Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, as well as its most popular safari destinations. However, certain areas of sunny countries may suffer from too many visitors, some compliance suggests.
In 2024, South Africa received an impressive 8.92 million international tourists, the country's government reports. After Africans, Europeans make up the largest number of international tourists to visit this exciting country. However, some South Africans may feel the impact of overtourism, just like residents of countries such as Spain and Portugal. Overtourism has been a hot topic in conversation these days, with locals at British popular destinations protesting high visitor numbers over the past few years.
But did South Africa head in the same way? Well, some people think so. When it comes to Kruger National Park, it's especially worrying for some.
Concerns have been raised about the impact on the increase in tourism to the national park, spanning 19,000 square kilometres, making it an impressive and impressive thing. The park is one of South Africa's most populous attractions for international visitors, known for being home to the “Big Five” of African animals. Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros.
Michael Brett, a lecturer at the University of Zulland, argues that too much trust is being cast on the income generated from Kruger National Park. He said: “One of the core doctrines of ecotourism is that it is not mass tourism. Large visitors are thought to be incompatible with the brand's tourism, as many visitors can disrupt animal behavior and cause many problems.”
Meanwhile, frustration has been expressed in Cape Town, one of South Africa's capitals. In Bo-Kaap's trendy neighborhoods, locals seem tired of tourist buses in the area.
Last year, a group of local residents protested outside the Bocup Museum last year, calling for a halt of “exploitation” in the area. “Tourism has become a Bo-Kaap attraction, but it's a double-rimmed sword,” said Osman Shaboodien, chairman of the Bo-Kaap Civic and Ratepayers Association and one of the organizers of the demonstration.
“There's a tourist problem with Bo-kaap. First, it's beyond tourism. There's too many to come here. Secondly… it has a very narrow street and can't accommodate these buses. And thirdly, there's no place for them to park.”
Many cities and sunny destinations around the world are suffering from huge debate, locals said. Such cities include places such as Barcelona and Venice.
Regarding Torism in Africa in general, Mefi Pishori Alapat, Safari Designer of Journey To Afraic to Africa, said in an interview with Travel Weekly:
“It's not good for wildlife as guests compete for the best places.”
