RV tourism spikes 33% in Southern Africa as Spain’s camper market booms

CamperDays reports a 33% rise in self‑drive safari trips by motorhome in southern Africa during 2026, driven by travelers seeking flexible, nature‑focused holidays. The growth is concentrated in Namibia and Botswana, where the platform offers rentals for independent routes through national parks such as Etosha, the Namib Desert, the Okavango Delta and Chobe. Namibia’s tourism ministry notes stable international arrivals above 1.21 million, with almost half visiting for leisure, while Botswana recorded over 1.18 million tourists, highlighting the popularity of 4×4 self‑drive safaris.

In Spain’s Galicia region, camper‑rental firms Amanece donde quieras and Mil Caravanas say demand remains strong, especially among families with children and older couples. Customers, largely from Galicia but also from Portugal, the Canary and Balearic Islands, and occasional visitors from Germany and the UK, book weekly to monthly rentals at €100‑€170 per day. Both companies emphasise unlimited kilometres, included cleaning and a fleet of modern vehicles, with one operator even offering a handcrafted Galician‑built camper.

The parallel trends illustrate expanding interest in mobile, off‑grid travel across both continents, boosting local tourism economies and reshaping how visitors experience natural landscapes.