Forget Asia: Aussies are quietly obsessed with this unexpected travel hotspot

When flight routes across the Middle East were grounded earlier this year, thousands of Australians were left asking a simple question: where to next?

While many looked to Asia, an unexpected contender quietly stole the show.

In June alone, 12,000 Australians landed in South Africa, a massive 19 per cent uptick compared to the same month the previous year.

Statistics South Africa figures show Australia was the third-highest tourist market, toppling Germany and joining the USA and UK in the top-three.

But it isn't just the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros and buffalo) bringing Aussies across the Indian Ocean.

From sunrise meerkat encounters and boutique wineries and deep community connections, South Africa is rapidly proving it can offer far more than a bucket-list safari.

Bookings for tour company G Adventures' National Geographic Journeys increased 26 per cent during the 12 months to July, with most of that growth occurring in April and May, after flights were grounded in the Middle East.

Sean Martin, the company's managing director APAC, says "a lot of Australians" pivoted to South Africa from Europe, North Africa and even Kenya and Tanzania.

"South Africa has traditionally been seen as a bucket list and expensive destination, which has deterred some Australians," Martin tells Explore.

With renewed drive, Aussies are locking in their safari holidays and Cape Town visits, but they're also looking beyond these for immersive experiences unique to South Africa.

A popular stop on G Adventure tours is the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Eden, a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees.

While the chance to spot some of the world's most incredible wildlife in their natural habitat draws travellers to South Africa, it's often the local people and community interactions that make it such a memorable destination, Martin says.

"There is strong demand for community tourism experiences, with travellers increasingly looking for authentic ways to connect with local people and ensure their spending stays within the destinations they're visiting," he says.

"There are communities that live alongside the wildlife year-round and play a vital role in protecting it, so it's encouraging to see more travellers recognising the importance of supporting them."

Bookings with Bunnik Tours were up 60 per cent for the year ending in June, compared to the same period the previous year.

Joint-CEO, Sacha Bunnik, believes the growth is due to an increased interest in the destination itself, rather than a response to Middle East flight disruptions.

"I think a big part of it is that Australians are looking for somewhere a bit different. A lot of people have already done Europe or Asia, so South Africa feels like a real adventure without being too daunting," Bunnik tells Explore.

"It's also surprisingly good value for money, and if you're flying from Perth it's only around an 11-hour flight."

Wine regions like Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands are becoming a "real drawcard", with travellers surprised by the quality of the wine, food and scenery.

Tammy Chaplin, director at Remarkable Africa, says self-drive trips are popular with Australians visiting South Africa.

Driving in South Africa is similar to Australia: you keep to the left of the road in a right-hand-drive car, and speed limits are in kilometres.

Chaplin says a road trip in South Africa combines "exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, fantastic hospitality, outdoor experiences and a relaxed, informal culture that Australians generally relate easily to".

"Within one trip you can experience stunning coastlines, mountains, vineyards, vibrant cities and of course go on game drives to witness unique and extraordinary African wildlife," she says.

"It also has a great food and wine scene that's an affordable element to the holiday, friendly and welcoming people and an interesting mix in history and culture."