Press PagesWhy more South Africans choose local travel solutions — and why it matters

As more South Africans choose road trips over runways, domestic travel is enjoying a powerful resurgence. From the misty peaks of the Drakensberg to the wild, sun-drenched beaches of the South Coast, we are rediscovering the joy of exploring our own backyard. Leading this movement is LekkeSlaap, a homegrown booking platform that has firmly established itself as the nation’s favourite way to book accommodation.

Redefining local travel with LekkeSlaap

A local platform that connects millions of travellers to thousands of accommodation options countrywide, LekkeSlaap has spent the last 12 years redefining the way South Africans book local holidays. By combining an easy-to-use booking app with local travel expertise, diverse accommodation options and customer service you can count on, it’s no wonder the platform has been recognised as South Africa’s Leading Online Travel Agency in the World Travel Awards every year since 2022. Whether you’re after a luxury bush lodge, a beachside holiday home, a guesthouse in a small town, or a hotel in the heart of the city, LekkeSlaap has you covered.

Founded in 2013, the company has positioned itself as the go-to solution for finding a wide range of stays across the country. They currently offer more than 35,000 accommodation options nationwide, including holiday homes, hotels, B&Bs, game lodges, resorts, guesthouses and more. The app offers easy browsing, real customer reviews, and a no-frills booking process, all designed to make your trip planning smooth and stress-free.


Trust built by locals, for locals

One of the key elements that sets LekkeSlaap apart is the power of its community. With hundreds of thousands of verified reviews written by South Africans, you can book with confidence knowing you’re getting honest, firsthand feedback from people who travel the way you do. These real reviews offer insight into what to expect—from the friendliness of the host to the comfort of the beds—helping you make informed choices and avoid nasty surprises. Paired with the platform’s unparalleled customer support from dedicated South African employees, it’s the local wisdom, shared openly, that makes every stay feel a little more familiar.

Why the local part matters

As South Africa’s largest local platform for accommodation, LekkeSlaap is a key player in ensuring the tourism industry remains a vital contributor to the local economy. Critically, booking through a homegrown platform guarantees that every cent you spend towards your booking stays circulating right here in South Africa, growing our local economy one holiday at a time. However, the positive impact of choosing a local platform like LekkeSlaap to book a holiday extends far beyond just the booking itself.


Booking a local holiday through a local platform sets in motion a powerful ripple effect. It starts with a tank of petrol at a small-town service station, flows into the till of a roadside coffee shop, and helps a farmer sell fresh produce at a bustling farm stall. At the destination, the impact deepens: you check into a guesthouse or holiday home, book a tour with a local guide, and dine at a family-run restaurant. While each spend may seem small, with thousands of people using LekkeSlaap each month, they sustain livelihoods, create jobs, and fuel the local tourism economy, leaving an impact that lasts far beyond the holiday itself across the nation.

An accommodation app for every South African

What started as a simple booking platform in 2013 has become a cornerstone of local travel in South Africa. Today, LekkeSlaap is not just a booking app; it’s a gateway built for every South African to explore this beautiful nation. It embraces all of us, catering to every budget and travel style—from a family looking for a small cottage in the Drakensberg, to a couple seeking a luxury villa in the Winelands, or a solo traveller discovering a rustic farm stay in the Karoo. As a proudly South African platform, it reflects the diverse fabric of our nation. So, when you plan your next local adventure, you’re not just booking a holiday; you’re joining a collective effort to explore our shared home, celebrate its people, and ensure the wealth of our tourism circulates right here for the benefit of all.

LekkeSlaap’s free mobile app is available for download on The App Store, Google Play and Huawei App Gallery. Download the LekkeSlaap app today and easily book your next local holiday.

This post was sponsored by LekkeSlaap and produced by Brand Story for News24.