South African accommodation booking platform Afristay has confirmed that it closed its business operations in early 2025.

A well-known name in South Africa’s online travel and accommodation space has officially closed its doors. Afristay, a homegrown e-commerce company specialising in short-term stays and holiday rentals, has confirmed it ceased operations in early 2025.

Originally launched as a proudly South African alternative to global platforms like Airbnb, Afristay quickly became a go-to booking service for thousands of local and international travellers. The platform offered a wide variety of accommodation types—from coastal beach houses to cosy farm cottages—through a user-friendly interface designed specifically with South African users in mind.

Afristay’s business model mirrored that of LekkeSlaap and Airbnb by connecting travellers with hosts offering self-catering, guest house, and B&B options. What set the platform apart, however, was its deep focus on the South African market. Afristay prioritised ease of use, local customer support, and a seamless booking process that catered to both tech-savvy and traditional users.

Despite its loyal user base and niche positioning, the company cited evolving market dynamics, increasing operational costs, and heightened competition in the digital travel space as factors that led to the difficult decision to wind down.

For many, Afristay was more than just a booking platform—it was a trusted partner in planning memorable getaways across South Africa. Its closure marks a significant shift in the local travel-tech landscape, and the gap it leaves behind will undoubtedly be felt by hosts and travellers alike.

Adapted from www.mybroadband.co.za