Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Mbombela? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Mbombela:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Mbombela?
The short-term rental market in Mbombela shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $537 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $1,153 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $2,263+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $228
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Mbombela
The market in Mbombela shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 22% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 38% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 59%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 11%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Mbombela
Daily rates in Mbombela vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $62 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $120 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $190+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $43
Daily Rate Variations by Month
Get Live Mbombela Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Seasonality patterns in Mbombela
Peak Season (December, March, May)
- Revenue peaks at $1186.22 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 35.91%
- Daily rates average $104.74
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $967.59 per month
- Occupancy maintains 27.42%
- Daily rates hold at $97.90
Low Season (July, August, January)
- Revenue drops to $802.54 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 23.76%
- Daily rates adjust to $94.45
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Mbombela in 2025?
Yes! Mbombela demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 27% and monthly revenue averaging $968 and As a mature market with 551 active listings, there's strong demand despite the competition. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Mbombela
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Nelspruit Central | The administrative hub of Mpumalanga, Nelspruit Central offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's ideal for business travelers and tourists exploring the Kruger National Park. | Lowveld Botanical Garden, Nelspruit Railway Station, I'langa Mall, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit Nature Reserve |
| White River | A picturesque town located near the Kruger National Park, White River is known for its lush scenery and outdoor activities. It's perfect for visitors looking to relax in nature or engage in adventurous activities. | Cascades Waterfall, The White River Gallery, River Crocodile Ranch, Pine Lake Marina, The Elephant Sanctuary |
| Kruger National Park | One of Africa's largest game reserves, Kruger National Park is a major draw for tourists. Hosting an Airbnb nearby offers unique safari experiences, making it a prime location for nature enthusiasts. | Big Five Game Viewing, Shingwedzi Game Reserve, Skukuza Airport, Blyde River Canyon, Manyeleti Game Reserve |
| Hazyview | Known for its proximity to Kruger National Park and adventure activities such as zip-lining and river rafting. Hazyview attracts families and adventure seekers looking for fun experiences. | Sabi River Rafting, The Elephant Sanctuary, Mac Mac Falls, Hazyview Adventure Centre, Kruger Park Lodge |
| Sabie | Famous for stunning waterfalls and hiking trails, Sabie is a favorite for nature lovers. Its scenic beauty and quaint town atmosphere make it a great choice for hosting visitors. | Lone Creek Falls, Mac Mac Falls, Sudwala Caves, Forest Falls, Blyde River Canyon |
| Mbombela Stadium Area | Home to the impressive Mbombela Stadium, this area attracts sports fans and concert-goers. It's an excellent location for visitors attending events at the stadium. | Mbombela Stadium, Riverside Mall, Nelspruit Nature Reserve, Lowveld Botanical Garden, Govender Park |
| Barberton | Rich in history and natural beauty, Barberton offers a glimpse into gold mining history and access to scenic mountain views. It's perfect for tourists seeking history and nature. | Barberton Museum, Makhonjwa Mountains, Bamboo Mountain, Barberton Nature Reserve, The Gold Mining Route |
| KaNyamazane | A vibrant township outside Mbombela, KaNyamazane offers a different cultural experience. Travelers can engage with local culture and community initiatives, providing a unique stay. | Local Markets, Cultural Tours, Community Projects, Traditional Cuisine, Arts and Crafts Workshops |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Mbombela?
We recommend checking directly with Mbombela's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (1% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Mbombela
Enjojo Bushveld Escape near Kruger
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Ruzelle airbnb close to the Kruger National Park.
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Tinkers Lakeside Lodge pvt villa near Kruger
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Fever Tree Villa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
21 Wildfig - Live with Nature (with Power Backup)
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Golf View - 17 St Andrews
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Mbombela
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joey | 27 | $493,078 | 284 | 3.78/5.0 |
| Hilton | 12 | $306,585 | 555 | 4.82/5.0 |
| Liezel | 1 | $116,048 | 37 | 4.97/5.0 |
| Marco And Louisa | 7 | $91,496 | 221 | 4.14/5.0 |
| Liselle | 5 | $85,644 | 27 | 2.83/5.0 |
| Hendrik Erasmus Sterrenberg | 1 | $72,152 | 71 | 4.99/5.0 |
| RnR Holidays | 4 | $71,274 | 29 | 4.43/5.0 |
| Cristel | 3 | $68,143 | 59 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Lorrain | 1 | $66,220 | 93 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Celesti | 4 | $65,217 | 272 | 4.71/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Mbombela
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (71%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 65.1% of inventory
- Strong specialty sector (26.6%) combining boutique hotels, unique stays, and outdoor accommodations indicates market maturity and premium opportunities
- Untapped potential in unique stays segments (0.5% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 551 properties in Mbombela shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 41% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 60.3% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (41%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (4.4%)
- Market concentration: 60.3% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 551 properties in Mbombela reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 32.1% of all listings. The average property accommodates 3.9 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 50.5% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (32.1% of market)
- Least common capacity: 7 guests (0.7% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 3.9 guests per property
- Market concentration: 50.5% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 551 properties in Mbombela, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (64.6% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 31-90 days (35.4% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (64.6%)
- Most common booking duration: 31-90 days (35.4%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 88.9%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 12.0%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
372 listings
72.8% of total
2 Nights
95 listings
18.6% of total
3 Nights
19 listings
3.7% of total
4-6 Nights
4 listings
0.8% of total
7-29 Nights
1 listings
0.2% of total
30+ Nights
20 listings
3.9% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 91.4%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 0.8% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (3.9%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 95.1% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Non-refundable
69 listings
15.8% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
1 listings
0.2% of total
Refundable
64 listings
14.6% of total
Flexible
113 listings
25.9% of total
Moderate
79 listings
18.1% of total
Firm
52 listings
11.9% of total
Strict
59 listings
13.5% of total
Key Insights
- Flexible is the preferred policy at 25.9% of listings
- The market shows a balanced distribution between guest-friendly (44.0%) and strict (25.4%) policies
- Strong market consensus around Flexible policies
- Super Strict 30 Days policies are least common at 0.2% of listings
Recommendations
- Market supports various policies - choose based on your property type and target guests
- Strong market preference for Flexible policies suggests this should be your baseline
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Dec, Jun, Oct, averaging 61 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Jan, May, Feb, averaging 46 days
- Summer shows the longest average booking window at 54 days, while Spring has the shortest at 50 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Summer bookings at least 54 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Spring to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Jan-Feb when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Mbombela
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Mbombela:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 72.7% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: Germany (4.6%) and United States (4%)
- English is the top language at 65.6%, followed by Afrikaans (17.6%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 2.9%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Johannesburg and Pretoria markets
- Develop localized content for Germany and United States
- Prioritize English and Afrikaans language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Mbombela. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bushbuckridge | 30 | $1,687 | $562.48 | 21% |
| Nkomazi | 473 | $1,426 | $147.97 | 37% |
| Malongane | 49 | $1,407 | $205.78 | 27% |
| Malkerns | 16 | $1,244 | $105.07 | 39% |
| Ponta do Ouro | 129 | $1,147 | $189.15 | 25% |
| Emakhazeni Local Municipality | 344 | $1,107 | $156.48 | 26% |
| Maruleng Local Municipality | 217 | $1,064 | $149.14 | 32% |
| Maputo | 121 | $588 | $81.96 | 33% |
| Maputo | 107 | $574 | $84.57 | 36% |
| Thaba Chweu Local Municipality | 163 | $512 | $87.86 | 25% |
How is your STR performing?
Your vacation rental may be amazing, but is it better than your competition? Enjoy the best-in-class AI-powered analytics for free!
Discover Insights