Sodwana, Perfect Holiday Home Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.86 - Revenue
- R 497,131
- Occupancy
- 33.6%
- Daily rate
- R 4,437
Airbnb market data · 202612 months to September 2026
The average Airbnb in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality brought in R 113,000 over the 12 months through September 2026, about 34% less than the KwaZulu-Natal average of R 169,945.
The short answer
Rates and bookings both trail the KwaZulu-Natal average. Listings averaged R 2,012 a night and were booked on 23% of available nights, against R 2,255 and 30% for the KwaZulu-Natal average.
Timing matters: in April, usually the best month, the average listing earns about 2.6 times as much as in June, usually the slowest. With only 31 active listings, a few bookings can reorder the months.
With 31 active listings, UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality is the 38th-largest of 51 KwaZulu-Natal markets AirROI tracks. From a year earlier, average revenue rose 29% while the number of active listings shrank 6%.
Browse the live UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Airbnb market See Every UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality ListingRevenue
Gross bookings per UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listing averaged R 113,000 over the 12 months to September 2026 (KwaZulu-Natal average: R 169,945), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
In a typical year, the average UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listing brings in R 22,900 in April, its best month, and R 8,690 in June, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 34% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
In a typical month, a top-quarter listing earns at least 6.2 times as much as a bottom-quarter one.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
April earns about 2.6 times what June does
Average revenue per active listing, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 14,400. Each point is one month as recorded, averaged over the listings active in it. The best and slowest months in the text average each calendar month over the past two years, so they can differ from the highest and lowest points here.
Latest 12 months in the September 2026 data. September's figures are still coming in, so the rows run to August.
April 2026 led on revenue. Nightly rates peaked in July 2026 and bookings in December 2025, so the best-paying month is not always the busiest or the priciest.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | RevPAR | Booking Lead Time | Avg. Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | R 9,024 | 13.5% | R 1,615 | R 301 | 56 days | 2.2 nights |
| Oct 2025 | R 15,607 | 24.4% | R 1,625 | R 503 | 69 days | 3.1 nights |
| Nov 2025 | R 15,048 | 29.0% | R 1,614 | R 502 | 77 days | 4.9 nights |
| Dec 2025 | R 20,763 | 37.2% | R 1,697 | R 670 | 96 days | 5.8 nights |
| Jan 2026 | R 15,008 | 24.0% | R 1,657 | R 484 | 57 days | 3.2 nights |
| Feb 2026 | R 17,202 | 28.1% | R 1,638 | R 614 | 70 days | 3.3 nights |
| Mar 2026 | R 15,326 | 21.1% | R 1,668 | R 494 | 47 days | 3.2 nights |
| Apr 2026 | R 20,924 | 28.8% | R 1,677 | R 697 | 103 days | 3.8 nights |
| May 2026 | R 10,195 | 17.1% | R 1,772 | R 329 | 33 days | 2.4 nights |
| Jun 2026 | R 10,768 | 19.1% | R 1,794 | R 359 | 30 days | 4.5 nights |
| Jul 2026 | R 19,015 | 25.1% | R 1,809 | R 613 | 67 days | 3.3 nights |
| Aug 2026 | R 13,129 | 19.0% | R 1,798 | R 424 | 99 days | 2.7 nights |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month of the 12. RevPAR is the month's revenue spread over its nights, booked or not. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in, and length of stay the nights per booking, for stays in that month.
These are market-wide figures. To see what one particular UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality home could earn, enter its address, bedrooms and guests in the Airbnb calculator; it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Yes, when it's run well. The average UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Airbnb took in R 113,000 in the 12 months to September 2026, an average that counts every active listing, including those open only part of the year. A listing in the top quarter took in about R 259,400, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about R 16,400 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any building or condo fees.
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Nightly bookings | R 111,700 | R 256,400 |
| Cleaning fees guests pay1% of UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality bookings | R 1,300 | R 3,000 |
| Gross bookings | R 113,000 | R 259,400 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's feeAbout 12%: 15.5% for the 74% of UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest | −R 13,900 | −R 31,800 |
| Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; R 0 if you clean yourself | −R 1,300 | −R 3,000 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −R 5,700 | −R 13,000 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −R 2,300 | −R 5,200 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −R 3,400 | −R 7,800 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −R 1,100 | −R 1,100 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −R 600 | −R 600 |
| ManagementR 0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | R 0 | R 0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | R 0 | R 0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | R 0 | R 0 |
| Total running costsAbout 24% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee | −R 28,300 | −R 62,500 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | R 84,700about R 7,100 a month | R 196,900about R 16,400 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, building or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
The estimate starts from UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about R 21,600 a month, against R 9,400 for the average one.
Occupancy
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings were booked on 23% of the nights they were open over the past year, 7 percentage points below the KwaZulu-Natal average (30%) and 12 points below the South Africa average (35%). In a typical year, occupancy climbs to 35% in December and falls to 16% in June.
The busiest tenth of listings are booked about 6.5 times as often as the bottom quarter.
December is usually the busiest month in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, June the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month, September 2024 to August 2026
Nightly rates
The average nightly rate in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, known as ADR (average daily rate), was R 2,012 over the past year, about 11% below the KwaZulu-Natal average of R 2,255 and about 17% below the South Africa average of R 2,425. Averaged month by month over the past two years, rates peak in June and July at about R 1,720 and bottom out in September and November at about R 1,550.
Prices span a wide range: the top 10% charge about four times the rate of the bottom quarter.
July rates run 11% above September's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 1,640. The 12-month ADR of R 2,012 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.
RevPAR, or revenue per available night, divides a listing's income by every night it was open to book, so it rises with both price and bookings. In UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality it averaged R 467 over the past year, from about R 290 in a typical June to about R 763 in a typical April.
Per open night, by tier:
April RevPAR is about 2.6 times June's
Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month, September 2024 to August 2026
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 475.
Seasonality
With only 31 active listings, the monthly pattern in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality is noisy, since a few long or pricey stays can lift a month; revenue has tended to peak in April and bottom out in June.
Average revenue by month in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality
Average revenue per active listing, each calendar month averaged over the past two years
The dashed line is the average of the 12 calendar months, R 14,400.
| Month | Revenue per listing |
|---|---|
| January | R 13,300 |
| February | R 17,800 |
| March | R 17,000 |
| April | R 22,900 |
| May | R 10,100 |
| June | R 8,690 |
| July | R 17,800 |
| August | R 13,100 |
| September | R 10,900 |
| October | R 12,200 |
| November | R 12,400 |
| December | R 17,000 |
Guests book UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality stays 67 days ahead on average (about two months), so guests here plan well ahead. December stays are booked furthest out, about 95 days ahead, and June stays closest to arrival, about 31 days. A typical December booking is made in mid-September.
December stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay, September 2024 to August 2026
The 12-month figure of 67 days averages each listing's year as a whole; each month here averages only the listings with stays in it.
Permits
None of the 31 active listings in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
Registration, permit, zoning and tourist-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the local authority before buying or listing in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality.
Neighborhoods
AirROI's area guide picks eight UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by uMkhuze Game Reserve, Kosi Bay and Jozini Dam. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| uMkhuze Game Reserve | A stunning nature reserve known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Perfect for eco-tourists and nature lovers looking to experience South Africa's rich biodiversity. | uMkhuze Game Reserve, Birdwatching, Safari tours, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Black and white rhinos |
| Kosi Bay | A breathtaking coastal area famous for its estuarine systems, pristine beaches, and biodiversity. Ideal for travelers looking for a serene escape and water activities. | Kosi Bay Estuary, Turtle nesting sites, Snorkeling, Fishing, St. Lucia Wetland Park |
| Jozini Dam | A major tourist destination for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The scenic dam attracts visitors for recreational activities and offers beautiful views of the Lebombo Mountains. | Jozini Dam, Boat cruises, Fishing, Wildlife safaris, Lebombo Mountains |
| St. Lucia | A vibrant town located near the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is perfect for visitors interested in nature, culture, and the outdoors. | iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Whale watching, St. Lucia Estuary, Cape Vidal, Cultural village tours |
| Mseleni | Known for its beautiful lake and scenic surroundings. A peaceful retreat for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. | Mseleni Lake, Nature trails, Fishing, Bird watching, Cultural experiences |
| Thulamahashe | A growing area with a combination of rural charm and access to natural attractions. It offers visitors an authentic South African experience. | Local markets, Cultural experiences, Nature walks, Nearby game reserves |
| Mhlabashane | A lesser-known gem with stunning landscapes and opportunities for outdoor exploration. It's perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. | Hiking trails, Birdwatching, Cultural experiences, Nature photography |
| Sihlahla | A vibrant township area that offers a glimpse into local life and culture. It’s an excellent spot for those interested in cultural tourism and local experiences. | Local community experiences, Cultural events, Traditional music and dance, Food markets |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Listings
Entire homes make up 65% of listings in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, alongside 11 private-room listings (35%). Houses are the most common property type at 65%, about 5 times the share of apartments and condos (13%).
Mostly entire homes, with a private-room segment
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Airbnb listings by room type
| Room type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Entire home | 64.5% | 20 |
| Private room | 35.5% | 11 |
Listings by property type
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Airbnb listings by property type
| Property type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| House | 64.5% | 20 |
| Apartment/Condo | 12.9% | 4 |
| Cabin/Outdoor | 12.9% | 4 |
| Hotel/Boutique | 6.5% | 2 |
| Others | 3.2% | 1 |
The most common size among UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality's 20 entire homes with a bedroom count is four bedrooms (6 homes).
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality entire homes by number of bedrooms
Entire homes with each number of bedrooms, of those with a bedroom count on file
| Bedrooms | Share of entire homes with a bedroom count | Entire homes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | 25.0% | 5 |
| 2 bedrooms | 25.0% | 5 |
| 3 bedrooms | 20.0% | 4 |
| 4 bedrooms | 30.0% | 6 |
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality is a group-trip market: 46% of listings sleep eight or more guests, about 2.8 times the share of the next most common size, six guests (17%). Shares are of the 24 listings with a guest capacity on file (77% of the market).
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings by guest capacity
Share of listings by the number of guests they sleep, of those with a capacity on file
| Guest capacity | Share of listings with a capacity on file | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 2 guests | 8.3% | 2 |
| 3 guests | 12.5% | 3 |
| 4 guests | 8.3% | 2 |
| 5 guests | 4.2% | 1 |
| 6 guests | 16.7% | 4 |
| 7 guests | 4.2% | 1 |
| 8+ guests | 45.8% | 11 |
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality hosts set up an average of 4.5 beds per listing, roughly two for every bedroom. About a quarter of listings (26%) show their exact location on the listing map; the rest show an approximate area.
Pools are common in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality: 68% of listings have one, and 94% offer free parking on site.
Share of UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings with each common amenity
Guests
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality runs on foreign visitors: two-thirds of guests who left reviews live outside South Africa. France sends the most guests from abroad, with 20% of reviewers, ahead of the United Kingdom at 17%. English is spoken by 60% of guests, and French by 10%.
66% of UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality guests come from abroad
Where guests who left reviews live
Where UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality guests come from: top cities
Share of guests who left reviews
| Origin city | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| Pretoria | 11.4% |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 5.7% |
| Limoges | 2.9% |
| Oslo | 2.9% |
Where UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality guests come from: top countries
Share of guests who left reviews
| Origin country | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 34.3% |
| France | 20.0% |
| United Kingdom | 17.1% |
| United States | 8.6% |
| Germany | 2.9% |
Languages spoken by UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality guests
Share of guests who left reviews
| Language | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| English | 60.0% |
| French | 10.0% |
| Chinese | 5.0% |
| Spanish | 5.0% |
| Afrikaans | 5.0% |
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Airbnbs average 4.81 stars, and 23% of listings hold Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge. The category scores are tightly bunched, and value for money is the lowest, at 4.78. Review histories are short, about 10 per listing, so a few stays can move a listing's score.
Communication scores highest in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality; value is lowest
Average guest rating out of 5 by category; the bars start at 4.0
| Category | Average rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 4.86 |
| Cleanliness | 4.79 |
| Communication | 4.89 |
| Location | 4.85 |
| Check-in | 4.84 |
| Value | 4.78 |
Booking patterns
All UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings are open to guests more than 180 days a year, but none are booked or blocked that many days. The most common booked-or-blocked total is 31 to 90 days a year, covering 55% of listings; blocked nights include any the host closes off.
Days a year UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings are open to guests
Share of listings by days a year
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 87.1% | 27 |
| 181-270 days | 12.9% | 4 |
Days a year UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings are booked or blocked
Share of listings by days a year
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 91-180 days | 16.1% | 5 |
| 31-90 days | 54.8% | 17 |
| 1-30 days | 29.0% | 9 |
The average UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality booking lasts 4 nights, longest in December and shortest in May. Listings took about 12 bookings each over the year. About nine in ten listings that give a check-in time set it at 2 p.m., with check-out usually at 10 a.m.
Average length of stay by month in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality
Average nights per booking, by month of stay
Two-year average by calendar month.
All listings in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality accept stays of one or two nights.
Minimum stay set by UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings
Share of listings by the shortest stay they accept, from one night to 30 or more
Firm is the most common cancellation policy in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, used by 55% of listings; it refunds guests in full only if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in. Hosts here lean strict: about seven in ten listings use Firm or stricter terms, against 26% on Flexible or Moderate.
Cancellation policies of UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings, from most to least flexible
Share of listings by the policy they use
Nearly four in ten UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings charge a cleaning fee. Fees here tend to be small: for listings that charge one, cleaning fees make up only about 1% of gross revenue.
Top earners
The top-grossing Airbnb in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, a four-bedroom home, took in R 497,000 over the past year, about 4.4 times the city's average of R 113,000.
Sodwana, Perfect Holiday Home Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.86
37 Sodwana Bay Lodge Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.81
Thongaland Turtle Lodge - Forest Hideaway House Entire home · 2 bedrooms Rated 5.00
Librodi Lodge House 10 Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 5.00
Cabins Sodwana Bay #antibootika (Daily cleaning) Entire home · 3 bedrooms Rated 4.75
Librodi Lodge Unit 10a Entire home · 2 bedrooms Rated 5.00 Only 3% of UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings are classed as professionally managed. Superhosts run 42% of listings. Airbnb's Simplified Pricing, where the host pays the whole service fee and guests see one price with no separate Airbnb charge, covers 74% of listings.
Nearby markets
Of the three nearby markets in the table, all within 84 km, Malongane (54 km away, 54 listings) earned the most per listing, about 2.5 times as much as UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ponta do Ouro Mozambique · 52 km | 167 | R 214,729 | R 3,292 | 25% |
| Malongane Mozambique · 54 km | 54 | R 286,460 | R 3,825 | 28% |
| The Big Five False Bay Local Municipality 84 km | 50 | R 168,570 | R 2,042 | 26% |
See all 51 KwaZulu-Natal Airbnb markets
Markets elsewhere in South Africa with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality:
FAQ
An active UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Airbnb grossed R 113,000 on average in the 12 months to September 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 31 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in R 20,500 or more in a typical month.
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings earn between R 3,290 and R 20,500 in a typical month, and the top tenth R 34,900 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb income calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
Listings in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality were booked on 23% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 30% for the KwaZulu-Natal average. December is usually the busiest month.
The average booked night in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality cost R 2,012 before fees. Half of listings charge between R 815 and R 2,220, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
None of the active UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and tourist-tax rules with the local authority before buying.
Yes, when it's run well. The average UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Airbnb grossed R 113,000 in the 12 months to September 2026, 34% below the KwaZulu-Natal average of R 169,945, counting listings open only part of the year. A listing at the top-quarter mark, run by its owner with the cleaning fee covering the cleaner and everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, has about R 16,400 a month left before the mortgage or rent, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit. Check a specific home in the Airbnb estimator.
April usually pays best, averaging R 22,900 per active listing over the past two years, and June usually pays least. The month-by-month table above shows how the latest 12 months played out.
Each night a UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality listing was open to book earned R 467 on average over the past year, booked or not. That figure, revenue per available night (RevPAR), folds price and occupancy into one number; the top 10% of listings made R 944 or more.
UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality stays were booked 67 days (about two months) before arrival on average over the past year, so a listing that opens its calendar late misses many bookings.
The average UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Airbnb stay lasted 4 nights over the past year. A listing took 12 reservations over the year on average.
Guests rate UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality Airbnbs 4.81 out of 5 on average. Guests score communication highest and value lowest.
uMkhuze Game Reserve, Kosi Bay and Jozini Dam draw the most short-term rental interest in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
AirROI counted 31 active Airbnb listings in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality as of September 2026. The closest tracked market is Ponta do Ouro, 52 km away.
In UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, nearly four in ten listings add a cleaning fee, and the fees tend to be small: for listings that charge one, they make up only about 1% of gross revenue.
Method
Figures on this page cover 31 active Airbnb listings in UMhlabuyalingana Local Municipality from October 2025 to September 2026 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. AirROI measures bookings in US dollars; this page shows them in South African rand at R 16.6 per US$, the typical rate from October 2025 to September 2026. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.