Cheapflights.co.uk reveals a dramatic surge is searches to South Africa and neighbouring African countries

Cheapflights.co.uk, the UK’s leading flight price comparison site has revealed a trend for holidaying in Africa based on the results of its latest Rising Stars series, which compares search results for 100 frequently searched African destinations in the first six months of 2009 against the same period for 2010.

At the very top of the list is Ndola, Zambia, with an astounding 593% popularity increase, followed closely by Bloemfontein, South Africa, where one of the England games took place at 386%, and Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, with 136%.

“The World Cup really put Africa in the limelight with fans looking beyond, where games were held, spreading their interest among the entire continent as a holiday destination,” says Nadine Hallak, Travel Expert for Cheapflights.co.uk

“Mid-haul, non-Euro zone destinations like Egypt and Morocco have been gaining in popularity for the last few years because of the value for money, they offer. Now, the British love for football and winter sun have combined to extend appeal to other parts of Africa.” adds Hallak.

While Aswan in Egypt holds strong in seventh place with 102%, it was preceded by Khartoum, Sudan, in sixth place with 112% increase.

The top five of the list are ranked below in order, seeing a tie between Libreville, Gabon and Brazzaville from the Republic of Congo in fourth and fifth place:

Ranking, Destination, Percentage change over 2009

1 Ndola, Zambia 593%
2 Bloemfontein, South Africa 386%
3 Malabo, Equatorial Guinea 136%
4 Libreville, Gabon 120%
5 Brazzaville, Republic of Congo 120%

The five cities below saw the lowest increase in popularity from 2009 to 2010 with Kano, Nigeria, showing a 51% drop, and Ouarzazate, Morocco, with a 40% drop.

Ranking, Destination, Percentage change over 2009

46 Maseru, Losotho -21%
47 Marsa Alam, Egypt -28%
48 Boa Vista, Cape Verde -31%
49 Ouarzazate, Morocco -40%
50 Kano, Nigeria -51%