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South Africa is one of Africa’s top safari destinations, offering pristine wilderness areas and abundant wildlife. If you’re planning a safari, knowing how to get there by air is essential. Here’s a guide on flying to South Africa from around the world and an overview of its main airports.
International Flights to South Africa
Most international travellers reach South Africa by flying into one of the country’s three major international airports, in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Durban. To get to Kruger and its surroundings, safari-goers can hop on a domestic flight to Eastgate Airport in Limpopo or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or take a scheduled charter flight to an available airstrip close to their chosen national park or game reserve.
Flights from Europe
There are several European airlines that offer flights to South Africa. British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and Air France all offer direct flights from Europe to both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Lufthansa offers direct flights to Johannesburg. South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa, connects European hubs to major South African destinations.
Flights from North America
Travellers can fly directly to either Johannesburg or Cape Town from Atlanta, USA, with Delta Air Lines. United Airlines also provides direct flights from Washington to Cape Town. SAA connects South Africa to various North American destinations, including New York. There are currently no direct flights to South Africa from Canada – this route is usually operated by multiple airlines and includes at least one stop in either Europe or the United Arab Emirates.
Flights from Asia and the United Arab Emirates
Cathay Pacific offers direct flights from Hong Kong to Johannesburg, as well as flights to Cape Town with a stopover. Turkish Airlines offers direct flights from Istanbul to both Johannesburg and Cape Town. Other airlines offering flights to South Africa from Asia with a stopover include Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air China, Etihad Airways, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines. From the Middle East, airlines that fly to South Africa are Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways from their hubs in Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
Flights from Australia
Qantas offers direct flights from Sydney, Australia, to Johannesburg, while SAA flies directly from Perth to Johannesburg. Flights to Cape Town include a layover. There are other airlines that fly between Australia and South Africa, but they do include layovers in major hubs.
South Africa’s Major Airports
OR Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg
Situated in Johannesburg, OR Tambo is the busiest airport in Africa! From here, many national parks and game reserves are just a road transfer away. From this airport, you can take domestic flights to other cities in South Africa as well as scheduled charter flights to safari destinations. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport – an airport servicing the Kruger region – is a short flight away.
Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport is the second busiest airport in the country and the gateway to South Africa’s prestigious wine routes, sublime coastal destinations like Hermanus (known for whale watching and marine safaris), and the stunning Namaqualand flower route. From this airport, you’re able to catch regional flights to safari destinations, including to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
King Shaka International Airport – Durban
The main airport for the KwaZulu-Natal province, King Shaka International Airport, is the first stop on a trip to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, and the Drakensberg Mountains.
Charter Flights and Light Aircraft Transfers
Many safari lodges in South Africa’s remote areas are accessible via light aircraft flights. Operators like FedAir can transport you to the doorstep of South Africa’s best safari destinations, including Madikwe Game Reserve, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Kruger National Park, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, and others.
Tips for Flying to South Africa
- Book flights early, especially during peak holiday time (May to November).
- Check visa requirements based on your nationality.
- Pack light, as charter flights often have strict baggage limits.
- Consider travel insurance covering medical emergencies and cancellations.
