How to find cheap flights to South Africa
Score a lower price on a flight to South Africa by taking off from Dubai, often the most affordable departure option.
Get even more value by touching down at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo.
February is generally the cheapest time to visit South Africa.
You can find one-way flights there from AED 1,164. The lowest price for a return ticket is AED 1,967.
Flexible on where you land? Add where you're departing from, then enter 'South Africa' in the 'To' field. This will give you a list of destinations and the option to sort them by 'Cheapest flights.'
If you have a destination in mind, select 'Add nearby airports' at the start of your search. This will display flight prices for all nearby arrival airports and could help you save.
Catch fare drops as they happen with Price Alerts delivered right to your app or inbox. Just sign up for these automatic notifications and let the deals come to you.
Book ahead of time. You're more likely to find a bargain and a wider range of flight options.
The best time to go to South Africa
If you're flexible with your dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll help you find the cheapest day or month to fly.
April is one of the busiest months to fly. Traveling during high season means more to see and do, but it's rarely the cheapest time to go.
Visit in December if you want a more laid-back vibe. This is the quietest time of year and also when plane tickets to South Africa tend to be cheaper.
Think about how you like to travel and let the weather guide you. January is one of the warmest months in South Africa, with highs averaging 32ºC (90ºF).
Plan your trip for sometime around July if you prefer cooler conditions. The lowest average temperature then is 5ºC (41ºF).
Rain is more frequent in January, while June is generally drier.
When choosing your travel dates, also factor in severe thunderstorm season and peak flooding times. Weather risks can vary by region, so it pays to check what applies to the places you're traveling through.
Getting to South Africa
You've got plenty of arrival options when it's time to book flights to South Africa. Some of the busiest airports are:
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town
Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban
These airlines are the biggest players touching down at this destination, based on approximate monthly flight figures:
Airlink — 1,800
South African Airways — 540
Emirates — 230
Major hubs including Dubai, Atlanta and Doha are common stops on flights to South Africa. Your specific connection will depend on your airline and departure city, which you can check during your search.
Places to visit in South Africa
Johannesburg
If you had to choose just one place, this city in Gauteng would be a strong contender. With a population of roughly 2 million, it crams in more highlights than you can cover in one visit.
Essential stops include Apartheid Museum, Top of Africa and Constitution Hill.
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) handles the majority of international flights into Johannesburg. You'll find some competitive flight deals to South Africa landing at this major hub.
When it's time to find somewhere comfortable to stay, browse the selection of hotels in Johannesburg.
Cape Town
This city of around 3.4 million in Western Cape delivers its own blend of energy, culture and character.
Table Mountain, The Rock and Frame Table mountain. Offer a solid introduction to the highlights.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the city's main airport.
Explore hotels in Cape Town and find a stay that fits your travel plans.
Durban
Searching for more ideas on places to visit in South Africa? This city of about 3.1 million people in KwaZulu-Natal is ready to be explored.
Don't leave without stopping by popular sights like Durban Beach, Ushaka marine and Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Durban King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is the city's main airport, with routes connecting it to popular destinations throughout the region and beyond.
Whether you're planning a quick stay or a longer break, hotels in Durban offer options for every kind of trip.
Good to know
Entry rules can often change, so check in advance whether you'll need a visa or other documents before you travel. Your travel agent, airline or the local consulate or embassy will have the latest details.
Afrikaans is the language you'll hear most people speaking during your adventures through South Africa.
The local currency is the South African rand (ZAR).
Finding an ATM (automatic teller machine) is rarely a problem. They are common in cities of all sizes and popular tourist areas.
In South Africa, tipping is expected. How much you leave generally reflects the level of service you receive.
Anticipate moderate Wi-Fi coverage. You'll be able to get online in many hotels, but access becomes less dependable beyond major areas.
Pretoria is the capital of South Africa, which has a population of about 63 million.
Time is consistent across this destination, with one standard time zone operating on UTC+2.
South Africa is part of the Southern Africa subregion of Africa.
The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, the National Arts Festival and the Cape Town Jazz Festival are among the biggest events here. Consider booking your flight to South Africa around moments like these for a travel experience you won't find elsewhere.
Complete your trip with hotels and a car rental
Found that cheap ticket to South Africa? Now work out where you'll stay and how you'll get around. Explore the range of hotels in South Africa and filter your search by price, location and more. You can also browse car rental options in South Africa and choose from pickup locations in cities or right at the airport.
