How to find cheap flights to South Africa
Score a lower price on a flight to South Africa by taking off from Melbourne Tullamarine, often the most affordable departure option.
Get even more value by touching down at Port Elizabeth.
November is generally the cheapest time to visit South Africa.
You can find one-way flights there from $791. The lowest price for a return ticket is $1,037.
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. Travelling 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 travelling 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
Make sure you know the entry rules before you fly. Rules can change depending on your passport and reason for travel. Always check with official sources like embassy websites or your airline.
Zulu is the language spoken by most people in South Africa.
The South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency.
ATMs (automatic teller machines) are common across cities of all sizes, from smaller locations to major hubs.
Tipping is expected in South Africa. People typically match the tip to the service, and adding one is just part of everyday life here.
Plan for moderate Wi-Fi coverage as you travel around. You'll be able to connect in many cafes and hotels, but access becomes less dependable beyond main areas.
The population of South Africa is estimated at about 63 million. Pretoria is the capital.
Time is consistent across this destination, with only one standard time zone set at UTC+2.
South Africa sits in Africa within the Southern Africa subregion.
Some of the most popular events on the calendar include the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, the National Arts Festival and the Cape Town Jazz Festival. Line up your flight to South Africa around moments like these to experience something beyond the usual.
Complete your trip with hotels and a car hire
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 hire options in South Africa and choose from pickup locations in cities or right at the airport.
