Top airlines for travelling to Africa

Travelling to Africa, particularly South Africa, offers a mix of cultural diversity, stunning landscapes, and world-class safari experiences.

If you’re planning a trip and searching for cheap flights to South Africa, finding the right airline can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the top airlines flying to South Africa, helping you choose budget-friendly travel options without compromising comfort and service.

Which airlines offer cheap flights to South Africa?

Finding cheap flights to South Africa can be easier if you know which airlines frequently service the region and offer competitive prices.

Several major airlines provide direct or connecting flights to South Africa, and it’s always best to compare prices to find the best deals.

Here are some of the top airlines to consider:

1. South African Airways (SAA)
   As South Africa’s national carrier, South African Airways offers a range of direct flights to and from major cities across the globe. While SAA may not always be the cheapest, they frequently offer promotions and specials on flights, making them a solid option for those seeking both quality and affordability. Check their website regularly for deals on cheap flights to South Africa, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
2. Qatar Airways
   Known for its excellent service and connecting flights through Doha, Qatar Airways is another reliable option for flying to South Africa. The airline is renowned for offering comfortable long-haul flights with competitive pricing. Their route network connects passengers from major global cities, providing access to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Additionally, Qatar Airways often offers special fares, making it a good choice for travellers looking for cheaper alternatives.
3. Emirates
   Emirates is one of the most popular carriers for travellers heading to Africa, offering convenient connections through Dubai. The airline is well-regarded for its inflight service and modern fleet. Although Emirates flights are often in the mid-range price-wise, they frequently offer sales on flights to South Africa. Keep an eye out for promotional deals and early-bird specials to secure cheap flights to South Africa with Emirates.
4. Turkish Airlines
   Turkish Airlines offers flights from various global destinations to South Africa with a layover in Istanbul. It is known for its affordable fares, especially when booked in advance. For budget-conscious travelers, Turkish Airlines provides a good balance of comfort, service, and price. This makes it a top contender when looking for cheap flights to South Africa, particularly from Europe and the Middle East.
5. Ethiopian Airlines
   As Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines offers a vast network across the continent and beyond. Their flights to South Africa are often some of the most competitively priced, especially from African and Middle Eastern hubs. Ethiopian Airlines frequently runs special offers on flights to Johannesburg, making them a top choice for budget travelers searching for cheap flights to South Africa.
6. British Airways
   British Airways flies directly to South Africa from London, with regular routes to Johannesburg and Cape Town. While they are known for premium services, British Airways also offers various economy class deals throughout the year. Travelers can find cheap flights to South Africa by booking during sales or taking advantage of their Avios points system, which can reduce the cost of flights.

How to find cheap flights to South Africa?

Booking cheap flights to South Africa requires a bit of strategy and planning.

Here are some helpful tips to secure the best fares:

• Book early: Airlines often release their cheapest seats months in advance. Booking your flights early is one of the best ways to ensure you get cheap tickets before prices start to rise.
• Use fare comparison websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak allow you to compare prices from various airlines, helping you find the cheapest options. These platforms also offer alerts for price drops, making it easier to track deals on flights.
• Consider connecting flights: Direct flights can be more expensive, so opting for a connecting flight via a major hub (such as Doha, Dubai, or Addis Ababa) can significantly reduce costs. Be flexible with layovers and routes to find better deals.
• Travel during off-peak seasons: South Africa’s high tourist season typically runs from November to March, which means flights can be more expensive during these months. To save money, plan your trip during the shoulder season or off-peak months (April to September), when flights and accommodation are often cheaper.

What are the advantages of flying with budget airlines to South Africa?

While major airlines dominate the routes to South Africa, there are a few budget-friendly carriers that also offer cheap flights to South Africa.

These airlines may not have as many luxuries, but they can provide significant savings for travelers on a tight budget:

• FlySafair
  For domestic travel within South Africa, FlySafair is a reliable low-cost airline that connects major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. If you’re looking to save money on internal flights after arriving in South Africa, FlySafair offers very affordable rates.
• Mango Airlines
  Mango Airlines, a subsidiary of South African Airways, offers competitive pricing on domestic routes. If you’re traveling on a budget within the country, Mango is a convenient and cost-effective choice, with regular promotions and discounted fares.
• Fastjet
  Fastjet operates flights between Southern Africa destinations and can be an affordable option for travelers flying to South Africa from nearby countries. Their no-frills service focuses on providing low-cost flights, making them ideal for short-haul journeys across the region.

Are there any additional tips for finding the best deals on cheap flights to South Africa?

Finding the best deals on flights doesn’t stop with comparing airlines.

Here are some additional tips to help you save even more:

• Sign up for airline newsletters: Many airlines, including Qatar Airways and Emirates, send out newsletters with exclusive deals and promotions. By signing up, you can be among the first to know about cheap flights to South Africa.
• Use frequent flyer programs: Joining an airline’s frequent flyer program can help you accumulate points that can be redeemed for flight discounts. Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, these points can add up and offer significant savings.
• Be flexible with travel dates: Shifting your travel dates by just a few days can make a big difference in price. Use fare comparison tools that allow you to view prices across different dates to find the cheapest option.

Travelling to Africa, and South Africa in particular, doesn’t have to be expensive.

With the right planning and by following these Kruger National Park travel tips, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable safari adventure.