🇿🇦 Flights to South Africa
Cheap Flights to South Africa from the UK
Find the best deals on flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Dream Fare beats comparison sites with exclusive fares for the UK South African community and safari and beach holiday bookings.
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Flights to South African Cities
Select your destination for full flight details, airlines and the latest prices.
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FROM £569Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
South Africa’s largest city and economic powerhouse. The main gateway for UK travellers with the best selection of direct and connecting flights. Base for Kruger National Park, the Garden Route and the Winelands.
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FROM £599Cape Town
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
The Mother City — one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Table Mountain, Boulders Beach penguins, the Cape Winelands and the Cape of Good Hope. Direct flights from London available.
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Airlines
Airlines Flying to South Africa from UK
We compare all airlines on the London to Johannesburg and Cape Town routes to find you the best price.
Baggage Allowances to South Africa
Flight Information
Flight Times & Distances to South Africa
South Africa is approximately 9,000km from London. Direct flights to Johannesburg take around 11 hours. South Africa is on SAST (UTC+2) \u2014 2 hours ahead of GMT in winter.
| Route | Distance | Flight Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow (LHR) → Johannesburg (JNB) | ~5,630 miles (9,060 km) | ~11h | Direct |
| London Heathrow (LHR) → Cape Town (CPT) | ~6,010 miles (9,680 km) | ~11h 30m | Direct |
| Manchester (MAN) → Johannesburg (JNB) | ~5,590 miles (9,000 km) | ~13h+ (one-stop) | Via hub |
| Birmingham (BHX) → Johannesburg (JNB) | ~5,610 miles (9,030 km) | ~13h+ (one-stop) | Via hub |
When to Fly
Best Time to Fly to South Africa
South Africa has a diverse climate. There is no bad time to visit \u2014 the best time depends on what you want to do. Kruger is best in the dry winter (May to September), while Cape Town is best in the summer (November to April).
Best for Kruger
May — September
South Africa’s dry winter is prime time for Kruger and Kalahari safaris. Animals gather at water holes. Cape Town is cool and wet in winter.
Cape Town Summer
October — April
Mediterranean summers in the Cape with excellent wine harvest in February. Garden Route at its best. Whale watching from September to November at Hermanus.
Good Value
Feb — April
Shoulder season in the Cape. Excellent weather and lower fares after the Christmas peak. Game viewing in the bush continues year-round.
Peak Season
Dec — January
Summer holidays and Christmas. South African summer. Highest demand and prices. Book 4 to 6 months ahead for festive travel to South Africa.
South Africa Weather & Packing Guide
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Cape Town & Western Cape
Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers (Nov to Apr, 20°C to 28°C) and mild wet winters. Pack layers as Table Mountain weather changes rapidly. A light jacket is essential even in summer evenings in the Cape.
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Johannesburg & Gauteng
High altitude (1,750 metres) gives Johannesburg a mild climate. Summers are warm with afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are sunny but cold at night (sometimes near freezing). Pack layers for winter visits (May to August).
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Kruger & Safari Packing
Neutral-coloured clothing is essential on game drives. Early morning drives can be cold even in summer — pack a fleece. Sturdy closed shoes for bush walks. High-factor sunscreen and good insect repellent are essential.
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General Packing Tips
South Africa uses Type M/N plugs — bring a universal adapter. South Africa drives on the left (same as UK). Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a power bank and comprehensive travel insurance. Malaria prophylaxis needed for Kruger and Limpopo.
Culture & Food
South African Culture, Food & Traditions
South Africa is one of the world\u2019s most diverse and extraordinary destinations \u2014 wildlife, wine, beaches, mountains and 11 official languages all in one remarkable country known as the Rainbow Nation.
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South African Cuisine
Braai (barbecue) is a national institution and deeply social ritual. Biltong (dried cured meat), boerewors (spiced sausage), bobotie (spiced minced meat bake), bunny chow (Durban curry in a bread loaf) and Cape Malay cuisine are all essential.
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Cape Winelands
South Africa is a world-class wine producer. Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl produce outstanding Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Cabernet Sauvignon among spectacular mountain scenery just 45 minutes from Cape Town.
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Rugby Nation
Rugby is a national obsession. The Springboks are the most successful team in Rugby World Cup history. A Springboks match at Ellis Park or Loftus is one of sport’s great atmospheres.
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Wildlife Capital of Africa
South Africa has the world’s most accessible Big Five game viewing. Kruger National Park and the private reserves of Sabi Sands offer some of the finest wildlife experiences on earth.
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Music & Culture
South Africa has produced globally influential artists from Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela to Black Coffee. Afrobeats, kwaito and gqom are all genres born in South Africa that have influenced global music.
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Rainbow Nation
South Africa’s 11 official languages, nine provinces and extraordinary cultural diversity make it genuinely unlike anywhere else. The country’s journey from apartheid to democracy is one of the most significant stories in modern history.
Top Attractions
Top Places to Visit in South Africa
South Africa offers extraordinary wildlife, scenery, beaches, wine and culture that few countries on earth can match.
Kruger National Park
South Africa’s premier wildlife destination and one of the world’s greatest game parks. Home to all five of the Big Five including high densities of lions, leopards and elephants. The adjacent private reserves like Sabi Sands offer the most exclusive game viewing experiences.
Cape Town & Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of the natural wonders of the world — a flat-topped massif rising 1,086 metres above the sea. The cable car, the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay beach, Boulders penguin colony and Robben Island are all essential Cape Town experiences.
Garden Route
One of the world’s great road trips — a 300km stretch of coastline from Mossel Bay to Storms River with lush forests, pristine beaches, dramatic cliff scenery, elephant encounters and whale watching.
Cape Winelands
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are three of South Africa’s finest wine towns set among dramatic mountain landscapes just 45 minutes from Cape Town. World-class wine tasting, restaurants and historic Cape Dutch architecture.
Drakensberg Mountains
A UNESCO World Heritage Site of dramatic basalt formations, San Bushman rock art, superb hiking and remarkable birdwatching. The Amphitheatre in the Royal Natal Park is one of South Africa’s great natural spectacles.
Robben Island
The prison island where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years in captivity. A profoundly moving and historically important UNESCO World Heritage Site in Table Bay, accessible by ferry from the V&A Waterfront.
Visa & Travel Tips
South Africa Travel Guide
Everything you need to know before flying to South Africa from the UK.
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Visa Requirements
UK citizens do not require a visa to enter South Africa for visits up to 90 days. You must have a valid passport with at least 30 days validity beyond your departure date and at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
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Currency & Money
South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). GBP exchanges very favourably. Cards are widely accepted across South Africa. ATMs available everywhere. Inform your UK bank before travelling. USD is also accepted in many tourist areas.
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Health & Vaccinations
Malaria prophylaxis required if visiting Kruger, Limpopo or the Lowveld regions. No malaria risk in Cape Town or Johannesburg. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations are advised. Yellow fever certificate only needed if arriving from endemic countries.
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SIM Cards & Connectivity
Vodacom, MTN and Cell C SIM cards widely available at OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports. Excellent 4G coverage across South Africa including most national parks. Good connectivity throughout the country.
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Getting Around
Uber operates excellently in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Car hire is recommended for the Garden Route, Winelands and the self-drive Kruger experience. Domestic flights with Kulula and FlySafair connect major cities quickly and cheaply.
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Safety Tips
South Africa has high crime rates in some urban areas. Use Uber rather than hailing taxis, keep car doors locked while driving, avoid displaying expensive items in public and stay in recommended areas. The tourist circuit and national parks are generally very safe.
FAQs
Flights to South Africa FAQ
How long is the flight from London to South Africa?
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo take approximately 11 hours. Cape Town flights take around 11 hours 30 minutes. Connecting flights via Addis Ababa, Dubai or Doha take 13 to 15 hours in total.
Do UK citizens need a visa for South Africa?
No. UK passport holders do not need a visa for South Africa for stays up to 90 days. You must have a valid passport with at least 30 days validity beyond your departure date and at least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
What is the best time for a Kruger safari?
May to September — South Africa’s dry winter season — is the best time for Kruger. Animals gather at water holes making them easier to spot. October and November are also very good with higher rainfall and lush green bush.
Is Cape Town better for a holiday than Johannesburg?
They offer completely different experiences. Cape Town is all about scenery, beaches, the Winelands and the Cape Peninsula. Johannesburg is urban energy, culture, Soweto and the best base for Kruger. Many visitors combine both cities on the same trip.
Do I need malaria tablets for South Africa?
Malaria prophylaxis is required if visiting Kruger National Park, Limpopo Province or the Lowveld regions. There is no malaria risk in Cape Town, Johannesburg, the Winelands or the Garden Route. Consult your GP before travel.
Which airport is best for visiting Kruger?
Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB) is the main gateway. From Joburg you can fly domestically to Kruger Mpumalanga International (KMIA) or drive 4 to 5 hours through the Mpumalanga Escarpment. Most safari operators arrange transfers from JNB.
How much do flights from London to South Africa cost?
Return flights from London to Johannesburg start from approximately £569 with Dream Fare. Cape Town flights start from around £599. Prices vary by airline, travel dates and booking lead time. Contact us for the latest fares.
* Prices are indicative from fares and subject to availability and change. Call 020 8264 0018 for current pricing.