Cheap flights to Africa

With an ancient history dating back to 3300 BC, Africa has an indefinable mystery and allure surrounding it, and each country within this large continent differs dramatically. The North African countries – Morocco, Egypt or Tunisia are closer in culture to the Arab countries, whereas South Africa is a multicultural melting pot with strong Dutch and British roots. Most of the other countries including Nigeria, Sudan and Mali retain their rich African heritage.

Coming off a flight to Africa is an experience that even the most jaded visitor never forgets, but it’s important to plan your trip right since it is such a vast continent. If you’re interested in a trip to safari then visit Kenya for the most impressive wildlife and the best organised tours. Or if history is your forte, where better to revel in the past than the ancient land of the pyramids and pharaohs? Visit Egypt for an experience of a lifetime. But if your idea of the perfect holiday is to spend lazy days on unspoilt beaches, then book flights to Africa’s popular island – Zanzibar in Tanzania.

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Africa climate

The weather throughout the African continent is generally the same: warm year round. But the North African countries including Egypt and Tunisia tend to be extremely hot between the months of June and September. High season is from September to April when the weather’s milder.

When is the best time to fly to Africa?

The best time for game watching and safari is in mid-summer, specifically July when the rainy season is over.

South Africa enjoys its high season in December and January when hoards of tourists visit its cities but flights and accommodation are pricier during this period. Try to avoid visiting in from September to January when the gale winds blow wildly.

Countries closer to the Indian Ocean, Tanzania and Mauritius for example, have a heavy tropical rainy season that runs anywhere from January to March or even until June in some countries. For the best weather book a flight to Africa anytime between June and October but try to avoid the scorching heat from December to March.

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How long is the flight to Africa?

The duration of flights to Africa depends on your destination. All flights to Africa depart from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), Hong Kong’s main airport. Flights from HKG to Marrakesh Airport (RAK) in Morocco will take upwards of 20h, with one or two stops in between. If you’re heading to see the pyramids in Egypt, a flight to Cairo International Airport (CAI) can take anywhere from around 14h to more than 20h with one, two and sometimes even three stopovers. Heading further south towards South Africa, it will take approximately 20h to reach Johannesburg Airport (JNB) with one stopover, or even a few extra hours with two stops. Compare flights to Africa on Cheapflights to find the best Africa flight deals. Note that cheap flights to Africa may involve several connecting flights and/or longer stopovers between connections.

What is the best way to travel around Africa?

After flying to Africa, you will have several options for getting around. From flying between major cities to using a guided tour service, hopping on a crowded minibus, or taking a 4-wheel drive through rugged terrain, the best way to travel around Africa will depend on the locations you’re travelling between. While the route linking your destinations can often be one of the highlights of your trip in Africa, flying is recommended for long distances or areas such as South Sudan, the Sahara region, and the Central African Republic, especially if you can find decent Africa flight deals. Staying grounded, travelling by bus is the most popular option short of a guided tour. Bus travel is cheap and widely accessible across the continent. Travelling by train is highly recommended where possible, as you get to view stunning landscapes on a relaxing journey filled with cultural experiences. The availability of trains is, however, limited to South Africa and West Africa.

What do I need to do before my flight to Africa?

For your best chance to pick up cheap flights to Africa, make sure to book flights to Africa early. Ensure your passport is up to date, as most African countries require your passport to be valid for six months from your departure date. In addition, a visa is required to visit most African nations, but policies vary, so make sure to do your research. When it comes to money, make sure to inform your bank of your destination, so your cards don’t get blocked. In addition to the local currency, have some US dollars available as a backup.

What is there to do in Africa?

Book flights to Africa, and you will find limitless possibilities on this vast and diverse continent. In Egypt, experience the ancient history of temples, Pharaoh's tombs, and of course, the pyramids themselves. In South Africa, take a safari and look for the Big Five of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalos out in the wild. In Morocco, visit the village of Chefchaouen in the Rif Mountains, famous for being entirely blue from its walls to the floors and doors.

What is good to know if travelling to Africa?

• History buffs should head to Tunisia where they’ll find ancient Roman ruins in Carthage and Roman mosaics in the Unesco World-Heritage protected Medina. Libya is another fascinating North African country that boasts remnants of Greek and Roman civilizations. And Egypt, of course, is undeniably the mecca of archaeologists and historians.
• Many travellers would pick the Caribbean when searching for a beach destination, but Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, for example, has some of the best diving and fishing in the area. While the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania has been dubbed “paradise” by many visitors because of its turquoise waters.
• Zebras running in the wild, elephants brushing up against your jeep; these are the images of safari, and Kenya offers visitors an authentic safari experience in game lodges and tented camps. Less popular than South Africa, but virtually untouched, is Botswana – home to the spectacular Okavango Delta. Here, you’ll find a 5,850 sq. mile inland flood plain filled with waterways, forests, islands and stunning wildlife.
• If Lawrence of Arabia ever inspired you to ride on a horse through the endless desert, then you’ll get your wish in Mali. This West African country sits on the edge of the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, where nomads and camels ride in from the legendary city of Timbuktu.
• Safaris, beaches, nightlife and history: South Africa combines them all seamlessly. Head to Cape Town and visit the infamous Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned under Apartheid. Then take the cable car up to Table Mountain and enjoy the sensational views of the city.

Thinking of planning a safari holiday in Africa? We’ve found the best safari destinations in Africa and beyond in our Safari Holidays travel tip.