£195 Cheap Flights to South Africa

Why take a flight to South Africa?

Book your South Africa plane tickets and enjoy a diverse, easy-to-reach destination. You'll find a plethora of flights to South Africa from UK airports, with several daily direct flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town from London. One-stop flights to South Africa usually involve a quick connection in European hubs, making it easy to depart from most regional UK airports. As the country lies in the same time zone as the UK, you won't lose any precious holiday time to jet lag when you arrive.

Located in the southern hemisphere, South Africa's summer coincides with the UK's winter, making it an ideal destination if you crave sun and warmth in the cooler months. When you fly to South Africa, you'll encounter a multitude of amazing things to see and do. Witness the Big Five on a safari in the Kruger National Park, relax on the white sands of Boulders Beach and get up close to elephants in Knysna. With its favourable exchange rate, South Africa is an affordable destination, allowing you to treat yourself to luxury lodges and exceptional cuisine without stretching your budget.

When to book flights to South Africa?

For a warm beach escape, book flights to South Africa between November and February, as this period is summer in the southern hemisphere. In cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, temperatures average a pleasant 25°C, making it ideal for a sunny getaway in the middle of winter.

If you want to embark on a safari, book South Africa plane tickets for the drier season, which runs from May to September. The sparse vegetation and scarcity of water at this time of year make it easier to spot wildlife in reserves such as Kruger National Park.

How to find cheap flights to South Africa

For some of the cheapest South Africa flights, be flexible with your travel dates and you could score great flight deals from £397*. Ticket prices depend on how busy a given flight is. By checking different dates, you may find a less busy, and therefore cheaper, airfare. Expedia's search wizard helps you find cheap South Africa tickets with the click of a button. It lets you set a maximum budget and gives you the option to sort search results by price, so you can easily pinpoint the most suitable flights for you.

Hand luggage-only fares are another way to reduce airfare costs if you're happy to travel light. Indirect flights are often cheaper than direct flights to South Africa. These tickets have a slightly longer journey time and involve a quick connection in European airports like Paris or Amsterdam. Don't forget to compare prices from Heathrow and Gatwick if you're departing from London. You can easily do this by selecting the 'LON-All Airports' option when using the search wizard.

Flights to South Africa from UK airports

You'll encounter a multitude of flights to South Africa from UK airports. There are direct flights to Cape Town and Johannesburg from Heathrow and a wide choice of one-stop flights from the following UK airports:

• London Heathrow (direct)
• London Gatwick
• London Stansted
• Manchester
• Glasgow
• Birmingham
• Newcastle
• Edinburgh

Main airports in South Africa

When you fly to South Africa, you'll usually land in Johannesburg or Cape Town airports. For domestic travel, there are regional airports served by local airlines:

• Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport
• Cape Town International Airport

Which airlines fly to South Africa?

You'll find a wide choice of airlines that fly to South Africa from UK airports. Below are just some of the most popular airlines that'll take you on your South Africa adventure:

• British Airways direct from London Heathrow
• Virgin Atlantic direct from London Heathrow
• South African Airways direct from London Heathrow
• KLM via Amsterdam
• Air France via Paris
• Emirates via Dubai
• Etihad via Abu Dhabi
• Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa

Getting around in South Africa

When you fly to South Africa, domestic flights are one of the best ways to hop between major hubs such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. South African Airways and FlySafair are just some of the local airlines that will take you around the country. Once you land, hiring a car with Expedia unlocks the freedom to roam South Africa's diverse landscapes at your own pace. With an extensive and modern road network, South Africa is one of the best places to hit the open road.

Before you book flights to South Africa, consider bundling your airfare with hotels and car hire on Expedia. This will give you access to Expedia's package deal savings, allowing you to keep more in your pocket.

Must-see attractions in South Africa

Book flights to South Africa with Expedia and touch down in captivating Cape Town. The iconic Table Mountain offers spectacular views of the city, reachable by cable car or hiking. Back in the city, shop 'til you drop and savour fresh seafood at the bustling V&A Waterfront, South Africa's most visited tourist attraction.

A short drive from Cape Town will take you to the scenic wine regions of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, renowned for world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. If you fancy a scenic road trip, the iconic Garden Route is a coastal drive that stretches 124 miles from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Taking in quaint towns, penguin colonies and sweeping ocean views, the Garden Route is a must when you fly to South Africa.

Embark on a safari in the vast Kruger National Park. South Africa's largest game reserve is the size of Wales and boasts comfortable game lodges where you can sleep under the stars. Here, you'll have the chance to catch a glimpse of the famous Big Five: lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards and rhinos.

Tips for travelling in South Africa

UK passport holders can fly to South Africa for up to 90 days without a visa. It's always a good idea to check the latest information on government websites before you book flights to South Africa, as entry requirements can change at any time. Tipping is customary, with a 10-15% gratuity expected at restaurants and for taxi services.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.