Cape Town with Table Mountain, South Africa

From £430 Economy Return

Cheap Flights to South Africa 🇿🇦 from the UK

From Table Mountain to Kruger National Park — South Africa has it all. Direct flights available. Let us find you the best fare for your adventure.

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Flight Routes

UK to South Africa Flight Routes

South Africa is one of Africa's best-connected destinations with direct flights from London. Here are the main options from the UK.

From (UK)	Route Type	To South Africa	Airline	Est. Duration
London Heathrow (LHR)	Direct non-stop	Johannesburg (JNB)	British Airways	~11 hours
London Heathrow (LHR)	Direct non-stop	Johannesburg (JNB)	Virgin Atlantic	~11 hours
London Heathrow (LHR)	Via Addis Ababa (ADD)	JNB / CPT / DUR	Ethiopian Airlines	~14–16 hours
London Heathrow (LHR)	Via Doha (DOH)	Johannesburg (JNB)	Qatar Airways	~14 hours
Manchester (MAN) / Birmingham (BHX)	Connecting via LHR or European hub	Johannesburg (JNB)	BA / Qatar / Ethiopian	~13–16 hours

Economy class. Prices from £430 subject to availability. Call or WhatsApp for latest fares.

Johannesburg (JNB)

O.R. Tambo International is South Africa's primary hub and the most connected airport. Most UK flights land here. Gateway to Kruger National Park, Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, and onward connections to Cape Town and Durban.

Cape Town (CPT)

Cape Town International serves the Western Cape, home to Table Mountain, the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, and world-class beaches. Usually reached via Johannesburg on a domestic connection.

Durban (DUR)

King Shaka International serves KwaZulu-Natal, with its warm Indian Ocean beaches, the Drakensberg Mountains, and a rich Zulu cultural heritage. Popular for family visits from the British-South African community.

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Before You Fly

South Africa Travel Essentials

No Visa Required

UK passport holders do not need a visa for South Africa for stays up to 90 days. Simply arrive with a valid passport (at least 30 days beyond your return date) and evidence of onward travel. This makes South Africa one of the most accessible African destinations for UK travellers.

Currency

South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres in major cities. ATMs are readily available. Exchange rates fluctuate significantly — the Rand has historically offered good value for UK visitors. Avoid exchanging money at airport kiosks for the best rates.

Health & Safety

No vaccinations are mandatory for direct travel from the UK, though standard vaccinations (hepatitis A, typhoid) are advisable. Note: if your connecting flight transits through a country with Yellow Fever risk (e.g. Ethiopia), you will need a Yellow Fever certificate. South Africa has excellent private healthcare facilities in major cities.

Getting Around

Car hire is the most flexible way to explore South Africa, particularly for self-drive safaris and the Garden Route. Uber is widely available and reliable in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Avoid unofficial taxis — use registered metered cabs or Uber for safety.

Discover South Africa

Why Fly to South Africa?

Cape Town waterfront and Table Mountain, South Africa

South Africa is one of the world's most compelling destinations — a country of jaw-dropping natural beauty, extraordinary wildlife, complex history, and vibrant urban culture. Few destinations offer such remarkable diversity within a single country, making it ideal for both first-time visitors and those returning to reconnect with family.

Cape Town is consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful cities. Table Mountain offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Peninsula, accessible by cable car or on foot. The Cape Winelands — Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl — are just 45 minutes from the city and produce world-class wines in spectacular mountain settings. The Garden Route hugging the Indian Ocean coastline is one of Africa's great road trips.

Kruger National Park, covering nearly 20,000 square kilometres, is one of Africa's premier safari destinations. The park supports the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros — along with cheetah, wild dog, and hundreds of bird species. Game drives in the dry season from June to October offer exceptional wildlife encounters.

Johannesburg offers the Soweto township experience, the Nobel Square, and the powerful Apartheid Museum — essential visits for understanding modern South Africa. Durban's warm Indian Ocean beaches and rich KwaZulu-Natal cultural heritage make it a favourite for family visits from the British-South African community. Ready to plan your trip? Submit an enquiry and we will have a competitive quote within 2 hours.

Seasonal Guide

Best Time to Fly to South Africa

Dec – Jan

SA Summer / Most Expensive

South African summer — hot, sunny weather perfect for beaches and outdoor dining. Christmas demand from diaspora and UK families makes this the priciest period. Book months in advance.

Feb – May

Shoulder / Best Value

Excellent weather across the country, lower fares, and fewer crowds. Cape Town's best months. Whale watching season begins in Hermanus from August. Highly recommended for value travellers.

Jun – Aug

SA Winter / Safari Peak

Cool, dry winters — ideal for safari in Kruger (low vegetation, better sightings) and whale watching in Hermanus. Cape Town winters are mild but wetter. Good fares available outside UK school holidays.

Sep – Nov

Spring / Wildflower Season

Spring brings wildflowers to the Western Cape (Namaqualand blooms are spectacular). Temperatures rise pleasantly. Good fares before the December peak. An excellent time to combine safari and city visits.

What Our Customers Say

Trusted by South Africa Travellers

"Booked a Cape Town holiday for my wife and I through Affordable Airfares. The direct BA flight was better value than anything I found on the comparison sites. Sorted in under 20 minutes."

James O. — Cape Town holiday

"Visiting family in Johannesburg and needed 5 seats together. The team found options I hadn't considered and handled everything smoothly. Great service, will use again for our next trip."

Nomsa D. — Visiting family in Johannesburg

Common Questions

Flights to South Africa — FAQs

Are there direct flights from the UK to South Africa?

Yes — British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both operate direct non-stop flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB). The flight takes approximately 11 hours. This is one of the most well-served African routes from the UK, with multiple daily departures.

When is the cheapest time to fly to South Africa from the UK?

February to May is generally the cheapest period for flights from the UK to South Africa. This shoulder season offers excellent weather in Cape Town and Johannesburg while avoiding the December and January peak when South Africans return home for summer and UK families travel during school holidays.

Do UK passport holders need a visa for South Africa?

No — UK passport holders do not need a visa to visit South Africa for tourism for up to 90 days. You simply arrive with a valid passport with at least 30 days validity beyond your departure date and evidence of onward travel. Note that if you transit through a country with a Yellow Fever risk, you may need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

Which airports serve South Africa?

South Africa has several major airports. O.R. Tambo International (JNB) in Johannesburg is the main hub for international flights. Cape Town International (CPT) serves the Western Cape. King Shaka International (DUR) serves Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Port Elizabeth (PLZ), East London (ELS), and George (GRJ) handle domestic and some regional routes.

Which airlines fly from the UK to South Africa?

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer direct flights from Heathrow to Johannesburg. South African Airways (SAA), Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways also operate connecting routes. Direct flights are convenient but connecting options via African or Middle Eastern hubs can sometimes offer significant savings.

What is the baggage allowance on flights to South Africa?

Economy class flights to South Africa typically include a 23kg checked bag and a 7kg cabin bag. Business class allowances are more generous. On direct British Airways and Virgin Atlantic flights, premium economy and business passengers receive two checked bags. Always confirm your specific allowance at the time of booking.

What currency is used in South Africa?

South Africa uses the South African Rand (ZAR). Cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. ATMs are readily available across major cities. It is advisable to exchange some currency before you travel or on arrival at the airport for smaller purchases and tips.

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

South Africa is a year-round destination. December to February is the South African summer — hot and ideal for beaches. June to August is winter, excellent for whale watching in Hermanus and safari in Kruger National Park where vegetation is low and wildlife is easier to spot. September to November brings spring wildflowers in the Western Cape.

Is South Africa safe for tourists from the UK?

Popular tourist destinations including Cape Town, the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg's tourist districts are visited by millions of international visitors every year. Standard urban precautions apply — avoid isolated areas at night, use registered taxis or Uber, and secure valuables. The UK Foreign Office provides up-to-date travel advice.

How do I book flights to South Africa with Affordable Airfares UK?

Fill in our quick enquiry form with your travel dates, number of passengers, and preferred class. Our team will respond within 2 hours with a competitive, personalised quote. No fees to enquire — just honest pricing. Call or WhatsApp us on 02039322620 if you prefer to speak to someone directly.

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