Flights to South Africa
Buy Flights to South Africa and Pay Later
Did you know that with Alternative Airlines, you can book your flights to South Africa now and pay later?
Spread the cost of your flights to South Africa with flexible payment options. Pay for your flights in smaller, manageable instalments that fit your budget, making your trip more affordable and accessible.
Our Buy Now Pay Later schemes for South African citizens include Payflex and PayJustNow.
Interest-free financing is available (check with providers) depending on eligibility. With the cost of your flights divided into smaller payments, you can focus on creating lasting memories in South Africa.
Airlines flying to South Africa
We ticket 600+ airlines. These are our favourite to get you to South Africa.
- South African Airways (SAA) is the flag carrier of South Africa, making it a reliable airline for getting you into the country.
- SAA flies to locations in Africa, Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Australia.
- South Africa gets most of its international visitors from Zimbabwe. If you plan on being one of them, why not travel with Air Zimbabwe, the flag carrier of Zimbabwe?
- The airline also flies to locations in Africa and Europe.
- Aside from countries in Africa, the UK makes up the highest percentage of tourists visiting South Africa. British Airways, the UK's flag carrier, is a great choice as it offers direct flights into the country.
- British Airways also travels to Africa, Europe, North and South America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Book Flights to South Africa
As the name suggests, the furthest southern region of Africa is South Africa. Known for its warm temperatures, history, and cuisine, Africa is a fascinating continent overflowing with adventure. Thanks to its diverse wildlife, South Africa is one of the top safari destinations. Visitors can see some of the earth's most fascinating creatures up close, including lions, rhinos, and leopards.
If you'd rather not be too close to the world's strongest apex predators, why not enjoy a trip to see the elephants instead? See these majestic creatures in their natural environment at Addo Elephant Park, where they are free to roam 164,000 hectares of land.
South Africa is also home to stunning beaches. With its soft white sand and crystal blue waters, a day- or an entire holiday- at the beach is integral to your visit to South Africa.
With Alternative Airlines, you can easily travel to South Africa and experience your best holiday yet! With 600+ airlines to choose from and 40+ ways to pay, you can travel to South Africa how and when you want.
Discover Cape Town
Cape Town has an assortment of things to explore. Hike or take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain. There, you will experience exceptional views of the city and the coast.
If you want to get your heart racing in an experience you'll never forget, then paraglide down Lion's Head. Feel the wind rush against your skin as you glide through the skies and witness views like never before.
Take a scenic trip to Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Get the best of both worlds by hiking up the mountains and enjoying the magnificent views, then after the descent, unwinding with a soothing time at the beach.
Explore the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Its houses are vibrant and dazzling, with streets painted in a rainbow of colours. The locals are friendly, and the area is safe for tourists to visit and explore. Hear stories that span through the eras, then wander through the beating heart of the V&A Waterfront, a mall in South Africa overflowing with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
To reach the capital, you'll arrive at Cape Town International Airport, where your adventure will begin!
Airlines globally offer direct flights to Cape Town. It's a popular holiday destination, so consider booking your tickets in advance. Cape Town's peak season is between December and March. If that's when you want to travel, book early with Alternative Airlines! Read our guide on when to visit Cape Town for more information.
Popular places in South Africa
Want to visit multiple locations in South Africa? With Alternative Airlines, you can book cheap domestic flights right now!
Johannesburg
Although not the capital, Johannesburg is the biggest city in South Africa and makes for a fantastic holiday location.
This lively city sparkles with activity. Whether you prefer the warm buzz of the city during daylight or the cool electric of its neon lights at night, you'll find yourself entertained. Sprawling with historic pubs and bars, the nightlife in Johannesburg is thrilling. Whilst at day time the bountiful restaurants will keep you full and the museums informed.
Want a break from the busyness of city life? Johannesburg has that as well! With its Botanical Gardens and Melville Koppies Nature Reserve, you can see the fauna and flora that make South Africa so remarkable.
To get to Johannesburg, you'll arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport, previously known as Johannesburg International, where you'll immediately find yourself in the city.
Durban
The coastal city of Durban is perfect for those who want a city break and a beach trip. Durban is an excellent place for swimming because its water tends to be nice and warm. In fact, Durban has the warmest sea levels in the country! So, if your ideal holiday involves splashing about in the sea, you'll want to visit Durban.
There are many water-based activities to try out in Durban, including the uShaka Marine World. Here, you'll face daring water slides, coo at the adorable penguins, and, if you're truly fearless, try their shark dive!
Explore the many museums in Durban to learn more about South Africa's history and present. Visit the awe-inspiring Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple, a Hindu temple in Durban. Its stunning white architecture is eye-catching, but its inside is even more glorious. Its golden decor and decorated Deities make it a charming place to visit.
King Shaka International Airport is the closest airport to Durban, just under 40 minutes away by car.
Kruger National Park is widely considered the best safari in South Africa, some say the continent. If you're visiting South Africa, it's an essential destination. To the country's northeast, the park can be found in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces.
This incredible experience lets you see the earth's most magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. This isn't a zoo where the creatures are caged. Be rest assured that the animals have a vast amount of space to roam. That being said, there are fences to keep you protected and strict rules that, if broken, endanger you and the animals you've come to see, so make sure not to go out of bounds.
Get the chance to see the 'Big Five', a term that describes the most challenging animals to hunt on foot due to their strength and speed. These are the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo. You'll also see endangered species that the park helps prevent from extinction, like the African wild dog.
South Africa Dos and Don'ts
Here's a list of dos and don'ts so you know exactly what to expect in South Africa.
- Do take anti-malaria tablets - Certain places in South Africa, like Kruger National Park, advise you to take preventative malaria medication.
- Do get vaccinated - When visiting South Africa, some vaccinations are recommended/required to keep you healthy and protected. These are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, and tetanus.
- Do keep your car doors locked - This is especially important if you stop at a red light. Carjackers may try to target your car, so make sure you're secure and safe inside by keeping the door locked.
- Do/ Don't get a visa - Many nationalities won't need a visa to visit South Africa; however, not all are exempt. Make sure to check beforehand whether you'll need a visa. Tourists permitted into the country can stay for up to 90 days. We have a blog page available for even more South Africa visa guidance. Check it out for further information!
- Don't use your left hand (in certain circumstances) - In many African countries, the left hand is the 'toilet hand' used to clean oneself. Therefore, waving with this hand or receiving/giving items with it can be viewed as disrespectful.
- Don't spit in public - People tend not to do this and will see it as rude.
- Don't get too close to wild animals - They might look friendly, cuddly even, but that doesn't mean they're tame, nor does it mean you should approach them. Keep a sensible distance, especially if you see any of the big five.
Events Happening in South Africa - 2025
- 19th January & 23rd January - Green Day Concert, Johannesburg & Cape Town. Rock fans will be excited to know that Green Day will be visiting South Africa to perform some of their hit songs.
- 31st January- 2nd February - Origin Festival, Cape Town. Enjoy a weekend of nonstop partying. Immerse yourself in South Africa's music, art, and culture.
- 9-11th April - Equal Africa, Cape Town. A significant conference that will discuss the importance of accessible travel for disabled and LGBTQ+ travellers. A business-focused event.
- 24th September - Heritage Day, nationwide. This is a public holiday in South Africa where people celebrate their culture and diversity. People will wear traditional clothing, eat authentic South African meals, and hear stories of the country's past.
Wherever you're looking to go next, we'll get you there on your terms
Frequently Asked Questions
How safe is South Africa?
South Africa is mostly safe, especially if you're visiting popular tourist destinations. There are always safety precautions to be aware of, though, like locking your doors, not letting in hitchhikers, not walking alone in the dark, etc. Although there are dangerous animals that you might see on safaris and in the wilderness, animal attacks are rare. Just make sure to be sensible. Don't antagonise them, and keep your distance.
If you want more information, read through our Safety in South Africa page.
Where is South Africa?
When's the best time to fly to South Africa?
Depending on the season you visit, you can have an entirely different experience of South Africa. Specific activities will be better suited for various times of the year. May to September would be your best bet if you want to see a safari. However, if you'd prefer to sunbathe at the beach, November to March would be optimal. The country's geography is so diverse that the weather is different across the country. The monsoon season in the Northern region occurs between October and April, whilst in the South, it's from May to September.
We have a page outlining when to visit South Africa in more detail so you can prioritise a time that fits your travel wants and needs.
What wildlife does South Africa have?
South Africa has 2372 different species of animal. Here are some you might find.
Animals found only in South Africa - Cape grysbok, bontebok and Cape kudu.
Endangered species at Kruger National Park - African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Black Rhinoceros.
Well-known animals of South Africa - Elephants, Giraffes, Leopards.
The apex predator of South Africa - The Lion.