Flights to South Africa

A flight from London to Cape Town takes just under 12 hours. Flying to Johannesburg takes approximately 11 hours.

British Airways flies direct to both Cape Town and Johannesburg from London Heathrow.

There are great deals on flights to South Africa year-round with British Airways. If you’re planning to travel during the country’s peak season, which runs between November and March, it’s worth remembering that the price of accommodation might be higher. For those on a budget, consider a visit during the South African winter from June to August.

It’s possible to tailor your trip to South Africa to suit any budget. Renowned for its excellent tourist infrastructure and huge variety of accommodation, there are plenty of affordable options too. A safari may set you back a bit, but you can always choose to reduce the cost by swapping luxury accommodation in a private game lodge for a self-drive camping experience.

That depends on your itinerary. Peak whale-watching season is in the spring, between October and November, when southern right whales arrive from Antarctica to breed. Autumn, between March and May, and winter, running between June and August, are great times to visit Kruger National Park, when the weather is cooler and leaves have fallen, making it easier to spot the wildlife.

Despite the large distances, it’s easy to travel around South Africa. The comprehensive network of internal flights means it’s entirely possible to embark on a multi-city trip, even during a short visit.

The MyCiTi bus network is a good option for travelling around Cape Town and covers the city centre and most districts and suburbs.

The Gautrain is the most efficient way to reach Johannesburg city centre from the airport. Once there, the Rea Vaya bus system is a reliable way to get around.

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to see more of what South Africa has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

British passport holders don’t need a visa for travel to South Africa, as long as you’re visiting for 90 days or less. You can find out more information at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. 

On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome. Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.

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• Flight only prices are updated every 24 hours and are accurate when published. Flights at these prices are limited and may sell out quickly.
• Package holiday prices (flight + hotel or flight + car) prices are updated every 24 to 48 hours and are accurate when published and may vary upon reaching subsequent pages. Availability may be extremely limited particularly during peak periods.
• Return fares displayed are the lowest adult return prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges, based on a 7-day return journey.
• Each–way fares displayed are the lowest adult each-way prices in the cabin specified based on the lowest adult return prices for a 7 day travel period, including all taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
• One-way fares displayed are the lowest adult prices in the cabin specified including taxes, fees and carrier charges available in this period.
• Package holiday prices (flight + hotel and flight + car) shown are in GBP per person based on 2 adults sharing one room or one car and prices include taxes, fees and carrier charges unless otherwise specified. Flight + car prices based on drivers aged 30-70 years.
• Additional charges will be applied for payments made using a corporate credit card.
• Advertised fares are available on ba.com. Additional charges may apply if purchased through British Airways outlets or travel agents.
• Combine and save on Holidays: Guaranteed savings are only available when booking a Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car booking including one land product, it does not apply to a ‘Customise your trip’ holiday including more than one hotel and / or car.
• Package holidays are protected under British Airways Holidays Ltd by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 5985.
• Standard British Airways terms and conditions apply