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 travel time for flights to Africa from Malaysia will depend on your airport of arrival. As one of the largest continents, the distance between countries can be vast when flying to Africa. It is always good to compare flights to Africa to get a good deal. For example, one of the most popular cheap flights to Africa lands in South Africa and will arrive at either Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport. For Africa airfare, you'll find some of the quickest flights are operated by Singapore Airlines and head from Kuala Lumpur Airport to OR Tambo in around 15h 30min with a stopover in Singapore. For Africa flight deals, there are flights operated by British Airways and Singapore Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Cape Town Airport in around 19h 30min with stopovers in Singapore and Johannesburg along the way. Another popular airport for flights to Africa includes Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe, and flights from AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, and FastJet travel from Penang International Airport in just over 31h with stopovers in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Johannesburg.

What is the best way to travel around Africa?

If you book flights to Africa and end up in Cape Town, you'll find a couple of ways to get around the city. The MyCiti bus service runs along the coastline close to the city and is the cheapest way to get around. If you find yourself in Johannesburg, the best way to get around would be to take advantage of rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt. When travelling between cities in South Africa, the best way to travel is to make use of domestic flights. If you're taking one of the cheap flights to Africa heading to Zimbabwe, you'll find the easiest way to get around cities like Harare or Bulawayo is to hire a bicycle. When travelling between cities, make use of Air Zimbabwe flights.

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

When you book flights to Africa, there are a couple of things to keep in mind and get done before travelling. You'll need to have cash with you, so you'll need to exchange money before getting to the airport. Ensure your bank is aware of your travel so your bank cards will work. Lastly, make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after you arrive.

What are some things to do in Africa?

Africa is often thought of as one country but is actually home to 54 different countries and has an expansive terrain that's teeming with historical sites, a varying landscape, a plethora of animals, and is somewhere that offers numerous things to see and do. Uganda is one of the only countries in the world where you can hike specifically to see mountain gorillas. Head to Tanzania and Kenya during mid-July to witness the Great Migration, where two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles head from Masa Mara to The Serengeti. South Africa is home to Table Mountain in Cape Town, considered the seventh wonder of the world.

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.