£243 Find Cheap Flights to South Africa

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the United Kingdom to South Africa departing on 3/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Best South Africa Flight Deals from the United Kingdom

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Johannesburg
Johannesburg1 stop£402
Cape Town
Cape Town2 stops£456
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stops£559
George
George2 stops£553
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stops£1,138
East London
East London2 stops£664
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg2 stops£730
Skukuza
Skukuza2 stops£1,018
Mthatha
Mthatha1 stop£693

Good to know - Cheap tickets to South Africa

Low season

June

High season

December

Cheapest flight

£243
Best time to beat the crowds (12% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (36% more expensive on average)
Flight from London Gatwick Airport to Cape Town

FAQs - booking South Africa flights

  • Which airlines operate non-stop flights to South Africa?

    British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Oliver Tambo International Airport and British Airways also operates direct flights to Cape Town International Airport.

  • What are the rules about car seats for children in South Africa?

    While it is not yet mandatory to have a suitable car seat for young children when driving in South Africa, it is advisable to take one with you if you are planning on doing a lot of driving. Alternatively, you can hire one along with your car hire and it is wise to do this in advance.

  • Where should I fly to in South Africa if I want to go to the Drakensberg?

    The Drakensberg, the highest range of mountains in southern Africa, is located in KwaZulu-Natal, so the best airport to fly into is King Shaka International in Durban. From here you can hire a car and drive to the southern part of the Drakensberg.

  • Do I need a visa for South Africa?

    British passport holders who are visiting South Africa for a period of less than 90 days do not need a visa to enter the country. However, your passport should have two blank pages in it and should also be valid for 6 months from your date of entry to South Africa.

  • Do some airlines offer more flights to South Africa for historical reasons?

    Due to South Africa's former status as a British colony and it remaining a member of the Commonwealth, British Airways has always offered the majority of flights from the UK to Cape Town and Johannesburg. The same is true of South African Airways, so you'll find plenty of flights on offer between these two carriers.

  • Are some flights to South Africa more carbon-efficient than others?

    Use the CO2 filter to find the flights that emit the least carbon from whichever airport you choose for your departure. British Airways is your best option if you're flying the most common route from Heathrow to OR Tambo. Booking with this carrier can save over 50% in overall carbon emissions.

  • How long is the flight to South Africa?

    An average direct flight from the United Kingdom to South Africa takes 17h 44m, covering a distance of 5933 miles. The most popular route is London - Johannesburg with an average flight time of 10h 55m.

  • What is the cheapest flight to South Africa?

    The cheapest ticket to South Africa from the United Kingdom found in the last 72 hours was £206 one-way, and £424 round-trip. The most popular route is London Heathrow to Johannesburg OR Tambo and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was £444.

  • Which airlines fly to South Africa?

    British Airways, Iberia & American Airlines fly the most frequently from the United Kingdom to South Africa. The most popular route is from London to Johannesburg, and American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia fly this route the most.

  • What are the most popular destinations in South Africa?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Johannesburg (48% of total searches to South Africa). The next most popular destinations are Cape Town (43%) and Durban (6%). Searches for flights to Port Elizabeth (2%), to George (0.3%) and to Mthatha (0.2%) are also popular.

  • How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to South Africa

  • Looking for cheap airfare to South Africa? 25% of our users found round-trip tickets to South Africa for the following prices or less: Cheap flights to South Africa from London Gatwick £689, from London Heathrow £1,827
  • Book at least 1 week before departure in order to get a below-average price for flights to South Africa.
  • High season is considered to be June, July and August. The cheapest month to fly from the United Kingdom is May.
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest South Africa flight deals.
  • There are a number of international airports in South Africa that provide onward connections to other destinations within the country. Oliver Tambo International Airport (ORT) in Johannesburg is the central hub and from here you can get flights to all other cities in South Africa. If you want to visit the south of the country, you can fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT), while King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban will give you easy access to the coastline of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • If you are travelling to South Africa with children, you will need to ensure that you are carrying full unabridged birth certificates for each child under the age of 18, especially if only one parent is travelling with the child. While this rule may not apply if both parents are travelling, the South African authorities reserve the right to ask to see the birth certificate and will turn you away at the border if you cannot produce it.
  • Visitors looking at flights to South Africa to visit the world-famous Kruger National Park in the north-east of the country should consider flying into Oliver Tambo in Johannesburg and catching an onwards domestic flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) in Nelspruit. The flight takes approximately 45min. It is also possible to fly to Nelspruit from Cape Town and Durban. In Nelspruit you can hire a car or catch a brebooked transfer to travel to Kruger.
  • If you are planning on driving the Garden Route, you could book a flight to George Airport (GRJ), which is situated at one end of this drive from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town. George Airport only has a domestic terminal, so you would need to book a connecting flight from your point of entry into South Africa to George, where you can then collect a hire car for the rest of your journey along the coast.
  • There is a limit to the amount of South African currency that you can carry into the country in cash and it is advisable to check this limit before you fly as it changes frequently. You can also carry a limited amount of cash in foreign currency that you can change at a bureau du change in the airport or, alternatively, use your credit or debit card at an ATM in the airport.
  • It pays to consider African airlines when you want to find cheap flights to South Africa. These are quite numerous, and usually only make one stopover en route, typically in their home country. A good example is Kenya Airways, which flies from London Heathrow (LHR) to OR Tambo (JNB) in Johannesburg, with a single stopover at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO).
  • South Africa is a vast country compared to the British Isles that just begs for a road trip or two. It's a really good idea to book a hire car through KAYAK when you find cheap flights to South Africa. An SUV or MPV will do you well, to handle the challenging roads through some of its major natural tourist attractions, like Namaqualand or the Karoo.
  • You can often find cheap flights to South Africa by choosing those operated by different airlines in tandem. For example, fly London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cape Town International (CPT) on Turkish Airlines, switching to South African Airways at Istanbul International (IST). Or fly from Edinburgh Turnhouse (EDI) to King Shaka Airport (DUR) in Durban on a combination of Turkish Airlines and Airlink, switching at OR Tambo.
See more tips

Top 5 airlines flying to South Africa

Need help choosing which airline to fly with from the United Kingdom to South Africa? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.8
KLMOverall score based on 1349 reviews
7.7Comfort
7.2Entertainment
7.9Boarding
8.4Crew
7.3Food
Airline reviews

Great boarding, great short flight but no entertainment whatsoever and no wifi. Prepare to disembark by a staircase.

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Dec 2024BRU - AMS
Read more KLM reviews

Great boarding, great short flight but no entertainment whatsoever and no wifi. Prepare to disembark by a staircase.

Great boarding, great short flight but no entertainment whatsoever. It was supposed to have wifi but that did not work.

Transfer at CDG to connecting KLM flight to Amsterdam was a NIGHTMARE. LONG WALKWAYS, NO MOVING WALKWAYS, POOR signage, Have to take a train & No staff visible to help navigate the maze. AVOID TRANSFER AT CDG AT ALL COST.

Good flight with KLM, friendly staff. Food was good, had much worse on other airlines. Selection of drinks also good enough for us. Entertainment was also good. The economy seats are ok and that’s it. For a 12 hour flight I think a little more comfort in the economy seats in pitch and softness would be highly appreciated by the customers and can makte the difference.

There was fog in Amsterdam so many flights were delayed because of the weather. Air France knew that the flight would be delayed by two hours but still boarded the plane on time. Instead of letting the passengers wait at the gate we were crammed into the plane. It was uncomfortable. No refreshments were given. I couldn’t charge my devices onboard.

The food & entertainment really stood out in terms of quality. The nasi goreng & chicken satay were absolutely delicious. It’s great that KLM feature international cuisine.

Transavia flight. Couldn't select seat or anything prior to flight. No connection with klm systems. Seats are very crammed. Extremely no frills.

Flight left a few minutes late, but that's it. I wish the seats could be wider and recline more.

Overall a very pleasant flight. No significant issues on either flight. Amsterdam airport is very convenient for connecting

Good experience, just i couldn’t connect me to the wifi

We had an unfortunate experience where we had to leave the aircraft after boarding, shortly before the scheduled takeoff time, and re-board. The reason given was that a passenger felt ill and had to cancel their plans and therefor their luggage had to be found and removed.

We’ve used VA before many times the experience is always been good they have lovely staff and the food is always delicious.

Everything about the flight was amazing from check in to boarding entertainment was okay food we didn’t try.

Seats were old and dirty, for a long haul flight you expect to be able to recline and for the av to work properly. Choice for vegans was fruit….

The Virgin Atlantic crew was very good. However, the equipment was OK, the seats were OK, but her bags did not arrive with me. Two bags showed up a day later and I’m still waiting for my third back.

The crew was very good. However, the equipment was a bit dated. Some of the electronics were not working. To top it, three bags didn’t arrive with me. Two of them were delivered a day later. I’m still waiting for the third bag, I was so looking forward to this virgin Atlantic flight, but, I am disappointed.

My only complaint is that the pocket in front of me was ripped and my things, like iPad and airline magazines, kept slipping to the floor.

Flight delayed yet again. Crew apathetic and unhelpful re affect on connecting flight.

I think Virgin is one of the best flying experiences, especially from/to the UK. The staff are so helpful and fun, the food is good, seats comfortable, goof entertainment and great value. Check in and boarding is pretty pain free. I also find that the other passengers are generally so kind and considerate than when I've flown other airlines.

Cabin crew on our flight showed lack of any customer service gruff and acting annoyed if you asked anything and I mean anything Example a man on the seat over dropped his beer on my husbands blanket We asked if we could switch out blankets cabin crew Said. No we don’t have any extras OK well can you take the wet one Cabin crew looked disgusted and annoyed Took it no OK or yes just a growl

The use of a domestic carrier without entertainment was disappointing and a let down

Plane was late with no information or announcement … had to walk up n downstairs.., had not communicated this … and ppl had suitcase to carry .

Like: It arrived, Dislike: Boarding was a separate corridor with no counter announcements at the passenger waiting area. Very dirty airplane and toilets, food options were terrible - everything even the vegetarian option was a curry spice. Many other passengers using the toilets would not lock the door and kept door partially open during use - flight attendants would not enforce or direct them to lock it and light turns on, no entertainment options at all, other passengers would be singing and not peaceful. Atrocious flight experience.

There where no ear phones provided and the food needs to improve.

The food needs to improve especially the fish as there where only 3 fish cubes in my plate.

I have been flew with ET since 2013 and I wish the service can be reach standard airlines as Star Alliance member please ET you need to improve many thing on the services learn from SQ and other member

I had a full row so can't imagine how this could be better

Good was great, but no vegetarian option: only beef or chicken. In business class please add a vegetarian option. Thanks

My experience was with Ethiopian airlines was pathetic. I would not recommend anyone to travel with Ethiopian air. Customer Service was very poor, rude stuff and flight attendants. Unwilling to offer help when asked either not able to articulate English properly or adamantly rude. Bole airport is dirty and unpleasant. Many passengers going through the airport but inadequate staff to offer service. Passengers in the flight very unkempt. Noisy flight. flight attendants unable to make order during flight. Passengers with kids unable to control their kids. The kids kept screaming, and shouting during the flight making everyone uncomfortable. Overall the flight was not comfortable.

The experience was amazing! Many thanks to the pilot who informed us that we were passing mt Kilimanjaro and we had the chance to see it !

Pleasant, relaxed flight. I had 2 seats to myself, which was a bonus. I couldn't find a flight tracker ap so I could know where we were but that's a minor complaint. On the plus side, the passenger announcements did not come through my earphones but were on main speakers only. That was a nice touch.

Flight delayed by 3 hours 45 mins and no explanation given or apology. Rebooked on a flight departing to final destination 48 hrs later and baggage not delivered.

My outbound flight was grounded in Lusaka so we never made it to Paris. DO NOT fly this airline you will be stranded and your plans will be completely disrupted

Inflight entertainment with electronic charging stations can help during a long flight.

The flight was delayed with no notice. No inflight entertainment. Communication is vital in any business.

Poor communication: Flight come directly to kigali , didn’t come via mumbasa. Favouring to Rwandan passenger to move from economic to bussiness class after flight depart. Where they don’t asked other older passenger who need more comfort. Rude staff : chekin airport at Mumbai. Talking in local language (marathi) while serving and no sorry no thank you attitude.

Pros: "Seat reclining was good. Fleece blankets were warm"
Cons: "Blankets had a really bad smell Food options were very limited - even bread was eggless"

The seat was very uncomfortable. It helped to use the foot rest. Could not sleep because of the seat.

The seats are incredibly uncomfortable. My luggage didn't make it on the flight from London to Nashville.

The plane itself is old and way overcrowded. The crew do a great job of trying to mitigate. It is just uncomfortable for over 8 hours, bearable, but barely. Boarding, and the baggage game, is ludicrous. Why charge extra to check bags when there is not enough room for everyone to "carry-on" and checking is needed? I do not think these issues would be different with other airlines, I believe it is the attitude that squeezes every penny out of each traveler.

Expected a lot better service paying for a business class seat. Seemed to be short on staff and did not get the service I expected.

Nice experience. Baggage arrival in Mumbai wasn't that quick and needs improvement.

I flew Club World and was SHOCKED at how totally absent the crew were for the duration of the flight. So much so that we received no drink service other than the post-departure cocktail and that was it. Wasn't even offered tea/coffee and the in-flight attention was so bad that literally minutes before landing the one crew member for our row was scrambling to pick up left-behind water bottles, glassware, trash. And the rest of the crew had already stowed all carts, he was cramming the trash into the lavatory trash can and was stashing the glassware frantically in the galley as we were on final approach. He was so scrambled he left two overhead lockers wide open (that he'd opened) for landing. Unbelievable!

Paid for first class and was surprised that the seats were the same in economy except no one was in the middle seat. I expected an actual first class seat.

The flight was several times changed. That was inconvenient, to sah the least.

They lost my special meal request and tried to tell me I didn't request it. I had the proof. Then they tried to get me to eat food I can't eat. No apologies

British airways keeps canceling our flights. I won’t be booking any future flights with them

Book Cheap South Africa Plane Tickets

Cheapest flights to South Africa from the United Kingdom found in 2024 and 2025

Recent return flight deals

5/5lun.
1 stopEthiopian Air
16h 45mLGW-JNB
25/5dom.
1 stopEthiopian Air
16h 50mJNB-LGW
£402
21/1mar.
1 stopEthiopian Air
15h 55mLGW-JNB
26/1dom.
1 stopEthiopian Air
17h 05mJNB-LGW
£427
24/1vie.
1 stopKLM
26h 10mLHR-JNB
26/1dom.
1 stopKLM
15h 55mJNB-LHR
£501
24/1vie.
1 stopKLM
14h 05mMAN-JNB
27/1lun.
1 stopKLM
24h 05mJNB-MAN
£504
30/1jue.
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
8/2sáb.
1 stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
£523
21/1mar.
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
29/1mié.
1 stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
£528
12/1dom.
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 35mLHR-CPT
26/1dom.
directVirgin Atlantic
12h 00mCPT-LHR
£576
12/1dom.
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 35mLHR-CPT
26/1dom.
directVirgin Atlantic
12h 00mCPT-LHR
£582
6/2jue.
1 stopEmirates
18h 20mSTN-JNB
27/2jue.
1 stopEmirates
19h 15mJNB-STN
£638
21/1mar.
1 stopEmirates
22h 35mSTN-JNB
27/2jue.
1 stopEmirates
21h 25mJNB-STN
£639

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Recent one-way flight deals

3/3lun.
directNorse Atlantic UK
11h 20mLGW-CPT
£243
15/1mié.
directNorse Atlantic UK
11h 20mLGW-CPT
£258
24/1vie.
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
£396
12/1dom.
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
£398
16/1jue.
1 stopEthiopian Air
15h 55mLGW-JNB
£412
20/1lun.
1 stopEthiopian Air
15h 55mLGW-JNB
£418
24/1vie.
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
£516
24/1vie.
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
£517
20/1lun.
1 stopKLM
25h 05mLCY-JNB
£569
29/1mié.
1 stopKLM
25h 05mLCY-JNB
£570

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Last minute flights to South Africa

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

23/12lun.
multi-stopSWISS
48h 25mLHR-CPT
15/1mié.
multi-stopSWISS
15h 05mCPT-LHR
£743
23/12lun.
multi-stopAir France
35h 50mLHR-JNB
26/3mié.
multi-stopAir France
22h 50mJNB-LHR
£792
23/12lun.
multi-stopKLM
26h 10mLHR-JNB
29/1mié.
multi-stopKLM
18h 10mJNB-LHR
£848
23/12lun.
multi-stopKLM
26h 05mLCY-JNB
29/1mié.
multi-stopKLM
19h 45mJNB-LCY
£874
23/12lun.
directBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
30/1jue.
directBritish Airways
11h 20mJNB-LHR
£903
23/12lun.
directBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
17/1vie.
directBritish Airways
11h 20mJNB-LHR
£929
23/12lun.
multi-stopRwandAir
17h 10mLHR-JNB
14/1mar.
multi-stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
£957
20/12vie.
multi-stopEthiopian Air
16h 15mLHR-CPT
31/12mar.
multi-stopEthiopian Air
17h 15mCPT-LHR
£959
23/12lun.
multi-stopRwandAir
17h 10mLHR-JNB
9/1jue.
multi-stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
£963
23/12lun.
multi-stopEthiopian Air
32h 00mLGW-JNB
26/12jue.
multi-stopEthiopian Air
17h 05mJNB-LGW
£1,095

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Everything you need to know for your flight to South Africa

Cabin class types available on flights to South Africa

Cabin classes available on flights to South Africa. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.

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