£261 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 26/4. 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

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

Johannesburg
Johannesburg1 stop£409
Cape Town
Cape Town2 stops£462
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stops£597
George
George2 stops£639
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stops£846
East London
East London2 stops£623
Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg2 stops£6,209
Mthatha
Mthatha1 stop£896

Good to know - Cheap tickets to South Africa

Low season

June

High season

December

Cheapest flight

£261
Best time to beat the crowds (11% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (33% more expensive on average)
Flight from London Gatwick Airport to Cape Town

FAQs - booking South Africa flights

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long is the flight to South Africa?

    An average direct flight from the United Kingdom to South Africa takes 18h 25m, covering a distance of 5932 miles. The most popular route is London - Cape Town with an average flight time of 11h 35m.

  • 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 £203 one-way, and £408 round-trip. The most popular route is London Heathrow to Cape Town Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was £521.

  • Which airlines fly to South Africa?

    British Airways, Iberia & American Airlines fly the most frequently from the United Kingdom to South Africa.

  • What are the most popular destinations in South Africa?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Cape Town (53% of total searches to South Africa). The next most popular destinations are Johannesburg (40%) and Durban (5%). Searches for flights to Port Elizabeth (1%), to George (0.4%) and to Phalaborwa (0.1%) 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 £706, from London Heathrow £1,768
  • 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 January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United Kingdom is February.
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest South Africa flight deals.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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
7.2Entertainment
7.7Comfort
7.9Boarding
7.3Food
8.4Crew
Airline reviews

Good food. Excellent crew service. Clean aircraft. Narrow seats and isle.

8.0 ExcellentAdi, Nov 2024AMS - YYZ
Read more KLM reviews

Good food. Excellent crew service. Clean aircraft. Narrow seats and isle.

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.

Seats were nice and comfy. Crew was polite and attentive. Business class is awesome and worth the money.

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

Great flight because I upgraded to Premium Comfort. Made a huge difference in the experience.

The flight was great, the only reason for middle scores on entertainment and food is that it was a short flight so not included (but snacks were served including alcoholic beverages free of charge). I would definitely recommend KLM.

Was trying to change a flight but told that Canadian and local klm systems do not interact so they could not access my booking. Overall I like klm a lot but if it was important to change flights I would be very frustrated.

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

Quick flight. But cabin crew were very noisy and talking too much, especially when we were seated at the back of the plane trying to sleep through the night .

My ticket was for Premium Economy and all the seats were taken, I was placed in Economy class and I’m looking for a refund.

Unfortunately delayed 2 hrs due to faulty tyre.. which had to be changed, but better safe than sorry.

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"
Pros: "Helpful friendly crew, reasonable ticket prices."
Cons: "Luggage was delayed by 24 hours, customer service desk in Johannesburg EXTREMELY helpful, in Kigali they were clueless. Transit area very crowded, humid and stuffy."

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

Boarding was delayed and people were just sitting there like lost.

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.

Flight was fine, food better than anticipated and flight attendants were helpful and friendly.

Flight was fine, food much better than anticipated, and flight attendants were helpful and friendly!

Our headphone plug is broken, we can not enjoy our entertainment, especially traveling with 5 year old who like to watch movie

Reasonably comfortable. Plenty of room. Crew were attentive and continually informing passengers of position. Although stuck in runway for 1 hour, weather issues, it felt like we were the crews first priority

Need a do not disturb sign if you wish not to have any meals so that they can wake you or have the meals served . Left very sad and hungry .

Pleasant, attentive and efficient flight attendants. Boarding process and seat selection easy. No internet on transatlantic flight. Extremely uncomfortable, rigid seat.

No entertainment and the seats are well worn.! To the point it feels like your sitting in a bowl

The seats of the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner were ridiculously uncomfortable. I was on 10 flights during this vacation and this plane was super uncomfortable both times I was on one whereas all of the others were perfectly fine. Additionally, these planes do not have any air vents that passengers can control, the climate is entirely controlled by the crew which made for an extremely uncomfortable temperature for the duration. The flight attendants tried to make everyone happy with the temperature but several people you could tell were excessively warm and just wanted a bit of airflow.

Everything was fine except not posting the gate number until 14 minutes before boarding. In an airport the size of Heathrow, that was unacceptable.

We already had a five hour layover in London, and then they cancelled our flight about half hour before we were due to board. They wouldn't give us access to the lounge and hanging around the extremely busy terminal for another three hours until our next flight was crappy. 8 hours in a busy terminal is awful. The least they could have done was give us access to one of their quiet, comfortable lounges for the inconvenience. I heard from others that they do this a lot -- cancel these short flights if they're not completely full. When we got onto the next flight it was absolutely packed and uncomfortable. Just very disappointing. British Airways used to be a great airline to fly with, but it doesn't feel that way at all now.

Book Cheap South Africa Plane Tickets

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

Recent return flight deals

17/2Mon
1 stopEthiopian Air
15h 55mLGW-JNB
3/3Mon
1 stopEthiopian Air
17h 05mJNB-LGW
£409
13/5Tue
1 stopEthiopian Air
16h 45mLGW-JNB
28/5Wed
1 stopEthiopian Air
16h 50mJNB-LGW
£410
28/2Fri
1 stopLufthansa
13h 45mMAN-JNB
16/3Sun
1 stopLufthansa
15h 10mJNB-MAN
£462
29/1Wed
1 stopLufthansa
14h 00mLHR-JNB
18/2Tue
1 stopLufthansa
14h 10mJNB-LHR
£477
21/1Tue
1 stopKLM
13h 30mLHR-JNB
5/2Wed
1 stopKLM
15h 55mJNB-LHR
£497
20/1Mon
1 stopKLM
13h 30mLHR-JNB
4/2Tue
1 stopKLM
15h 55mJNB-LHR
£498
13/1Mon
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
27/1Mon
1 stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
£528
15/1Wed
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
15/2Sat
1 stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
£532
21/1Tue
1 stopEmirates
24h 30mSTN-JNB
5/2Wed
1 stopEmirates
21h 25mJNB-STN
£622
3/12Tue
1 stopEmirates
18h 20mSTN-JNB
27/2Thu
1 stopEmirates
19h 15mJNB-STN
£624

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Recent one-way flight deals

26/4Sat
directNorse Atlantic UK
11h 30mLGW-CPT
£261
15/4Tue
2 stops
23h 25mLGW-CPT
£276
20/1Mon
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
£417
17/1Fri
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
£457
6/3Thu
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
£529
21/3Fri
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
£541
23/1Thu
1 stopKLM
18h 10mLCY-CPT
£603
17/1Fri
1 stopKLM
25h 50mLCY-JNB
£603
26/11Tue
directBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
£785
2/12Mon
directBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
£788

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Last minute flights to South Africa

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

27/11Wed
directNorse Atlantic UK
11h 20mLGW-CPT
12/12Thu
directNorse Atlantic UK
11h 35mCPT-LGW
£416
26/11Tue
multi-stopKenya Airways
26h 05mLHR-JNB
3/12Tue
multi-stopKenya Airways
24h 15mJNB-LHR
£510
22/11Fri
multi-stopKLM
23h 35mLHR-JNB
2/12Mon
multi-stopKLM
19h 05mJNB-LHR
£556
22/11Fri
multi-stopKLM
23h 35mLHR-JNB
25/11Mon
multi-stopKLM
19h 05mJNB-LHR
£561
25/11Mon
multi-stopRwandAir
17h 30mLHR-JNB
26/11Tue
multi-stopRwandAir
29h 10mJNB-LHR
£637
25/11Mon
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
8/12Sun
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 20mJNB-LHR
£650
25/11Mon
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
8/12Sun
directVirgin Atlantic
11h 20mJNB-LHR
£673
24/11Sun
multi-stopRwandAir
17h 30mLHR-JNB
28/11Thu
multi-stopRwandAir
29h 10mJNB-LHR
£686
25/11Mon
directBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
10/12Tue
directBritish Airways
11h 20mJNB-LHR
£727
25/11Mon
directBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
11/12Wed
directBritish Airways
11h 30mJNB-LHR
£733

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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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