How to get to | South Africa

This is part of a series of blog entries on how to get to countries and places. Here is a link to the index. I plan to eventually cover every country and some other places. If you have a request for a particular country or place please use the email me link at top right, or leave a comment.

South Africa

Source: Henry Trotter

South Africa has lots of land border crossings with neighbouring countries with several bus and taxi services.

Many airlines fly to South Africa (to Johannesburg only or Johannesburg and other mentioned airports), including:

• Star Alliance – EgyptAir, Lufthansa (Capetown), Singapore (Capetown), South African, Swiss, TAP, Turkish (Capetown)
• Oneworld – British Airways (mainline to Johannesburg and Capetown and subsidiary Comair to several airports), Cathay Pacific, Iberia, Qantas
• Sky Team – Air France Delta (Capetown), Kenya, KLM (Capetown)
• Other selected – most southern African airlines (to several airports), some northern African airlines, some European low cost carriers (mostly to Johannesburg and some to Capetown), Emirates (Capetown and Durban), Malaysia (Capetown), Virgin Atlantic (Capetown)

TIP longhaul flights to/from South Africa are limited with generally more demand than supply, thus fares can be high (especially in business and first class). Awards and discounted fares (such as on around the world tickets) are hard to come by other than in economy. Book as far in advance as possible.

TIP longhaul fares from South Africa are significantly cheaper than from western countries.

TIP South Africa has some of the few Southern Hemisphere intercontinental flight options – both South African Airways and Malaysia Airlines fly between South Africa and South America, and both South African Airways and Qantas fly between South Africa and Australia.

TIP South Africa is a good base or hub to visit other southern African countries with plenty of flight options and generally low fares.

Musings of the Global Traveller
Thoughts, advice and travel news from around the world by a seasoned frequent flyer.