Why Fly to South Africa
South Africa punches above its weight as a travel destination. You get world-class wildlife safaris, dramatic coastlines, serious wine country, and a food and nightlife scene that surprises most first-timers — all at a price point that feels like a steal compared to Europe or North America. The country is massive and genuinely diverse, so whether you want to cage dive with great whites, hike Table Mountain, or track the Big Five in Kruger National Park, it's all here.
The three cities you'll likely move between are Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. Cape Town is the showstopper — the mountain, the coast, the winelands just outside the city. Johannesburg is the economic engine and your most likely entry point, with a rapidly improving urban culture in neighborhoods like Maboneng and Sandton. Durban offers a warmer, more laid-back vibe with excellent Indian cuisine and surf beaches along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Best Time to Visit South Africa
South Africa's seasons are flipped from the northern hemisphere. Summer runs November through February — hot, with afternoon thunderstorms inland. Winter is June through August — dry, mild on the coasts, and actually the best time for game viewing since animals cluster around water sources and vegetation thins out. Cape Town gets cold and wet in winter (it's the rainy season there), so aim for October through April if Cape Town is your main focus. For safari in Kruger, May through September is prime. Shoulder months like April–May and September–October offer the best of both worlds: decent weather everywhere and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Getting Around South Africa
South Africa is big — Cape Town to Johannesburg is roughly 1,400 km. Flying between major cities is your most practical option. Domestic carriers like FlySafair, Airlink, and South African Airways connect Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo), Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), and other regional airports. Fares are reasonable if you book ahead. Renting a car is the best way to explore at your own pace — roads are generally good, signage is decent, and driving opens up the Garden Route, the Winelands, and smaller towns that don't have reliable public transit. Drive on the left. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt work well in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Intercity buses (Greyhound, Intercape, FlixBus) cover major routes cheaply but slowly. The Blue Train and Rovos Rail exist for luxury rail travel but are bucket-list splurges, not practical transport.
Visa & Entry Requirements
US, UK, and EU citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure date and have a minimum of two blank pages for stamps. You'll need to show proof of onward or return travel at the border. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if you're arriving from a yellow fever-endemic country within the previous 10 days. South Africa launched an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in late 2025, currently applying to nationals from China, India, Indonesia, and Mexico — expansion to other nationalities is planned, so check current requirements before you travel.
Money & Budget
The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). As of 2026, the rand trades at roughly 18–19 ZAR to the US dollar, making South Africa excellent value for travelers earning in stronger currencies. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, tourist areas, and supermarkets. Carry some cash for rural areas, markets, and smaller guesthouses. ATMs are widely available — use ones inside banks or shopping centers to reduce skimming risk. Budget travelers can get by on $40–60 USD per day covering a hostel bed, local meals, and public transport. A comfortable mid-range trip runs $100–180 USD per day with a decent guesthouse or B&B, car hire, and restaurant meals. Luxury safari lodges, fine dining, and private game reserves can push costs to $400–800+ USD per day easily.
Top Cities to Visit in South Africa
- Cape Town — South Africa's most visited city for good reason: Table Mountain, Boulders Beach penguins, world-class restaurants, and the Cape Winelands within an hour's drive.
- Johannesburg — The country's largest city and main international gateway. Visit Soweto, the Apartheid Museum, and the revitalized inner-city neighborhoods.
- Durban — A warm, coastal city with the best Indian food in the country, surf beaches, and easy access to Drakensberg and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi game reserve.
- Stellenbosch — The heart of South Africa's wine country, about 45 minutes from Cape Town. Beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and serious wine tasting.
- Knysna — A picturesque town on the Garden Route surrounded by lagoon, forest, and oyster farms. A natural stop on any Cape road trip.
- Hoedspruit — The gateway town for private game lodges near Kruger National Park. Not a destination itself, but your jumping-off point for safari.
FAQ — Flights to South Africa
Which airport should I fly into for South Africa?
Most international flights land at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, which has the best connections from Europe, North America, and Asia. Cape Town International (CPT) also receives direct international flights, mainly from Europe. If your trip focuses on Cape Town, flying directly saves you a domestic connection.
How long is the flight to South Africa from the US or UK?
From the UK, expect roughly 11–12 hours direct to Johannesburg or Cape Town. From the US East Coast, flights typically run 15–17 hours with one stop — there are currently no nonstop US-South Africa routes. Common connection points include London, Amsterdam, Doha, Dubai, and Addis Ababa.
When should I book flights to South Africa to get the best price?
Book 3–5 months out for the best combination of availability and price. Peak season (South African summer, December–January, and the European summer holiday window in July–August) sees higher fares and earlier sellouts. Flying midweek and avoiding school holiday windows can shave meaningful amounts off your ticket, especially in business class.