Africa flights and travel guide

Africa maintains an indefinable mystery and allure, a vast continent of diverse countries with a history dating back to 3300 BC. The countries of North Africa – Morocco, Egypt or Tunisia - are closer in culture to Arab nations, whereas South Africa is a multicultural melting pot with strong Dutch and British roots. Countries such as Nigeria, Sudan and Mali retain their rich African heritage.

You can't see all of Africa in one visit, so it's important to plan your trip right. Flights to Africa can be the start of a wide range of adventures. If you're keen on a safari trip, Kenya has the most impressive wildlife and the best organised tours. History buffs will no doubt revel in exploring ancient Egypt, the land of the pyramids and pharaohs. For a few lazy days on unspoilt beaches, book flights to the popular island of Zanzibar in Tanzania.

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Africa climate

The climate throughout Africa is generally warm year-round. North African countries tend to be extremely hot between the June and September.

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When to fly to Africa

High season in North Africa, including Egypt and Tunisia, is from September to April when the weather is milder.

The best time for safaris and game watching is in July, after the rainy season.

South Africa's high season is in December and January, when flights and accommodation are more expensive. 

Tanzania, Mauritius and other countries closer to the Indian Ocean have heavy tropical rainfall  from January to March to as late as June in some countries. For the best weather, avoid the summer and book a flight to Africa anytime between June and October.

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Africa insider information

• Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, has some of the best diving and fishing in the region, while the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, in Tanzania, make it close to paradise.
• If you've fantasised about riding a horse through endless desert in the style of Lawrence of Arabia, live your dream in Mali, in West Africa. Located on the edge of the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, Mali's nomads and camels ride in from the legendary city of Timbuktu.
• Egypt is undeniably the biggest and most obvious lure for history and archaeology buffs, but Tunisia has ancient Roman ruins in Carthage, there are Roman mosaics in the UNESCO World Heritage protected Medina and Libya also boasts remnants of Greek and Roman civilizations.
• From zebras running in the wild to elephants brushing up against your jeep, experience a real safari in Kenya while staying in game lodges and tent camps. Virtually untouched, Botswana is home to the spectacular Okavango Delta, a vast inland flood plain with stunning wildlife, waterways, forests and islands.
• From safaris and beaches to wineries, nightlife and history, South Africa offers a unique experience. Visit Cape Town's infamous Robben Island prison, where Nelson Mandela was jailed under Apartheid. Take the cable car up to imposing Table Mountain for sensational city views.

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Africa airports

The main airports for flights to Africa include:

Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Marrakech-Menara International Airport (RAK)

Johannesburg International Airport (JNB)

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)

Murtala Muhammed Airport (Lagos) (LOS)

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