Cheap flights to Africa

With an ancient history dating back to 3300 BC, Africa has an indefinable mystery and allure surrounding it, and each country within this large continent differs dramatically. From the North African countries – Morocco, Egypt or Tunisia through Nigeria, Sudan and Mali to South Africa the countries and their languages are varied and mix their African heritage with multicultural influences.

It’s important to plan your African trip right since it is such a vast continent with an abundance of attractions to see and must-try activities. If you’re interested in seeing wild animals then visit Kenya for the most impressive wildlife and the best organised tours. Or if history is your forte, where better to revel in the past than the ancient land of the pyramids and pharaohs? Visit Egypt for an experience of a lifetime. But if your idea of the perfect holiday is to spend lazy days on unspoilt beaches, then visit Africa’s popular island – Zanzibar in Tanzania.

Africa climate

The weather throughout the African continent is generally the same: warm year-round. But the North African countries including Egypt and Tunisia tend to be extremely hot between the months of June and September. High season is from September to April when the weather’s milder.

When is the best time to fly to Africa?

The best time for game watching is in mid-summer, specifically July when the rainy season is over.

South Africa enjoys its high season in December and January when hoards of tourists visit its cities but flights and accommodation are pricier during this period. Try to avoid visiting in from September to January when the gale winds blow wildly.

Countries closer to the Indian Ocean, Tanzania and Mauritius for example, have a heavy tropical rainy season that runs anywhere from January to March or even until June in some countries. For the best weather visit Africa anytime between June and October but try to avoid the scorching heat from December to March.

What is the best way to travel around Africa?

For those who prefer a hassle-free journey, it is possible to book safari tours which are the easiest way to see the continent or consider hiring a car from the airport. Group tours may work out cheaper and you will have all your accommodation, transport and food usually included. When booking flights to Africa, public buses are affordable and give you a more authentic experience but take a little more planning. Bus trips are especially useful for city or inter-city travel within countries where road infrastructure is relatively good. Minivans are also incredibly cheap, offering options for longer journeys to neighbouring countries. If your flights to Africa are in the south, you can take advantage of the Baz Bus, which has designated routes throughout South Africa on popular trails. You could also book flights to Africa within countries if you prefer.

What are some things to do in Africa?

If you are visiting Kenya, undoubtedly one of the best attractions are the safari tours where you can get to experience the wildlife in their natural habitats and learn about the conservation projects which aim to protect endangered species. The Ugandan and Rwandan rainforests are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. If you enjoy hiking, Mount Kilimanjaro is a popular trek, or for the more adventurous, there are options to bungee jump off a bridge at Victoria Falls, or swim up to the edge of the falls.

What is good to know if travelling to Africa?

• Many travellers would pick the Caribbean when searching for a beach destination, but Africa has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, for example, has some of the best diving and fishing in the area. While the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania has been dubbed “paradise” by many visitors because of its turquoise waters.
• History buffs should head to Tunisia where they’ll find ancient Roman ruins in Carthage and Roman mosaics in the Unesco World-Heritage protected Medina. Libya is another fascinating North African country that boasts remnants of Greek and Roman civilizations. And Egypt, of course, is undeniably the mecca of archaeologists and historians.
• Zebras running in the wild, elephants brushing up against your jeep; these are the images of safari, and Kenya offers visitors an authentic experience in game lodges and tented camps. Less popular, but virtually untouched, is Botswana – home to the spectacular Okavango Delta. Here, you’ll find a 5,850 sq. mile (15, 151 sq km) inland flood plain filled with waterways, forests, islands and stunning wildlife.
• If Lawrence of Arabia ever inspired you to ride on a horse through the endless desert, then you’ll get your wish in Mali. This West African country sits on the edge of the Sahara, the world’s largest desert, where nomads and camels ride in from the legendary city of Timbuktu.
• Safaris, beaches, nightlife and history: South Africa combines them all seamlessly. Head to Cape Town and visit the infamous Robben Island prison where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned under Apartheid. Then take the cable car up to Table Mountain and enjoy the sensational views of the city.

How long is the flight to Africa?

You can find flights to Africa from Melbourne Airport (MEL) in Australia which will take you to Johannesburg Airport (JNB) in around 39h which include one stopover in Singapore Changi Airport (SIN). You can also book flights to Africa from Melbourne to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) in Kenya with a flight duration of around 37h with two stopovers in Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) and Cairo Airport (CAI). Find cheap flights to Africa with Emirates Airlines from Brisbane Airport (BNE) to Accra Kotoka Airport (ACC) in Ghana with one stop in Dubai Airport (DXB) for a flight time of around 25h, or equally, Africa flight deals from Brisbane to Nairobi airports with one stopover in Dubai and a flight duration of around 24h.

What do I need to do before my flight to Africa?

Before you book your cheap flights to Africa, remember to check your visa requirements for the country you are visiting. When you compare flights to Africa, bear in mind that you will need a tourist visa in most circumstances, a valid biometric passport, and proof of your accommodation, return airfares and sufficient funds to cover your stay. When flying to Africa, it is also advisable to check vaccination requirements, particularly regarding Malaria and Yellow Fever which can be widespread throughout the continent, particularly in central Africa. You may want to download the Uber app for travel purposes as services are economical, popular and convenient, especially in south Africa.