South Africa has seen some turbulent, trying years in its past, but the country has begun re-inventing itself, and with great success. Amazingly enough, the number of tourists that travel to South Africa has increased every year for the past decade, by at least ten percent every year.
Flights coming into South Africa generally depart in the evening, so they can arrive early in the morning. Most of these flights come into the city of Johannesburg, although many visitors that take cheap flights to South Africa generally head for Cape Town. As South Africa’s oldest city, Cape Town offers tourists top-notch restaurants and a hopping nightlife, making it a favorite stop.
Not many airlines service Africa, and because of that, flights fill up rather quickly. Nevertheless, it is certainly possible to find a cheap fare to South Africa, although you will have to do some planning and follow some advice. The number one tip is to plan your flight far in advance. Do not be afraid to book that flight at least two months ahead of time. Because Africa is a land of that offers a myriad of pastimes, and a diverse climate, the ideal time for booking a cheap flight is hard to pin down. The determining factor is what you intend to do, although you should keep in mind the reversal of seasons. November through February is summer in the southern hemisphere. For those who want to see wild game, it is best to come in spring, which would be August through October. For the whale watchers, mid-June to October is when the Southern Right Whales can be seen, and you will want to come between August and December for Humpbacks.
Booking your flight from Europe is definitely the cheapest way to go. If you already live in Europe, that is not a problem. However, if you are flying from the US, you may want to ask your travel agent to book a flight to Europe first, before flying on to South Africa. If at all possible, hit the off-season, November to mid-December and January to March, and that flight from the US to Europe will be very reasonable.
There’s a number of budget airline companies that operate regionally in South Africa, so if you want to save money, regional hubs are the way to go. ACSA, or Airports Company South Africa, run all ten domestic and International airports, and there are six different airlines offering domestic flights. On top of that, you can find numerous charter services as well. Keep in mind, every one of these airlines will offer you something unique in terms of pricing and routes, so it is a good idea to make advance plans.
Your passport must be valid for thirty days past your stay, and make sure you have an onward ticket.
It is possible to find a cheap flight to South Africa, but you will need to think smart and do some preplanning if you want to lock in the best deals.
