Flights To South Africa

Overview Of South Africa

South Africa is a multi-ethnic country considered to be the most southern country in all of Africa. It is bounded by surrounding countries such as Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. South Africa is the 25th largest country in the world by land mass, and the 24th most populous country, about 48,782,756 people. It is the home of the popular freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela. South Africa is a soothing paradise for people interested in culture and natural history including national parks and world heritage sites. While some nationalities do not need a visa for stay around 90 days or less, others do not need one for stay of 30 days or less. Entry can be made into the country by air or road travel. South Africa has 10 international airports, with two major airports in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Apart from air travel into the country, South Africa operates a couple of land border posts between itself and some neighbouring countries by which cars can be entered into the country. These countries include Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.

Popular Cities In South Africa

South Africa provides visitors, business travellers and tourists alike, a spectacular destination in its cities, that will stay long in their hearts long after they have left the country. The following are the top five cities in the country, based on popularity, tourist attraction, and size. Johannesburg In terms of population, this is largest city in South Africa. Gauteng is the considered the wealthiest province in the country and Johannesburg is its capital, making this a very important commercial and political hub. It is home to the OR Tambo International Airport, welcoming hundreds of thousands of international and national visitors every month. Johannesburg is every shopper?s dream. A popular tourist attraction in the city is the Auckland Park, Emmarentia Dam, and the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Cape Town Cape Town is considered the centre of all things related to South African culture. Regarded as one of the world?s most beautiful cities, it bustles with old buildings with aesthetic architecture, museums and monuments. Wonderful tourist attraction in the city include the famous Table Mountain, coastal beaches, and glorious winelands. Durban Durban is one of the fastest growing urban cities in the world. For travellers who are food eccentric, Durban is the go-to for excellent South African curries, as well as a culture infused travel. The city is also known for its hot and humid temperature throughout the year. Hence, beaches in Durban are the most ideal stop for travellers from all over the world. Its central Business District is a haven of commercial activities, and is close to hotels and conference venues. Watersports such as surfing, body boarding, sailing and scuba diving are obvious favourites given Durban's proximity to the warm Indian Ocean. Rugby, soccer and cricket are also very popular with Durban boasting world class stadia for all major sports. Pretoria The historical city of Pretoria is the administrative capital of South Africa. Home to many museums and monuments, it encases the South African culture. Sport loving visitors will enjoy Pretoria because of its passion for sports. However, Pretoria is a beautiful and serene city. Popular tourist attractions include the Transvaal Museum, the Wonderboom and GroenKloof Nature Reserves, and the Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary. Port Elizabeth Port Elizabeth is a small city with almost a town-like feel to it around Cape Town, South Africa. It is known for its winds and friendliness. It is ideal for touring families or newly-wed couples embarking on honeymoon escapades, housing a diverse array of attractions including nature trails, wildlife, and other water sport activities. One of the most popular places to visit in the city is Algoa Bay, which is regarded as one of the best sailing venues in the word.

Best Time To Visit South Africa

Popular Festivals In South Africa Like every other african country with a long history of culture, South Africa is home to a lot of festival and cultural events all year round, celebrating art, food, drinks, and agriculture. The Dance Umbrella The Dance Umbrella is an annual festival of dance and choreography that takes place in Johannesburg. The festival showcases work performed by indigenous dance groups and international formations. Starting in 1988, the Dance Umbrella has served as a springboard for the careers of many popular South African choreographers. Cape Town International Jazz Festival The Cape Town International Jazz event is a two-day festival that holds annually in March or April. The festival features about 40 international and african musicians performing on five different stages to about 15000 people. The Rotary River Festival Started in 1995, the Rotary River Festival hols on the shores of the Vaal River. It is essentially a fund raising event, whereby all the money raised goes to a large number of local charity organizations. At the festival, children and youths alike are treated to music by top singers, dance and choreography, fashion, raft racing, food, and other side attractions. Scifest Africa Also known as the National Festival of Science, Engineering and Technology, the event is held in March in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape every year. About 600 different eventsb including game drives, lectures, laser show, workshops, sunset shows, robotics competitions, science Olympics, school quizzes, interactive exhibitions, the PlayFair, field trips, talkshops and a film festival. This science event attracts over 35000 visitors annually. National Arts Festival This is the oldest and biggest arts festival in South Africa. It is also the largest arts festival in Africa, as well as one of the largest performing arts festivals in the world by the number of visitor participation. The National Arts Festival is a 10-day event celebrating art and culture in every form including music, dance, theatre, and film. It is the most attended festival in South Africa by tourists. South African Climate The temperature in South Africa is a bearable and temperate one compared to other countries. This is down to the surrounding oceans (Indian Ocean on the east coast, and the Atlantic Ocean on the west) and altitude. The dry season falls between May to September where there may be no rainfall at all. The wet season, and summer rains, begins in October till April. It is typically hot on the coast of the Indian Ocean, with high humidity. The most conducive time for travellers to visit South Africa will be between May and September. There is a period of pleasant temperatures between April to May, and September to October, afternoon storms do not often muddle with tourist activities. The worst weather comes between June to August where it is very cold in the mornings and in the night. Best Time To Book Flights To South Africa Generally, most airlines sell their cheapest tickets first and although this might not always be the case, it is always ideal to book flights to South Africa a long time before departure. This is the time when travellers are more likely to find reasonably priced tickets on the exact dates they want to fly. Etihad Airways, British Airways and Emirates are usually the cheapest airlines operating flights into South Africa. The cheapest times of the year to fly to South Africa, especially from Amsterdam using KLM, are in the months of March, April, September and November, while ticket prices are often expensive in July and December. Public Holidays In South Africa Popular holiday events held in South Africa include; the New Year?s Day on January 1, Human Rights Day on the 21st of March, Easter Weekend, Freedom Day on the 27th of April, Worker?s Day on the 1st of May, Youth Day on 16th June, Women?s Day on 9th August, Heritage Day on the 24th of September, Day Of Reconciliation on the 16th of December, Christmas Day on the 25th of December, and the Day of Goodwill on the 26th of December. These holiday periods may have effect on the prices of flight tickets at any time of the year when they are being observed.

Airports In South Africa

There are a couple of international airports serving both domestic and international airlines in and out of South Africa. These include the following airports; Cape Town International Airport Cape Town International Airport is a public airport serving Cape Town and operated by the Airports Company of South Africa. It is the hub for Mango and South African Express. It is the only airport in the city that offers scheduled passenger flights in and out of the country to several destinations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Cape Town International Airport is the second busiest airport in South Africa, the third busiest in Africa, and the ninth busiest in the world. The airport is referred to by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) using the airport code CPT. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) uses FACT when referring to the Airport. The airport also contains two hotels , the Hotel Verde, a four star hotel, and Road Lodge which is a budget hotel, as well as a MyCiti BRT station that connects across all of Cape Town. O. R. Tambo International Airport Also known as Johannesburg International Airport, the airport is located in Kempton Park, Ekurheleni, Gauteng, South Africa. It is a public airport owned by the Airports Company South Africa around the city of Johannesburg. O.R Tambo International Airport is the major airport for domestic and international flights in and out of South Africa, as wella s the busiest airport in Africa, handling about 28 million passengers every year. It is the hub for the largest airline in the country, South African Airways, and others including Airlink, Comair, FlySafair. Popular airlines operating flights out of the airport include Delta Air Lines, Ethiopian Airlines, Ethihad Airways, Air France, and Emirates. The airport is referred to by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) using the airport code JNB. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) uses ORTIA when referring to the Airport. King Shaka International Airport This is the major public airport serving Durban. It is owned by Dube Tradeport Corporation and operated by Airports Company South Africa. King Shaka International Airport is hub for SA Express and serves as a focus city for Kulula.com, British Airways (operated by Comair), and Airlink. Popular airlines operating flights to the airport include Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines. The airport is referred to by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) using the airport code DUR. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) uses KSIA when referring to the Airport.

Airlines Operating Flights To South Africa

When booking flights to various destinations in South Africa, travellers should be on the lookout for any of the following airlines operating flights to the country; Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air France, British Airways, United Airlines, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, SWISS Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Iberia Airlines, Delta Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, LATAM Airlines Brasil, Air Mauritius, EL AL Israel Airlines, Qantas, Air China, EgyptAir, Saudia, TAAG Angola Airlines, RwandAir, and Virgin Atlantic However, the most frequent airlines operating flights to locations in South Africa are Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Iberia, and South African Airways. Average Fares From Popular Places To Destinations In South Africa Flight from London to Johannesburg ? 294 pounds Flight from Belfast to Johannesburg ? 438 pounds Flight from Toronto to Johannesburg ? 858 dollars Flight from Vancouver to Cape Town ? 1,182 dollars Flight from Calgary to Durban ? 867 dollars Flight from Lagos to Johannesburg ? 140,617 naira

How Long Is A Flight To South Africa?

The average flying distance from Washington DC, USA to South Africa is 12994,2 kilometres, and approximately 16 hours and 45 minutes of travel time between both locations. The flight time from England to South Africa is at an average of 11 hours. Other flight times are indicated below: Australia to South Africa ? 12 hours Belgium to South Africa ? 12 hours Canada to South Africa ? 19 hours China to South Africa ? 17 hours Egypt to South Africa ? 5 hours France to South Africa ? 10 hours Germany to South Africa ? 13 hours Ireland to South Africa ? 13 hours Italy to South Africa ? 12 hours Japan to South Africa ? 20 hours Netherlands to South Africa ? 11 hours

Getting From Airports In South Africa to City Centre

From Cape Town International Airport to Cape Town To save in-city travel costs, the best way to travel into the city centre is by using the MyCiti bus. The bus travels every 20 minutes and is operated for almost all day. It is more ideal because it is a lot cheaper than taxis. The MyCiti bus is also less crowded than the standard buses. Although taxis are readily available outside of the airport, they cost R300-R400 more than the buses. For Taxis, it is advisable for travellers to agree on cab fares before boarding them. From O. R. Tambo International Airport to Johannesburg Getting into the centre of Johannesburg from the international airport is safer and more affordable using the Reya Vaya. It is a bus dedicated for transport between the city and the airport and passengers can find it easily outside the arrival Terminals. Travellers who have a lot of luggage can hire a taxi from outside the airport after they agree on the price before embarking on the journey. Another option is the new rail link between the airport and the suburbs.

Great Places To Visit In South Africa

Tourists will not be disappointed on their visit to South Africa regardless of whether it is a short or long term visit to the country. They will find the country?s scenic locations attracting; from wildlife, game reserves, national parks, museums and galleries, and beautiful deserts. Kruger National Park This is one of the world?s most popular safari parks and the oldest game reserve in South Africa. Travellers have the opportunity of seeing the ?Big Five?; lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino. Kruger National Park is also home to stone age rock paintings and other archaeological sites. Visits to the national park can be organized by travellers via a connection of sealed roads, walking safari, or better still soar in a hot air balloon over the grasslands, forests, and river systems. The Drakensberg The Drakensberg means ?Dragon Mountains?. Travellers will find a lot of tourists at this place. It features the highest mountains in the country. The region encompasses the World Heritage-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, the Royal Natal National Park, and the Giants Castle Game Reserve. Western visitors would enjoy the opportunity to hike and bike on the mountain trails, as well as hot air balloon rides across the lush view of mountains and rivers. Kalahari Transfrontier Park Also known as Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, it was established in 2000 at the Northern Cape region of South Africa. It is a merger of the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park and Botswana?s Gemsbbok Nationnal Park and is one of the largest wilderness in the world. Here, cameras come in handy, to capture the thorn trees, red sands, golden grasslands, and deep blue skies covering these elements of nature. The wildlife is home to the black-maned Kalahari lion, as well as other wild animals. Golden Mile, Durban This is an historic tourist attraction featuring a grand beachfront in Durban and collection of beaches teasing swimmers into plunging into them. Asides the promise of a wonderful beach scene, other attractions are uShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium, and the little prototype of Durban city, called Mini Town.

South Africa Insider Information

Random Facts About South Africa Interesting information about the wonderful country of South Africa include: - Table Mountain in Cape Town is considered to be one of the oldest mountains in the world, as well as one of earth?s 12 main energy centres. - The water in South Africa is very safe and is rated the 3rd best water in the world for being safe and ready to drink. - Two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, lived on the same street, Vilakazi Street in Soweto. This is the only place that has two Nobel Prize winners on the same street. - South Africa is home to the highest commercial bungi jump in the world at 710 feet. - South Africa is a world leader in the mining of minerals, producing about 90% of all the platinum metals and nearly 41% of the world?s gold. Safety/Security Tips For Staying In South Africa The dangers in South Africa are not so different from the big cities in the USA and Europe. So, while they are in the country, visitors should try as much as possible to know the right place to go. This means that bars and other places in the townships should be visited during the day and in the company of a local guide who knows the ways of the people. Also, information about the city can be sought from the tourism board. Travellers are advised to not walk at night, at least not alone. They should preferably take private or public means of transportation when moving around the city. Being too flashy could also be harmful to visitors as too much jewellery and fashionable clothes tend to be green signals for thieves, especially when they realize the person is a foreigner. It is ideal for travellers who have rented a private vehicle to always keep their car doors locked, as well as valuables out of sight. Tips on Changing Money In South Africa To change other currencies into the South African Rand, one of the best options is to check ATMs. They are available round the clock and are located in places throughout the country. Foreign currencies can also be changed at banks or Bureau de Change. This service, however, come at an extra service fee or VAT. Traditions To Respect While In South Africa There are several ways of greeting in South Africa depending on the ethnic group the person greeting you belongs to. When meeting with foreigners, most South Africans shake hands while maintaining eye contact and smiling. Some women, however, travellers should not shake hands but nod their head. It is ideal to wait for a woman to extend her hand or let her kiss them on the cheeks. It will not also be unusual to find Afrikaners and Coloured people to gather at weekends and other special occasions at the multifamily barbecues called ?braais?. This is considered a way of strengthening community bonds.