UK
Wild Beauty & Cultural Richness
From dramatic coastlines and world-class safaris to vibrant cities and historic landmarks, South Africa offers an unforgettable mix of nature, adventure, and heritage. It’s a top pick for UK travellers seeking diversity in one destination.
Air Travel
Flights from London to Johannesburg or Cape Town take around 11–12 hours. Durban and Port Elizabeth are accessible via domestic connections.
Airlines
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and South African Airways offer direct routes. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines provide excellent one-stop options.
Cheap flights to South Africa
South Africa
Wild Beauty & Cultural Richness
Landmark
Travel Season
- May–September: Dry season, best for safaris
- October–April: Warmer months, ideal for coastal holidays
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Credit cards widely accepted in cities and tourist areas
- ATMs available; cash preferred in rural regions
- Tipping is customary (10–15% in restaurants)
Connectivity
- Free Wi-Fi in hotels and cafes
- Local SIM cards (Vodacom, MTN, Cell C) available at airports
- Pocket Wi-Fi rentals for group travel
Getting Around
- Domestic flights for long distances
- Car rentals popular for self-drive routes (left-hand driving)
- Uber available in major cities
- Guided tours recommended for safaris and remote areas
Time Zone
- South Africa Standard Time (SAST) – GMT+2
Etiquette & Culture
- Greet with a handshake and smile
- Respect local customs and wildlife rules
- English is widely spoken; 11 official languages
- Tipping is expected for service staff
Top Destinations
- Cape Town: Beaches, wine, and mountain views
- Johannesburg: Urban culture and history
- Kruger National Park: Wildlife safaris
- Garden Route: Coastal road trip with forests and lagoons
- Durban: Surf, curry, and golden beaches
- Stellenbosch & Franschhoek: Wine country charm
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Braai (BBQ), Bobotie, Biltong, Bunny Chow, Cape Malay curry
- Tap water is safe in cities
- Wine and craft beer are excellent and affordable
personal_bag What to Pack
- Layers for varying climates
- Binoculars and camera for safaris
- Power adapter (Type M plug)
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
Best Time to Visit
- May–September: Best for wildlife viewing
- October–April: Great for beaches, wine tours, and festivals
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- South Africa is generally safe in tourist areas; stay alert in cities
- Emergency numbers: 10111 (police), 112 (mobile)
- Travel insurance is essential
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus; malaria precautions for safari zones
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Cape Town
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Cape Town. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Cape Town.
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Johannesburg
Book cheap flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham & more UK airports to Johannesburg. Compare airlines, find direct flights, and discover the best time to travel from the UK to Johannesburg.