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. The North African countries – Morocco, Egypt or Tunisia are closer in culture to the Arab countries, whereas South Africa is a multicultural melting pot with strong Dutch and British roots. Most of the other countries including Nigeria, Sudan and Mali retain their rich African heritage.

Coming off a flight to Africa is an experience that even the most jaded visitor never forgets, but it’s important to plan your trip right since it is such a vast continent. If you’re interested in a trip to safari 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 book flights to Africa’s popular island – Zanzibar in Tanzania.

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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 and safari 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 book a flight to Africa anytime between June and October but try to avoid the scorching heat from December to March.

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What is the best way to travel around Africa?

Africa is the world's second-biggest continent, with vast landscapes that offer an array of sights to experience. The best way to travel after flying to Africa you book flights to Africa will depend on what you want to explore. When travelling through cities, you can use the local bus or taxi services. Rideshare apps like Uber and Bolt are also a convenient way to get around the cities. Bus stations are easy to find, and services connect all significant sites within the cities. If you want to travel between countries, several airlines operate cheap flights to other African countries.

What are some things to do in Africa?

If you decide to visit Cape Town, you will discover a city with a wide variety of different types of experiences, from the wine farms of Ceres right through to the Clifton beaches along the coast and the Newlands Forest. Cape Town is unmistakably one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in Africa. Visiting Marrakesh will take you along a luxurious journey of hotels, nightclubs, restaurants, and bars such as the 4-star 'So Lounge' bar in the city centre. Taking a bus tour to Riad will have you soaking up the traditional architecture and local food. Compare flights to Africa between different countries to plan the best experience.

What is good to know if travelling to Africa?

• 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.
• 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.
• Zebras running in the wild, elephants brushing up against your jeep; these are the images of safari, and Kenya offers visitors an authentic safari experience in game lodges and tented camps. Less popular than South Africa, but virtually untouched, is Botswana – home to the spectacular Okavango Delta. Here, you’ll find a 5,850 sq. mile 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.

Thinking of planning a safari holiday in Africa? We’ve found the best safari destinations in Africa and beyond in our Safari Holidays travel tip.

How long is the flight to Africa?

When you book flights to Africa from the Philippines, you will be able to choose between either Manila International Airport or Mactan Cebu International Airport, the two most popular international airports in the Philippines. Both offer cheap flights to Africa's most popular cities. Compare Africa airfare to cities including Cape Town, the capital city of South Africa, and Marrakesh in Morocco, both favoured tourist destinations. Unfortunately, due to the distance involved, you won't find direct flights to Africa. However, Africa flight deals with one layover and a reasonable travel time are available.

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

Before flying to Africa, you must make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival. Making sure you have travel and medical insurance is a must when travelling through Africa. It's not a bad idea to book a local guide for the city you're in, to maximise your time sightseeing. Most guest houses and hotels offer a tour guide as part of your accommodation which can be booked and paid for in advance. It's advisable to not carry an excessive amount of money on you; however, you will be able to use your international credit cards at most establishments throughout Africa. Remember to inform your bank that you will be travelling overseas.