Flight to South Africa

Flights to South Africa

Think South Africa is just safaris? Sure, Kruger’s lions and elephants are legendary - but they are just the beginning. You can look at African penguins among the granite stones at Boulders Beach. Hop on a cable car up Table Mountain and finish with eye-popping vistas over Cape Town and Table Bay. Drive through the wildflower deserts of Namaqualand, along canyon highways, and out into South Africa’s townships. From the heights of the highveld to the surfers at the coast, a flight to South Africa promises more than an eyeful of the Big Five.

How long is the flight to South Africa

• Sydney (SYD) to Johannesburg (JNB): 14 hours and 45 minutes
• Perth (PER) to Johannesburg (JNB): 11 hours 15 minutes

If you’re going elsewhere in South Africa, such as Cape Town or Durban, you’ll need to connect via Johannesburg or another city.

Which airlines fly direct to South Africa

• Qantas: Runs direct flights from Sydney to Johannesburg. Expect included baggage, meals, and the reliability of Australia’s national carrier.
• South African Airways: South Africa’s flag carrier operates non-stop flights between Perth and Johannesburg. It’s a full-service airline with a sizeable baggage allowance, meals, and friendly onboard service.

Where you can fly direct to South Africa from

• Sydney (SYD) to Johannesburg (JNB): Fly with Qantas.
• Perth (PER) to Johannesburg (JNB): Fly with South African Airways.

Where is the airport in South Africa?

O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) is Johannesburg’s main airport, about 22 km northeast of the city centre in Kempton Park. It’s South Africa’s busiest international hub, with Terminals A (international) and B (domestic) connected by a central arrivals zone.

Transport’s more than easy in this part of SA. First option? The fast Gautrain to Sandton. Alternatively, rideshares like Uber and Bolt, plus metered taxis and hotel shuttles, all of which take around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on where you choose to kip for the night. Driving yourself? There’s on-site car hire and long-term parking near the terminal.

When is the cheapest time to fly to South Africa

Return fares dip in March, often the cheapest time to fly from Australia. This shoulder season brings warm weather, fewer crowds, and great wildlife spotting. May and September are also sweet spots for safaris.

Dodge peak prices and avoid December to early January when holiday travel sends fares soaring.

Visa/Passport requirements when flying to South Africa

Australian passport holders don’t need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date - and that you have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps. 

How early to arrive at the airport

Arrive at least three hours before your flight to South Africa.

Ready to roar into action? You can check out South African accommodation on Traveloka.