Find Cheap Flights to South Africa and Compare the Best Airfare Deals
Quickly compare thousands of flights and find the best air tickets to South Africa. Use TICKETS.PT to ensure your trip starts with the best price.














How Much Do Flights to South Africa Cost?
Check the most important flight data for South Africa, including the lowest round-trip price and the best time to book your air tickets. Use these tips to plan your trip effectively.
Cheap flight deals to South Africa
Discover cheap airfares to South Africa, including flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Compare low-cost flight prices and find the best deals for your final destination in South Africa.
Best Time to Book a Flight to South Africa
To secure cheap flights to South Africa, the ideal time to book is between 8 to 12 weeks before departure. This window offers the best balance between seat availability and airfares. Booking too early might not be beneficial as airlines are still setting prices. Waiting until the last minute can increase the cost of your cheap plane tickets to South Africa by more than 25%.
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What Are the Top Attractions in South Africa?
South Africa offers a unique blend of incredible wildlife, rich history, and stunning coastal landscapes. Prepare to explore thrilling safaris, iconic mountains, and vibrant cities. Here are some of the absolute must-see locations to help you plan your unforgettable journey.
When is the best time to fly from Portugal to South Africa?
South Africa has seasons opposite to those in Portugal. Understanding the local climate is key to planning your trip, whether for dry winter safaris or enjoying the beaches in summer. This knowledge helps you find the best time to book your flights to South Africa.
Summer (December to February) is the high season, perfect for Cape Town and the Garden Route. Expect higher flight prices, especially in December, but the weather is ideal for coastal activities and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Autumn (March to May) offers pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds, making it an excellent time for cheaper flights and visiting the wine regions before the winter chill sets in.
Winter (June to August) is the low season for coastal cities, but it is the best time for safaris in the north, as the dry climate concentrates animals near water sources. Cheap flights to South Africa are easier to find.
Spring (September to November) is a transition period, featuring the spectacular flowering of the Western Cape. Flight prices start to rise, but you can still find cheap South Africa airfares before the December peak.
Frequently Asked Questions and Essential Tips When Booking Cheap Flights to South Africa from Portugal
To secure cheap flights to South Africa, start by being flexible with your dates. Flying outside the peak season, which is the South African summer (December and January), generally results in lower prices. Consider flying into Johannesburg (JNB) instead of Cape Town (CPT), as JNB is a larger hub and may have more flight deals. Use the TICKETS.PT search to compare prices across different airlines and booking sites. Setting up a Price Alert is crucial to be notified when the price of cheap flights from Lisbon to Johannesburg or cheap flights from Porto to South Africa drops significantly, helping you save money.
The three main international airports are O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT), and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. Historically, flights to Johannesburg tend to be cheaper, as it is the airport with the highest traffic volume and the most international routes. If your final destination is Cape Town, compare the price of direct Lisbon to Cape Town flights with the cost of flying to JNB and then taking a low-cost domestic flight, as this option can sometimes be more economical and offer cheap Johannesburg air tickets.
Currently, there are no regular direct flights from Portugal (Lisbon or Porto) to South Africa. Most journeys require at least one stopover, usually in major European hubs like Amsterdam (KLM), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Paris (Air France), or Middle Eastern hubs like Doha (Qatar Airways) or Dubai (Emirates). These airlines fly to South Africa and offer good connection options. When searching for flights to South Africa, check the stopover duration, as a longer layover can sometimes mean a cheaper ticket, helping you buy better-priced South Africa flights.
The best time to buy flights to South Africa is generally between 3 to 5 months before your departure date, especially if you plan to travel during the high season (December/January). If you are looking for promotional South Africa airfares, avoid booking less than 3 weeks in advance, as last-minute flights to South Africa are almost always more expensive. Remember that the South African winter (June to August) is the low season for beach tourism, which can offer cheaper flights to Cape Town and other coastal cities, maximizing your savings.
No, Portuguese citizens traveling to South Africa for tourism purposes for a period of less than 90 days do not require a visa. You must have a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond your intended return date and with at least two blank pages for stamps. However, entry rules, especially for minors, can be strict. Always confirm the updated travel requirements with the South African Embassy before purchasing South Africa flights. If your stay is longer than 90 days, a visa is mandatory and must be obtained before travel.
TICKETS.PT is a flight aggregator that compares real-time prices from hundreds of airlines and booking sites, such as eDreams, Kiwi.com, and the airlines themselves. Our system scans the internet to show you the most economical option available, ensuring you see the final price without hidden fees. This allows you to find the best flight deals to South Africa, from low-cost South Africa flights to cheap Johannesburg air tickets, all in one place, making it easier for you to decide when to buy flights to South Africa.
No, TICKETS.PT does not add fees or markups to the ticket prices you see. Airline and booking site partners actually pay us to be featured on our platform, given how competitive the travel industry is. The price you find on TICKETS.PT is the same price you would find on the partner's website. Our goal is to provide total transparency so you can book flights to Durban or cheap Cape Town flights with the certainty that you are getting the most competitive price, whether for flights to South Africa or any other destination.
Generally, flights to Johannesburg (JNB) are marginally cheaper than flights to Cape Town (CPT). Johannesburg is the main business center and the airport with the most long-haul routes. If your focus is the Western Cape, cheap flights to the Western Cape can be found outside the high season (June to August). If your main goal is Cape Town, it is worth researching the cost of a flight to Cape Town directly and comparing it with the option of flying to JNB and then using a low-cost domestic carrier for the final leg.
Many top airlines offer excellent connections from Portugal to South Africa. European options include TAP (via partners), Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM. The most popular and often competitive routes are via the Middle East, with Emirates and Qatar Airways, which offer high-quality service. When searching for airfares to Johannesburg or cheap tickets to Johannesburg, these carriers are often the ones offering the best travel times and prices, especially if you look for South Africa flight deals in advance, ensuring a smooth journey.
December is the peak of summer and the school holiday season in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive months to fly. However, it is still possible to find cheap flights to Cape Town in December if you book well in advance (6 to 9 months). Consider flying mid-week or right at the beginning of December, before Christmas, when prices rise drastically. Setting up a Price Alert on TICKETS.PT for the Lisbon to Cape Town flight price can help catch any last-minute promotion or fare mistake, ensuring you find affordable flights from Portugal to South Africa.
Flights from Porto (OPO) to South Africa (JNB or CPT) will always require at least one stopover, usually in Lisbon or another European hub. Options for cheap flights from Porto to South Africa are abundant, but the total travel time will be longer. For the best prices, look for flights with connections in cities like Frankfurt, Paris, or Amsterdam. TICKETS.PT compares all these routes to ensure you find the most convenient and economical cheap South Africa airfares for your trip, including low-cost South Africa flights, making your planning process simpler and more efficient.
TICKETS.PT offers a Price Alert feature that is ideal for monitoring promotional South Africa airfares. After searching for flights to Johannesburg or any other South African city, you can activate the alert. You will receive email notifications whenever the price of the flight you selected goes up or down. This is the most effective way to know when to buy flights to South Africa, ensuring you don't miss the best South Africa flight deals and can book flights to Durban or Cape Town at the lowest price. Use this tool to guarantee cheap flights to South Africa.
Essential Travel Guide: Practical Tips for South Africa from Portugal
Before buying cheap flights to South Africa, it is crucial to know practical information about transportation, local customs, and safety. This guide helps plan your trip from Portugal, ensuring a peaceful and enriching stay.
Portuguese citizens traveling to South Africa for tourism for a period of less than 90 days do not require a pre-arranged visa. A free entry visa is granted upon arrival. However, it is mandatory to have a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond the intended date of departure and with a minimum of two blank pages for stamps. Also, ensure you have proof of a return or onward flight. Always check the latest rules before buying flights to Johannesburg or Cape Town. Furthermore, South Africa sometimes requires an International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate if you are arriving from a country with a risk of transmission. Keep both digital and physical copies of your important documents safe.
Transportation in South Africa is extensive, but the distances are vast. Renting a car is the most popular option for exploring, especially the Garden Route or safari areas, as it offers maximum freedom. Remember that driving is on the left side of the road, with the steering wheel on the right, the opposite of what is practiced in Portugal. In cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town, you can use ride-hailing services (like Uber), which are safe and efficient. Public transport, such as intercity trains, exists but is not as comprehensive or punctual as expected. For domestic travel, look for low-cost South Africa flights between major cities like Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town.
South Africa offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels in neighborhoods like Sandton (Johannesburg) and V&A Waterfront (Cape Town), to charming guesthouses and B&Bs. For those seeking a more authentic and economical experience, there are many high-quality backpackers (hostels). If you plan a safari, consider staying in lodges within or near national parks, such as Kruger. Booking in advance, especially if you are looking for cheap flights to Cape Town in December (high season), ensures better prices and availability. Always check the safety of the neighborhood before booking, and opt for accommodations with 24-hour security, which is common in major South African cities.
South Africa is known as the "Rainbow Nation" due to its cultural diversity. Hospitality is a trademark. When interacting, a firm handshake is the standard greeting. Tipping is expected in restaurants (around 10% to 15%) and also for informal car guards in parking lots. English is widely spoken, but learning a few phrases in Zulu or Xhosa (like *Sawubona* – Hello) will be appreciated. Do not be surprised by the general informality; South Africans are generally relaxed. Respect cultural differences and avoid discussing sensitive politics or racial issues with strangers.
Safety is a real concern, but with precautions, your trip will be secure. Avoid displaying valuables, such as expensive jewelry or high-end phones, in public. In large cities like Johannesburg, avoid walking alone at night, especially in non-touristy areas. Use ride-hailing services or pre-booked transport. When renting a car, do not leave visible items inside. Be aware of common distraction schemes in busy areas. Always store your important documents in secure locations at your hotel. When looking for cheap airfare to South Africa, remember that investing in good travel insurance is essential.
South African cuisine is a fusion of African, Dutch, Indian, and Malay influences. You must try *braai* (barbecue), which is a central social event, and *biltong* (cured dried meat), a popular snack. Try *potjiekos* (stew cooked in an iron pot) and *bunny chows* (bread filled with curry) in Durban. The Cape Winelands region, near Cape Town, is world-class; a visit to the vineyards of Stellenbosch or Franschhoek is mandatory. Meals are generally cheaper than in Portugal. Look for local markets to taste authentic and fresh flavors. For an unforgettable photo, climb Table Mountain at sunset in Cape Town. The panoramic view of the city and the Atlantic Ocean is breathtaking.
What Airports Should I Fly Into for South Africa from Portugal?
South Africa has modern airports that receive flights from Portugal. To find cheap flights to South Africa, Johannesburg and Cape Town are the main gateways, offering more options for cheap South Africa airfare and better prices.
Which airlines fly to South Africa from Portugal?
To find cheap flights to South Africa, it is useful to know which airlines operate this route. Many offer promotional airfares, including one-stop flight options, which are ideal for those looking for the best prices on South Africa flights.
Where to fly from South Africa with TICKETS.PT?
After exploring South Africa, you might want to continue your journey. TICKETS.PT helps you find cheap flights to other popular global destinations, offering affordable airfares for your next adventure.
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