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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.

Best One-Way Deal
...남아프리카 공화국
Best Round-Trip Deal
...남아프리카 공화국
📉
Cheapest Month to Fly
📈
Most Expensive Month
⏱️
Average Flight Time
10h 30m+
From Portugal to Johannesburg
📅
Best Time to Book
10-14 Weeks Before
Save by booking in advance

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.

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⏱️️

Best Time to Book a Flight to South Africa

8 to 12 weeks before your flight
Last minuteLess than 2 weeks+25%
Optimal8 to 12 weeksBaseline Price
Too EarlyMore than 20 weeks+15%

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.

Table Mountain
An icon of Cape Town, offering panoramic views of the city, the coast, and the Atlantic Ocean. The cable car ascent is quick.

Open: Variable (weather dependent)

Entry fee: Around 25€ (Cable Car)

Best time to visit: Early morning or sunset

Located in: Cape Town, Western Cape

Flights to Table Mountain (Cape Town)
🏞️ Nature
Kruger National Park
One of Africa's largest and most famous wildlife parks, home to the 'Big Five'. Ideal for safaris and animal viewing.

Open: 05:30 - 18:30 (Gates)

Entry fee: Around 25€ per day

Best time to visit: Dry season (Winter)

Located in: Mpumalanga and Limpopo

Flights to Kruger National Park (Skukuza)
🦁 Wildlife
Robben Island
Historic site where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Tours are guided by former political prisoners.

Open: 09:00 - 17:00

Entry fee: Around 35€ (includes ferry)

Best time to visit: Early morning

Located in: Cape Town, Western Cape

Flights to Robben Island (Cape Town)
🏛️ History
Boulders Beach
Famous for being home to a large colony of African penguins. It is possible to observe them closely and swim alongside them.

Open: 08:00 - 17:00

Entry fee: Around 10€

Best time to visit: Afternoon

Located in: Simon's Town, Western Cape

Flights to Boulders Beach (Cape Town)
🐧 Marine Life
Garden Route
A scenic coastal route stretching along the Western and Eastern Cape. It offers dense forests, lagoons, and incredible beaches.

Open: 24/7

Entry fee: Variable (depends on the parks)

Best time to visit: Spring or Autumn

Located in: Western and Eastern Cape

Flights to Garden Route (George)
🛣️ Scenic Route
Apartheid Museum
A powerful and essential site in Johannesburg documenting the history of apartheid and the transition to democracy.

Open: 09:00 - 17:00 (Closed Mondays)

Entry fee: Around 8€

Best time to visit: Morning (to avoid crowds)

Located in: Johannesburg, Gauteng

Flights to Apartheid Museum (Johannesburg)
🖼️ Museum
Drakensberg Mountains
A spectacular mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ideal for hiking, climbing, and viewing San rock art.

Open: 24/7 (Parks have hours)

Entry fee: Variable (depends on the area)

Best time to visit: Summer (for hiking)

Located in: KwaZulu-Natal

Flights to Drakensberg Mountains (Durban)
⛰️ Mountain
V&A Waterfront
A vibrant center in Cape Town with shops, restaurants, entertainment, and incredible views of the harbor and Table Mountain.

Open: 10:00 - 21:00 (Shops)

Entry fee: Free

Best time to visit: Late afternoon

Located in: Cape Town, Western Cape

Flights to V&A Waterfront (Cape Town)
🛍️ Shopping/Leisure
Soweto
A historic township near Johannesburg, known for its struggle against apartheid. Visit Mandela's house and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

Open: 24/7

Entry fee: Free (Paid tours)

Best time to visit: Morning

Located in: Johannesburg, Gauteng

Flights to Soweto (Johannesburg)
🏘️ Culture
Addo Elephant Park
South Africa's third-largest national park, famous for its dense elephant population and home to the marine and terrestrial 'Big Seven'.

Open: 07:00 - 18:00

Entry fee: Around 18€ per day

Best time to visit: Winter (for viewing)

Located in: Eastern Cape

Flights to Addo Elephant Park (Port Elizabeth)
🐘 Wildlife


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.



Frequently Asked Questions and Essential Tips When Booking Cheap Flights to South Africa from Portugal

How can I find 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.

What are the main arrival airports in South Africa and which is the cheapest to fly into?

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.

Are there any airlines that offer direct flights from Portugal to South Africa?

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.

What is the best time to buy flights to South Africa to get the best prices?

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.

Do I need a visa to travel from Portugal to South Africa?

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.

How does TICKETS.PT find flights at such low prices?

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.

Does TICKETS.PT add any markup to the ticket prices shown?

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.

Is it cheaper to fly to Cape Town or Johannesburg?

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.

Which European and Middle Eastern airlines have good connections to South Africa?

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.

Can I find cheap flights to Cape Town in December, despite it being high season?

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.

What should I know about flights from Porto 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.

How can I use TICKETS.PT to monitor promotional South Africa airfares?

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.

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
4.0
Distance to center:22 km
Main Hub:South African Airways

The largest and busiest airport in Africa, serving Johannesburg and Pretoria. It is the main hub for those looking for flights to Johannesburg and internal connections.

Main Hub
International
Johannesburg
Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
4.3
Distance to center:20 km
Recognition:Award-winning airport

Gateway to the Western Cape region. It is known for its efficiency and is ideal for those looking for cheap Cape Town flights and cheap flights to the Western Cape.

CPT
Western Cape
Scenic
King Shaka International Airport (DUR)
3.8
Distance to center:35 km
Features:New and modern

Serves Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal province. It is an excellent option for those wanting to book flights to Durban and explore the country's beautiful east coast.

Durban
Regional
Coastal
Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ)
3.5
Location:Eastern Cape
Focus:Domestic and regional flights

A key airport for the Eastern Cape province. It is ideal for those looking for flights to Port Elizabeth and access to the Eastern Garden Route.

Port Elizabeth
Regional
Garden Route


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.

TAP Air Portugal
European Connections
4.2
  • TAP offers good connections from Portugal, often in partnership with other long-haul carriers.

  • Look for cheap flights from Lisbon to Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Emirates
Premium Service via Dubai
4.7
  • Known for its high-quality service, it connects Portugal to South Africa via Dubai.

  • Great option for those looking for comfort on long-haul flights.

Qatar Airways
Excellent Global Connections
4.5
  • Offers efficient routes via Doha, connecting Porto and Lisbon to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

  • A popular choice for cheap South Africa airfares with one stopover.

Turkish Airlines
Connection via Istanbul
4.1
  • Provides a vast network of flights, allowing you to buy South Africa flights at competitive prices.

  • Routes to major South African cities with a stopover in Istanbul.

Lufthansa
Reliable European Routes
4
  • Flies to South Africa with a stopover in Frankfurt or Munich, ideal for low-cost South Africa flights.

  • Offers cheap plane tickets to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Air France
Options via Paris
4.3
  • Connects Portugal to South Africa through its hub in Paris, offering flexible schedules.

  • Look for flight deals to South Africa with this airline.



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.

London, United Kingdom
London, United Kingdom
A vibrant metropolis with rich history, world-class museums, and an unparalleled cultural scene. Perfect for an urban getaway.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Known for its futuristic skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, and desert experiences. A global hub for commerce and tourism.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia
Famous for its Opera House and Harbour Bridge. It offers stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and a relaxed culture.
New York, USA
New York, USA
The 'City That Never Sleeps' is a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and finance. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Times Square.
Mauritius
Mauritius
A paradise island in the Indian Ocean, known for its white sand beaches, crystal clear lagoons, and colorful coral reefs.
Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, Kenya
The capital of Kenya offers a unique blend of modern urban life and proximity to wildlife, including Nairobi National Park.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Famous for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and world-renowned art museums. A city easy to explore by bike.
São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo, Brazil
The financial and cultural center of Brazil. A city with diverse gastronomy, vibrant street art, and intense nightlife.


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