Table of Contents
Finding a reasonably priced flight to Africa from the USA is possible if you follow a few basic guidelines. Since there are not many airlines serving the continent, flights can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.
A good airfare from the USA to most destinations in Africa generally ranges between $1,200 and $1,400. If you are traveling to destinations such as Egypt, Morocco, or Tunisia, fares are often lower, usually ranging between $1000 and $1,500.
Book in Advance
Book your flight at least two months in advance, especially if you are planning to travel during the Christmas holiday season. Flights to Africa can fill up quickly because there are relatively limited airline options compared to many other global destinations. This is particularly true for African countries with smaller tourism industries.
If you plan to use frequent flyer miles, it is recommended to check flight availability as early as possible. Many airlines release their schedules around 330 days before departure, giving you the best chance of finding suitable flights and securing available reward seats. Book in Advance
Fly via Europe
Ask your travel agent to explore flight options from Europe to Africa, particularly through major European hubs such as Amsterdam, Rome, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Paris, and then combine this with a connecting flight from the USA. This option can work especially well during the off-season, when flights between the USA and Europe are often much more affordable, typically from November to mid-December and January to March.
The main drawback of this option is the longer travel time, as adding an unnecessary stop in Europe can make the journey considerably longer. However, it can sometimes provide better airfare options.
Turkish Airlines is also a surprising and increasingly popular entrant in the African aviation market, offering connections to a growing number of destinations across the continent.
They offer flights to 17 destinations across Africa, including major hubs such as Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Cairo, and Johannesburg, as well as less common destinations like Kigali and Mogadishu. Layovers in Istanbul are generally reasonable when traveling directly from the USA, and the airline is well known for providing excellent service.
Flights via London used to be a cheaper option, but increases in airport and security taxes mean that the savings are no longer as significant as they once were.
You can still search and compare flights from the UK to many destinations in Africa using online booking platforms. Flight Centre UK is one option that is easy to use and offers competitive prices. You can also use Cheaptickets.com and enter your complete itinerary, allowing the system to help combine flights and create routes through Europe.
Ex-Colonies = More Options
If you are flying via Europe, consider former colonial connections to find the greatest number of flight options. For example, the most frequent flights to Namibia depart from Frankfurt. If you are traveling to a West African country, Paris is often the best hub to consider. For destinations in East and Southern Africa, many flights operate through London.
Use Regional Hubs
- For Southern Africa, consider checking direct flights to South Africa first. From there, several regional airlines operate routes to nearby countries such as Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Madagascar, often providing convenient and affordable connections. Airlines frequently offer attractive deals when introducing new routes as part of their efforts to promote them. Checking newly launched services and regional connections can sometimes help travelers find better fares and more convenient travel options.
- For East Africa, consider flights into Ethiopia and Kenya, as their national airlines have extensive regional networks connecting to many destinations across the region. Package tours to Kenya are particularly popular in Germany and England, so travelers can sometimes find good deals by flying through Europe and connecting with charter flights from there.
- For West Africa, Dakar in Senegal has become one of the main regional hubs, with direct flights available from the USA through airlines such as Delta and South African Airways. Travelers can also find options through Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc, although some connections may involve very long layovers. One advantage of flying into Dakar is that bus connections to neighboring countries can sometimes be faster and more practical than waiting for connecting flights.
- For North Africa, direct flights from the USA to destinations such as Morocco and Egypt are often among the more affordable options, with fares generally ranging between $800 and $1,000. A popular travel combination is to add a Kenyan safari to an Egypt trip, and using regional airlines for this connection may be more affordable than flying directly from the USA to Nairobi.
Fly via Dubai
Emirates has an extensive network across Africa and can offer attractive flight deals to destinations such as the Seychelles, Nairobi, Mauritius, Uganda, Johannesburg, Tanzania, and many others. The airline is known for its excellent service, and stopovers in Dubai are generally convenient with minimal waiting times.
Qatar Airways also provides a strong network to African destinations, with short layovers in Doha and good connection options. However, while these routes can offer competitive fares and quality service, they do add considerable extra flying time compared to more direct options.
Use an Experienced Travel Agent
Consider booking with a travel agency that specializes in international flights or adventure travel. Experienced adventure travel agencies usually offer air-only booking options and can provide valuable advice on the best routes and fares.
It is recommended to speak directly with a knowledgeable travel agent who understands international travel connections and African destinations. Online travel resources can also be useful, as some specialize in comparing airline deals and providing flight options by destination city across Africa.
Direct Flights
Direct flights from the USA to Africa are often more expensive than routes connecting through Europe, mainly because there are fewer available flights and seats tend to fill up quickly. However, direct routes can save valuable travel time and provide a more convenient journey.
Below are a few examples of direct flights from the USA to Africa. For a more comprehensive list, refer to a complete guide of direct flights from the USA to Africa.
- Delta Airlines operates flights from JFK to Dakar (Senegal), Cairo (Egypt), and Accra (Ghana), as well as flights from Atlanta to Johannesburg (South Africa) and Lagos (Nigeria).
- South African Airways offers direct flights to Johannesburg (South Africa) from JFK and Washington DC.
- EgyptAir operates direct flights from JFK to Cairo (Egypt).
- Royal Air Maroc offers direct flights from JFK to Casablanca (Morocco).
- Ethiopian Airlines operates direct flights from Washington DC to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) several times per week. Some flights may make a brief stop in Rome for refueling, but passengers remain on board.
- United Airlines operates flights from Washington DC to Accra (Ghana) and offers direct service to Lagos (Nigeria) from Houston.
- Arik Air, based in Nigeria, operates flights from JFK to Lagos (Nigeria) several times a week. Booking arrangements may require contacting the airline directly.
Use Your Frequent Flyer Miles
If you have frequent flyer miles with an airline, you may be able to use them for at least part of your journey to Africa. Even if your airline does not operate direct flights to Africa, airline alliance partnerships often allow you to redeem miles with partner airlines that serve the continent.
Another option is to use your miles to reach a major European hub and then book a separate, more affordable flight onward to Africa. Planning ahead and checking different airline partners can help you make the most of your accumulated miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to book cheap flights to Africa?
Booking early usually gives you the best prices. Try to book two to six months before your trip. Flying during the low season can also save money. Midweek flights are often cheaper than weekend flights. Compare prices before you book.
Which websites can help me find cheap flights to Africa?
Many travelers use flight comparison websites to check prices. These sites let you compare different airlines in one place. Set price alerts to watch for fare drops. Flexible travel dates can help you find better deals. Always check the airline’s website before paying.
Can flexible travel dates really save money?
Yes, flexible dates can make a big difference. A flight one day earlier or later may cost much less. Traveling outside school holidays is often cheaper. Morning or late-night flights can also have lower fares. A little flexibility can save you a lot.
Are connecting flights cheaper than direct flights?
In many cases, yes. Flights with one or two stops often cost less than nonstop flights. They take longer but can help you stay within your budget. Compare both options before you decide. Choose the one that fits your time and budget.
How else can I save money on flights to Africa?
Travel light if you can. Many airlines charge extra for checked bags. Use airline reward points or travel discounts when possible. Watch for seasonal sales and special promotions. Planning ahead is one of the easiest ways to save money.
Still have questions?
Our local safari experts are happy to help you plan the perfect African safari.
