Table of Contents
Flights to Africa can often be expensive, making the use of frequent flyer miles or travel points an attractive way to reduce the cost of your journey. However, finding the best redemption option can sometimes be challenging because relatively few airlines operate direct flights to Africa, especially from the USA.
Traveling to Africa usually requires a significant number of miles or points, so it is important to compare different options and make sure you are getting the best possible value from your rewards. Planning early and exploring partner airlines can help you find more convenient routes and better redemption opportunities.
Book Far in Advance
Airlines typically publish their flight schedules around 330 days before departure, so this is the ideal time to begin searching for mileage award options.
However, airlines do not always release reward seats this far in advance. They often wait to see how regular paid tickets are selling before making “saver award” seats available. These lower-mileage rewards are usually limited and controlled based on flight capacity.
Unless you have a very large balance of miles, it is important to look for the best available award deals. A typical round-trip flight to Africa from the USA can require a minimum of around 80,000 miles per ticket, making careful planning and early research essential.
Familiarize Yourself With Alliance Agreements
Whenever possible, flying directly to Africa is a more convenient option than adding a layover in Europe or the Middle East. Unfortunately, the number of airlines offering direct flights from the USA to Africa is limited.
Some airlines operating direct routes include Royal Air Maroc, EgyptAir, Delta, United, South African Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. Before making any travel plans, check airline alliance partnerships to see whether your frequent flyer miles can be used with one of these carriers.
One of the most useful airline groups for collecting and redeeming miles is Star Alliance, which includes a wide network of partner airlines that can provide more options for reaching Africa.
If you have miles with United, Continental, or US Airways, you may be able to redeem them for direct flights to Africa on partner airlines such as South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and EgyptAir.
Other airlines within the same alliance network provide numerous connections from Europe to Africa, including Lufthansa through Frankfurt, TAP Portugal through Lisbon, and Swiss International Air Lines through Geneva. Exploring these partner options can provide more flexibility when planning your journey to Africa.
The Stopover in Europe
Using a European stopover can sometimes make it easier to redeem your miles because there are many available flights and more award seat options. However, the downside is that connections through Europe can involve long layovers, and additional taxes and fees may significantly increase the cost of your so-called “free ticket.”
In some cases, a stopover in Europe can add an extra day of travel, time that could be better spent enjoying your destination rather than waiting in airports. However, some African destinations are only easily accessible through European hubs, making these connections unavoidable.
When planning your route, check airlines such as South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, which offer useful regional connections within Africa. If you do travel through Europe, consider historical connections to find the best flight options. For example, the most frequent flights to Namibia depart from Frankfurt. For West African destinations, Paris is often the best hub, while many flights to East and Southern Africa operate through London.
Don’t Forget the Middle East
The Middle East can also be a useful option when planning flights to Africa. Emirates has an extensive network across the continent and often offers convenient layover times, which can be shorter and more comfortable compared to some European connections.
However, Emirates does not partner with many airline loyalty programs, so using reward points can be more challenging unless you regularly fly with the airline and collect miles directly through their program. Despite this, Emirates remains a popular choice thanks to its excellent service, strong African network, and connections to destinations such as the Seychelles, Nairobi, Mauritius, Uganda, Johannesburg, Tanzania, and many others.
Qatar Airways is another strong option, offering connections to a wide range of African destinations including Kigali, Johannesburg, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Alexandria, Entebbe, Casablanca, Lagos, Nairobi, and more.
Know Your African Geography
Using miles to get close to your final destination in Africa is not always the best way to save money. Regional flights within Africa can be expensive, and some local airlines may not always operate exactly according to schedule. Saving money on flights is not worthwhile if it means losing valuable time from your safari or holiday.
It is important to remember that African countries are often very large, and arriving in a major city or capital does not necessarily mean you are close to your final destination. For example, if you are planning a safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti and use your miles to fly into Dar es Salaam, you may be surprised to learn that you are still approximately a nine-hour journey away by road.
Best Regional Hubs to Fly To
When using miles to travel to Africa, some cities are better choices than others because they offer a wider network of regional flights to help you reach your final destination. Choosing the right hub can make your journey easier and more convenient.
However, keep in mind that many African capital cities can be expensive, so it is best to keep your layover as short as possible. If schedule changes force you to spend extra nights in a city, the additional costs may reduce or eliminate the savings you gained by using your miles.
Some of the best regional air travel hubs in Africa include:
- Johannesburg for Southern Africa
- Nairobi for East Africa
- Dakar for West Africa
- Casablanca for West Africa and connections beyond
- Cairo for connections to East and West Africa
- Addis Ababa for East Africa
And if You Don’t Succeed
Using airline miles to travel to Africa can sometimes be challenging, and finding available reward seats is not always easy. In many cases, the best option is to search for the most affordable flight available while choosing a route that is as direct and convenient as possible.
The miles earned from these flights can then be used for future trips, such as family travel to Europe or domestic flights within the USA.
For travelers who do not fly frequently, another option is to earn airline miles through a travel rewards credit card. With enough spending and careful planning, these rewards can help reduce the cost of a future trip to Africa. There are also many useful resources available with tips on choosing the best airline miles credit card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use airline miles to fly to Africa?
Yes, you can use airline miles to book flights to many African countries. Many major airlines and their partners offer award flights. You may need to book early to find the best seats. Some routes require more miles than others. Planning ahead gives you more options.
Which airline programs are best for flights to Africa?
Several airline loyalty programs can help you fly to Africa using points. Programs like United MileagePlus, Flying Blue, and Qatar Airways Privilege Club are popular choices. They often have partner airlines that fly across Africa. Compare the number of miles needed before booking. A little research can save you many points.
How can I earn enough miles for a trip to Africa?
You can earn miles by flying, using travel credit cards, or shopping through airline partners. Many credit cards offer welcome bonuses with enough points for a flight. Everyday spending can also build your balance over time. Try to use one rewards program instead of many. This helps you collect miles faster.
When is the best time to book an award flight to Africa?
The best time is usually several months before your travel date. Award seats are often limited and can sell out quickly. Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better deals. Flying during the low season may also require fewer miles. Early planning usually gives you the best value.
Do I still have to pay money when using airline miles?
Yes, most award tickets still include taxes and fees. The amount depends on the airline and the route. Some airlines charge lower fees than others. Always check the total cost before confirming your booking. Even with extra charges, using miles can save you a lot of money.
Still have questions?
Our local safari experts are happy to help you plan the perfect African safari.
