The short answer
Southern Africa suits open-jaw and multi-city tickets, such as flying into Johannesburg and home from Cape Town. Choose your cabin, compare direct and connecting options, and check entry and health requirements for South Africa or Zimbabwe before you book.
The main southern African gateways
Most journeys from the UK to southern Africa start in one of three cities.
| Country | City and airport code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Johannesburg (JNB) | A major hub, with many onward connections across southern Africa |
| South Africa | Cape Town (CPT) | A popular choice for leisure trips and holidays |
| Zimbabwe | Harare (HRE) | Zimbabwe's capital and main international gateway |
Start a search from our flight search or call 0800 007 4114.
Fly into one city, home from another
A multi-city or open-jaw ticket can save time and backtracking. For example, you could fly into Johannesburg and home from Cape Town. It is usually simpler than booking separate tickets because it is one booking with one set of rules. Our guide to one-way vs return flights explains the options.
Cabin choice on a long journey
Southern Africa routes are long, so many travellers choose premium economy or business class. Ask which aircraft is on your date, what each cabin includes and whether lounge access applies. Read our guide to business class flights for less to compare cabins and fares.
Seasons and busy periods
Seasons in southern Africa are opposite to the UK, so December is summer there. Demand rises over the UK school holidays and the Christmas and New Year period, so book earlier for those dates. Outside those periods you often have more choice and room to compare fares.
Entry rules for South Africa and Zimbabwe
Entry requirements depend on your passport and the purpose of your trip, and they change. Check the official GOV.UK South Africa and Zimbabwe travel advice before you pay, including passport validity and any visa or authorisation you need.
Health and insurance
Check TravelHealthPro for vaccination and health advice for the areas you will visit, and speak to a health professional well before you travel. Take out travel insurance that suits your itinerary; see the GOV.UK travel insurance guidance.
Add hotels or a holiday
If your trip includes a stay on the coast or a safari, price flights and accommodation together so the dates line up. Our holiday quote form and hotels page are the place to start.
Book your southern Africa flights
Tell us your route and dates in the flight search or call 0800 007 4114. A UK-based consultant confirms the live fare, baggage and change rules before you pay.
Fares, baggage rules and entry requirements change. Always confirm current details with the airline and the official sources linked above before you travel.