$449 Find Cheap Flights from the United Kingdom to South Africa

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the United Kingdom to South Africa departing on 5/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Good to know

Low season

June

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$449
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 12% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 37% increase in price.
Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Cape Town

FAQs for booking flights from the United Kingdom to South Africa

  • Which airlines operate non-stop flights to South Africa?

    British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and South African Airways operate direct flights from London Heathrow to Oliver Tambo International Airport and British Airways also operates direct flights to Cape Town International Airport.

  • What are the rules about car seats for children in South Africa?

    While it is not yet mandatory to have a suitable car seat for young children when driving in South Africa, it is advisable to take one with you if you are planning on doing a lot of driving. Alternatively, you can hire one along with your car hire and it is wise to do this in advance.

  • Where should I fly to in South Africa if I want to go to the Drakensberg?

    The Drakensberg, the highest range of mountains in southern Africa, is located in KwaZulu-Natal, so the best airport to fly into is King Shaka International in Durban. From here you can hire a car and drive to the southern part of the Drakensberg.

  • Do I need a visa for South Africa?

    British passport holders who are visiting South Africa for a period of less than 90 days do not need a visa to enter the country. However, your passport should have two blank pages in it and should also be valid for 6 months from your date of entry to South Africa.

  • Do some airlines offer more flights to South Africa for historical reasons?

    Due to South Africa's former status as a British colony and it remaining a member of the Commonwealth, British Airways has always offered the majority of flights from the UK to Cape Town and Johannesburg. The same is true of South African Airways, so you'll find plenty of flights on offer between these two carriers.

  • Are some flights to South Africa more carbon-efficient than others?

    Use the CO2 filter to find the flights that emit the least carbon from whichever airport you choose for your departure. British Airways is your best option if you're flying the most common route from Heathrow to OR Tambo. Booking with this carrier can save over 50% in overall carbon emissions.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from the United Kingdom to South Africa?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from the United Kingdom to South Africa.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from the United Kingdom to South Africa?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to South Africa from the United Kingdom is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from the United Kingdom to South Africa?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to South Africa with an airline and back to the United Kingdom with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from the United Kingdom to South Africa?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to South Africa from the United Kingdom up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding a cheap flight out of the United Kingdom

  • There are a number of international airports in South Africa that provide onward connections to other destinations within the country. Oliver Tambo International Airport (ORT) in Johannesburg is the central hub and from here you can get flights to all other cities in South Africa. If you want to visit the south of the country, you can fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT), while King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban will give you easy access to the coastline of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • If you are travelling to South Africa with children, you will need to ensure that you are carrying full unabridged birth certificates for each child under the age of 18, especially if only one parent is travelling with the child. While this rule may not apply if both parents are travelling, the South African authorities reserve the right to ask to see the birth certificate and will turn you away at the border if you cannot produce it.
  • Visitors looking at flights to South Africa to visit the world-famous Kruger National Park in the north-east of the country should consider flying into Oliver Tambo in Johannesburg and catching an onwards domestic flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMI) in Nelspruit. The flight takes approximately 45min. It is also possible to fly to Nelspruit from Cape Town and Durban. In Nelspruit you can hire a car or catch a brebooked transfer to travel to Kruger.
  • If you are planning on driving the Garden Route, you could book a flight to George Airport (GRJ), which is situated at one end of this drive from the Eastern Cape to Cape Town. George Airport only has a domestic terminal, so you would need to book a connecting flight from your point of entry into South Africa to George, where you can then collect a hire car for the rest of your journey along the coast.
  • There is a limit to the amount of South African currency that you can carry into the country in cash and it is advisable to check this limit before you fly as it changes frequently. You can also carry a limited amount of cash in foreign currency that you can change at a bureau du change in the airport or, alternatively, use your credit or debit card at an ATM in the airport.
  • It pays to consider African airlines when you want to find cheap flights to South Africa. These are quite numerous, and usually only make one stopover en route, typically in their home country. A good example is Kenya Airways, which flies from London Heathrow (LHR) to OR Tambo (JNB) in Johannesburg, with a single stopover at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO).
  • South Africa is a vast country compared to the British Isles that just begs for a road trip or two. It's a really good idea to book a hire car through KAYAK when you find cheap flights to South Africa. An SUV or MPV will do you well, to handle the challenging roads through some of its major natural tourist attractions, like Namaqualand or the Karoo.
  • You can often find cheap flights to South Africa by choosing those operated by different airlines in tandem. For example, fly London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cape Town International (CPT) on Turkish Airlines, switching to South African Airways at Istanbul International (IST). Or fly from Edinburgh Turnhouse (EDI) to King Shaka Airport (DUR) in Durban on a combination of Turkish Airlines and Airlink, switching at OR Tambo.
See more tips

Top 5 airlines serving from the United Kingdom to South Africa

Need help choosing which airline to fly with from the United Kingdom to South Africa? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.8
KLMOverall score based on 1345 reviews
7.8Boarding
7.7Comfort
7.3Food
8.4Crew
7.2Entertainment
Airline reviews

Great boarding, great short flight but no entertainment whatsoever and no wifi. Prepare to disembark by a staircase.

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Dec 2024BRU - AMS
Read more KLM reviews

Great boarding, great short flight but no entertainment whatsoever and no wifi. Prepare to disembark by a staircase.

Great boarding, great short flight but no entertainment whatsoever. It was supposed to have wifi but that did not work.

Transfer at CDG to connecting KLM flight to Amsterdam was a NIGHTMARE. LONG WALKWAYS, NO MOVING WALKWAYS, POOR signage, Have to take a train & No staff visible to help navigate the maze. AVOID TRANSFER AT CDG AT ALL COST.

Good flight with KLM, friendly staff. Food was good, had much worse on other airlines. Selection of drinks also good enough for us. Entertainment was also good. The economy seats are ok and that’s it. For a 12 hour flight I think a little more comfort in the economy seats in pitch and softness would be highly appreciated by the customers and can makte the difference.

There was fog in Amsterdam so many flights were delayed because of the weather. Air France knew that the flight would be delayed by two hours but still boarded the plane on time. Instead of letting the passengers wait at the gate we were crammed into the plane. It was uncomfortable. No refreshments were given. I couldn’t charge my devices onboard.

The food & entertainment really stood out in terms of quality. The nasi goreng & chicken satay were absolutely delicious. It’s great that KLM feature international cuisine.

Transavia flight. Couldn't select seat or anything prior to flight. No connection with klm systems. Seats are very crammed. Extremely no frills.

Flight left a few minutes late, but that's it. I wish the seats could be wider and recline more.

Overall a very pleasant flight. No significant issues on either flight. Amsterdam airport is very convenient for connecting

Good experience, just i couldn’t connect me to the wifi

We had an unfortunate experience where we had to leave the aircraft after boarding, shortly before the scheduled takeoff time, and re-board. The reason given was that a passenger felt ill and had to cancel their plans and therefor their luggage had to be found and removed.

We’ve used VA before many times the experience is always been good they have lovely staff and the food is always delicious.

Everything about the flight was amazing from check in to boarding entertainment was okay food we didn’t try.

Seats were old and dirty, for a long haul flight you expect to be able to recline and for the av to work properly. Choice for vegans was fruit….

The Virgin Atlantic crew was very good. However, the equipment was OK, the seats were OK, but her bags did not arrive with me. Two bags showed up a day later and I’m still waiting for my third back.

The crew was very good. However, the equipment was a bit dated. Some of the electronics were not working. To top it, three bags didn’t arrive with me. Two of them were delivered a day later. I’m still waiting for the third bag, I was so looking forward to this virgin Atlantic flight, but, I am disappointed.

My only complaint is that the pocket in front of me was ripped and my things, like iPad and airline magazines, kept slipping to the floor.

Flight delayed yet again. Crew apathetic and unhelpful re affect on connecting flight.

I think Virgin is one of the best flying experiences, especially from/to the UK. The staff are so helpful and fun, the food is good, seats comfortable, goof entertainment and great value. Check in and boarding is pretty pain free. I also find that the other passengers are generally so kind and considerate than when I've flown other airlines.

Cabin crew on our flight showed lack of any customer service gruff and acting annoyed if you asked anything and I mean anything Example a man on the seat over dropped his beer on my husbands blanket We asked if we could switch out blankets cabin crew Said. No we don’t have any extras OK well can you take the wet one Cabin crew looked disgusted and annoyed Took it no OK or yes just a growl

Pleasant, relaxed flight. I had 2 seats to myself, which was a bonus. I couldn't find a flight tracker ap so I could know where we were but that's a minor complaint. On the plus side, the passenger announcements did not come through my earphones but were on main speakers only. That was a nice touch.

Flight delayed by 3 hours 45 mins and no explanation given or apology. Rebooked on a flight departing to final destination 48 hrs later and baggage not delivered.

My outbound flight was grounded in Lusaka so we never made it to Paris. DO NOT fly this airline you will be stranded and your plans will be completely disrupted

Inflight entertainment with electronic charging stations can help during a long flight.

The flight was delayed with no notice. No inflight entertainment. Communication is vital in any business.

Poor communication: Flight come directly to kigali , didn’t come via mumbasa. Favouring to Rwandan passenger to move from economic to bussiness class after flight depart. Where they don’t asked other older passenger who need more comfort. Rude staff : chekin airport at Mumbai. Talking in local language (marathi) while serving and no sorry no thank you attitude.

Pros: "Seat reclining was good. Fleece blankets were warm"
Cons: "Blankets had a really bad smell Food options were very limited - even bread was eggless"

The use of a domestic carrier without entertainment was disappointing and a let down

Plane was late with no information or announcement … had to walk up n downstairs.., had not communicated this … and ppl had suitcase to carry .

Like: It arrived, Dislike: Boarding was a separate corridor with no counter announcements at the passenger waiting area. Very dirty airplane and toilets, food options were terrible - everything even the vegetarian option was a curry spice. Many other passengers using the toilets would not lock the door and kept door partially open during use - flight attendants would not enforce or direct them to lock it and light turns on, no entertainment options at all, other passengers would be singing and not peaceful. Atrocious flight experience.

There where no ear phones provided and the food needs to improve.

The food needs to improve especially the fish as there where only 3 fish cubes in my plate.

I have been flew with ET since 2013 and I wish the service can be reach standard airlines as Star Alliance member please ET you need to improve many thing on the services learn from SQ and other member

I had a full row so can't imagine how this could be better

Boarding was delayed and people were just sitting there like lost.

Good was great, but no vegetarian option: only beef or chicken. In business class please add a vegetarian option. Thanks

My experience was with Ethiopian airlines was pathetic. I would not recommend anyone to travel with Ethiopian air. Customer Service was very poor, rude stuff and flight attendants. Unwilling to offer help when asked either not able to articulate English properly or adamantly rude. Bole airport is dirty and unpleasant. Many passengers going through the airport but inadequate staff to offer service. Passengers in the flight very unkempt. Noisy flight. flight attendants unable to make order during flight. Passengers with kids unable to control their kids. The kids kept screaming, and shouting during the flight making everyone uncomfortable. Overall the flight was not comfortable.

I didn’t receive my luggage until day 5 of a 9 day trip. During a layover a crew member made a very insulting comment about where I was visiting and where my partner was from in England.

I never made this flight but the staff helped to get me rebooked (see previous review)

The flight was okay, but legroom was tight for me and I’m only average height, although at 30” legroom is comparable with most other airlines. Not much room in the aisle either making the trek to and from the toilet difficult with passengers standing in the aisle. On the whole, it’s probably on a par with budget airlines and the ticket process extremely competitive.

The seat was very uncomfortable. It helped to use the foot rest. Could not sleep because of the seat.

The seats are incredibly uncomfortable. My luggage didn't make it on the flight from London to Nashville.

The plane itself is old and way overcrowded. The crew do a great job of trying to mitigate. It is just uncomfortable for over 8 hours, bearable, but barely. Boarding, and the baggage game, is ludicrous. Why charge extra to check bags when there is not enough room for everyone to "carry-on" and checking is needed? I do not think these issues would be different with other airlines, I believe it is the attitude that squeezes every penny out of each traveler.

Expected a lot better service paying for a business class seat. Seemed to be short on staff and did not get the service I expected.

Nice experience. Baggage arrival in Mumbai wasn't that quick and needs improvement.

I flew Club World and was SHOCKED at how totally absent the crew were for the duration of the flight. So much so that we received no drink service other than the post-departure cocktail and that was it. Wasn't even offered tea/coffee and the in-flight attention was so bad that literally minutes before landing the one crew member for our row was scrambling to pick up left-behind water bottles, glassware, trash. And the rest of the crew had already stowed all carts, he was cramming the trash into the lavatory trash can and was stashing the glassware frantically in the galley as we were on final approach. He was so scrambled he left two overhead lockers wide open (that he'd opened) for landing. Unbelievable!

Paid for first class and was surprised that the seats were the same in economy except no one was in the middle seat. I expected an actual first class seat.

Book cheap flights from the United Kingdom to South Africa

Recent round-trip flight deals

3/13Thu
1 stopEthiopian Air
15h 55mLGW-JNB
3/31Mon
1 stopEthiopian Air
16h 50mJNB-LGW
$573
5/6Tue
1 stopEthiopian Air
16h 45mLGW-JNB
5/18Sun
1 stopEthiopian Air
16h 50mJNB-LGW
$576
1/16Thu
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
1/29Wed
1 stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
$647
1/15Wed
1 stopKLM
23h 35mLHR-JNB
1/29Wed
1 stopKLM
18h 10mJNB-LHR
$650
1/15Wed
1 stopKLM
26h 10mLHR-JNB
2/5Wed
1 stopKLM
15h 55mJNB-LHR
$675
1/13Mon
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
1/28Tue
1 stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
$676
1/19Sun
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 35mLHR-CPT
1/26Sun
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
12h 00mCPT-LHR
$745
1/13Mon
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 35mLHR-CPT
1/26Sun
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
12h 00mCPT-LHR
$788
6/11Wed
nonstopBritish Airways
10h 55mLHR-JNB
6/27Fri
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 10mJNB-LHR
$814
2/9Sun
1 stopBritish Airways
15h 40mEDI-CPT
2/20Thu
1 stopBritish Airways
15h 00mCPT-EDI
$1,086

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Recent one-way flight deals

5/3Sat
2 stops
26h 15mLHR-CPT
$449
3/19Wed
1 stopSWISS
13h 45mLHR-JNB
$473
1/28Tue
1 stopEthiopian Air
15h 30mLHR-CPT
$589
5/3Sat
1 stopEthiopian Air
15h 00mLHR-CPT
$627
2/25Tue
1 stopKLM
23h 55mLCY-JNB
$720
2/1Sat
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 35mLHR-CPT
$791
4/3Thu
2 stopsKLM
23h 35mLHR-CPT
$807
1/2Thu
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
$1,005
1/6Mon
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
$1,007
1/10Fri
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 35mLHR-CPT
$1,030

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Last minute flights to South Africa

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

12/28Sat
multi-stopSWISS
25h 15mLGW-JNB
1/30Thu
multi-stopSWISS
19h 55mJNB-LGW
$793
12/28Sat
multi-stopSWISS
23h 55mLHR-JNB
1/27Mon
multi-stopSWISS
13h 40mJNB-LHR
$798
12/27Fri
multi-stopKLM
25h 05mLCY-JNB
1/23Thu
multi-stopKLM
20h 30mJNB-LCY
$909
12/28Sat
multi-stopKLM
20h 15mLHR-JNB
1/23Thu
multi-stopKLM
15h 55mJNB-LHR
$938
12/24Tue
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
1/27Mon
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 30mJNB-LHR
$1,152
12/24Tue
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
1/22Wed
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 20mJNB-LHR
$1,168
12/27Fri
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
1/24Fri
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 20mJNB-LHR
$1,230
12/28Sat
multi-stopRwandAir
27h 25mLGW-JNB
1/29Wed
multi-stopRwandAir
28h 55mJNB-LGW
$1,255
12/26Thu
multi-stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
1/7Tue
multi-stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
$1,529
12/25Wed
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
1/1Wed
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 20mJNB-LHR
$1,831

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Everything you need to know for your flight to South Africa

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