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$476 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 11/23. 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

$476
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 9% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 32% increase in price.
Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Johannesburg

FAQs for booking flights from the United Kingdom 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
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 1354 reviews
7.2Entertainment
8.4Crew
7.7Comfort
7.9Boarding
7.3Food
Airline reviews

Transavia flight, was booked as KLM but i couldnt select seat or access boarding pass with KLM at all. Crammed seating and very no frills experience all around. First and last time.

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Oct 2024AMS - LPA
Read more KLM reviews

Transavia flight, was booked as KLM but i couldnt select seat or access boarding pass with KLM at all. Crammed seating and very no frills experience all around. First and last time.

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

Great flight because I upgraded to Premium Comfort. Made a huge difference in the experience.

The flight was great, the only reason for middle scores on entertainment and food is that it was a short flight so not included (but snacks were served including alcoholic beverages free of charge). I would definitely recommend KLM.

Was trying to change a flight but told that Canadian and local klm systems do not interact so they could not access my booking. Overall I like klm a lot but if it was important to change flights I would be very frustrated.

Flight was delayed. Can happen. But the info on the website and app said that flight was cancelled which was not the case.

The whole trip was excellent. The only thing I would change is the temperature of the plane was a bit high which made it uncomfortable to sleep.

KLM is my favourite airline. Never ever let us down.Staff are first class.

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

Quick flight. But cabin crew were very noisy and talking too much, especially when we were seated at the back of the plane trying to sleep through the night .

My ticket was for Premium Economy and all the seats were taken, I was placed in Economy class and I’m looking for a refund.

Unfortunately delayed 2 hrs due to faulty tyre.. which had to be changed, but better safe than sorry.

The delay was an issue. Other than that. Every thing good

Hi vergin Atlantic service was good but the flight ticket agent travel up charge me extra 57 pounds as a airport charges, actually I refuse to pay but they say if I not pay £57 then they say you will not be able to travel from Heathrow to goa ,so for me there was no option and it was just 3 day before my departure so i paid, so please look in to the matter. And I have a receipt of £ 57 as well .thanks

Staff didn’t check cabin well for landing seemed more interested in chatting to each other. Food was poor and differed from pre order.

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"
Pros: "Helpful friendly crew, reasonable ticket prices."
Cons: "Luggage was delayed by 24 hours, customer service desk in Johannesburg EXTREMELY helpful, in Kigali they were clueless. Transit area very crowded, humid and stuffy."

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

The boarding area was too small with only one agent checking passengers into their standing bus

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.

The experience was amazing! Many thanks to the pilot who informed us that we were passing mt Kilimanjaro and we had the chance to see it !

Don't fly thru London Awful and huge U need 4 hrs to transfer cuz u have to tale buses to and fro from airplanes Bad business

Staff with low service level, forgetful. Temperature at 15 C and after asking twice to raise the temperature the crew did nothing.

They took good care of me on the plane and had it not been for handicap assistance I would definitely had missed my connecting flight . Not BA fault but The airport security instead . Two hours is way too long for security

The least comfortable business class seat I have encountered for a while - very very firm when reclined making sleeping difficult. Cost cutting is visible everywhere - no offer to refill drinks (the wines were not good - so no real issue there :) ) Just not worth what BA charge

old seat need to go! outdated and uncomfortable. I waited 40 minutes for my bag

They had about 20-25 people overbooked. Including me. Why is this?? I was put on a flight to NC an hour later with a 4 hour layover. I was supposed to be home at 1045am instead i was home at 7:30pm. An extra day to pay for dog care.

Boarding is not controlled as groups called was not enforced

The plane was clean. The crew were lovely. Food was good - but seat 1D is a poor location. - the crews cupboard is right near your feet and they visited them frequently swishing the curtain from the galley onto my feet everytime also creating a swish of cold air each time & then slamming the door.

Lost bag and absolutely no assistance in the short term. No-one to help either via phone or at the airport APPAULING

Business class to Istanbul. Packed flight. Cabin crew seemed incapable of differentiating between economy and business passengers with regard to access to the WC which meant whole flight I had people standing in aisle and leaning into my aisle seat, queueing for the front WC. Crew put it down to a lack of curtain between the two classes. The seats, for a 3hrs55 min flight were just standard seats with middle seat unoccupied. So nothing special apart from the food, which was mediocre. Aside from the roast chicken dinner (‘special’ traditional British menu option, which looked poor but tasted good I gather). However 2 king prawns does not make a main course salad.

Book cheap flights from the United Kingdom to South Africa

Recent round-trip flight deals

1/30Thu
1 stopSWISS
23h 30mLHR-JNB
2/18Tue
1 stopSWISS
15h 05mJNB-LHR
$590
1/23Thu
1 stopSWISS
13h 45mLHR-JNB
2/11Tue
1 stopSWISS
15h 05mJNB-LHR
$591
1/24Fri
1 stop
14h 00mLHR-JNB
2/18Tue
1 stop
15h 05mJNB-LHR
$601
1/29Wed
1 stopKLM
13h 30mLHR-JNB
2/12Wed
1 stopKLM
15h 55mJNB-LHR
$646
11/11Mon
1 stopKLM
23h 35mLHR-JNB
11/18Mon
1 stopKLM
15h 55mJNB-LHR
$648
11/25Mon
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
12/11Wed
1 stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
$670
11/10Sun
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
11/25Mon
1 stopRwandAir
15h 30mJNB-LHR
$685
11/20Wed
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
11/27Wed
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 20mJNB-LHR
$904
3/26Wed
1 stopBritish Airways
17h 20mLHR-HDS
4/8Tue
1 stopBritish Airways
17h 55mHDS-LHR
$1,408
3/25Tue
1 stopBritish Airways
14h 30mLHR-HDS
4/12Sat
1 stopBritish Airways
17h 00mHDS-LHR
$1,582

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Recent one-way flight deals

11/23Sat
2 stops
20h 40mLHR-JNB
$476
12/3Tue
2 stops
29h 40mLHR-CPT
$484
11/10Sun
3 stops
28h 55mLGW-JNB
$492
11/8Fri
1 stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
$542
12/2Mon
1 stopKLM
26h 05mLCY-JNB
$710
12/4Wed
1 stopKLM
13h 45mEDI-CPT
$712
11/23Sat
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
$846
11/3Sun
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
$1,024
12/2Mon
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
$1,027
11/29Fri
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 35mLHR-CPT
$1,104

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Last minute flights to South Africa

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

10/28Mon
multi-stopAustrian Airlines
25h 30mLHR-JNB
11/11Mon
multi-stopAustrian Airlines
49h 05mJNB-LHR
$800
10/28Mon
multi-stopAustrian Airlines
22h 25mLHR-JNB
11/13Wed
multi-stopAustrian Airlines
20h 30mJNB-LHR
$872
10/28Mon
multi-stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
11/12Tue
multi-stopRwandAir
29h 10mJNB-LHR
$881
10/28Mon
multi-stopRwandAir
15h 50mLHR-JNB
11/12Tue
multi-stopRwandAir
29h 10mJNB-LHR
$882
10/28Mon
multi-stopAustrian Airlines
36h 05mLHR-JNB
11/13Wed
multi-stopAustrian Airlines
28h 05mJNB-LHR
$889
10/28Mon
multi-stopKLM
25h 40mLHR-CPT
11/4Mon
multi-stopKLM
19h 40mCPT-LHR
$916
10/28Mon
multi-stopKLM
25h 40mLHR-CPT
11/4Mon
multi-stopKLM
19h 40mCPT-LHR
$946
10/27Sun
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 05mLHR-JNB
12/9Mon
nonstopBritish Airways
11h 15mJNB-LHR
$1,185
10/28Mon
multi-stopBritish Airways
18h 05mLHR-CPT
11/6Wed
nonstopBritish Airways
12h 10mCPT-LHR
$1,301
10/26Sat
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 00mLHR-JNB
10/29Tue
nonstopVirgin Atlantic
11h 20mJNB-LHR
$1,494

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Everything you need to know for your flight to South Africa

Cabin class types available on flights to South Africa
Cabin classes available on flights to South Africa. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.