Best Airlines and Flights to Africa for Safari in 2026
Getting to Africa for a safari is easier than most people expect. Several world-class airlines operate daily flights from North America, Europe, and the Middle East to major African gateways like Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, and Addis Ababa. The key to a smooth journey is choosing the right hub, the right airline, and the right routing for your destination. Whether you are flying from New York, London, or Sydney, this guide breaks down every major airline and route option so you can book with confidence and arrive ready for adventure.
Major Hub Airlines for Africa
Most flights to Africa route through a major hub in the Middle East, East Africa, or Europe. These hub airlines offer the most frequent connections and competitive fares. Understanding which hub works best for your origin city and final destination is the single biggest factor in getting a good deal.
Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa)
Africa's largest and most connected airline, Ethiopian Airlines operates from its hub at Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa. It flies nonstop from Washington Dulles (IAD), Newark (EWR), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Houston (IAH), and multiple European cities. From Addis, you can connect to virtually every safari destination in East and Southern Africa.
Pros
- ✓ Direct flights from 4 US cities
- ✓ Most African destinations covered as a single carrier
- ✓ Competitive pricing, often the cheapest option
- ✓ Star Alliance member (United miles work)
- ✓ Free Addis Ababa stopover program for layovers over 6 hours
Cons
- ✗ Older fleet on some regional routes
- ✗ Addis hub can feel chaotic during peak connections
- ✗ Lounge access limited compared to Gulf carriers
- Hub
- Addis Ababa Bole (ADD)
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
- US Gateways
- IAD, EWR, ORD, IAH
- UK Gateway
- LHR
- Key Safari Connections
- NBO, JRO, DAR, EBB, KGL, JNB, CPT, WDH, MUB
- Typical US Fare
- $800-$1,400 round trip
Emirates (via Dubai)
Emirates offers premium long-haul service from over a dozen US cities through its Dubai (DXB) hub. While the routing adds some flight time, the service quality and connectivity are excellent. Dubai is a popular stopover destination in its own right, and Emirates connects onward to Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and several other African cities.
Pros
- ✓ Excellent in-flight service and entertainment
- ✓ Wide-body aircraft (A380, 777) with spacious economy
- ✓ 12+ US departure cities
- ✓ Dubai stopover packages available
- ✓ Strong connections to Southern Africa
Cons
- ✗ Longer total journey time via Dubai
- ✗ Premium pricing, especially during peak season
- ✗ Not part of a major alliance (limited partner redemptions)
- Hub
- Dubai International (DXB)
- Alliance
- None (partners with Qantas, United codeshare)
- US Gateways
- JFK, EWR, IAD, BOS, ORD, DFW, IAH, LAX, SFO, SEA, MIA, ATL
- UK Gateway
- LHR, LGW, MAN, BHX, NCL, GLA
- Key Safari Connections
- NBO, DAR, JNB, CPT, EBB, MRU
- Typical US Fare
- $900-$1,600 round trip
Qatar Airways (via Doha)
Qatar Airways routes through its award-winning hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha. Known for consistently excellent service across all cabins, Qatar offers strong connections to East Africa, Southern Africa, and even secondary airports like Kilimanjaro (JRO). Business class on Qatar is widely regarded as among the best in the world.
Pros
- ✓ Award-winning service and lounges
- ✓ Excellent business class (QSuites)
- ✓ Hamad Airport is modern and efficient for connections
- ✓ Oneworld alliance (use American Airlines or British Airways miles)
- ✓ Flies direct to Kilimanjaro (JRO), not just hubs
Cons
- ✗ Fewer US gateways than Emirates
- ✗ Doha routing adds travel time from US East Coast
- ✗ Premium pricing on peak routes
- Hub
- Doha Hamad (DOH)
- Alliance
- Oneworld
- US Gateways
- JFK, IAD, ORD, DFW, LAX, MIA, ATL, PHL, HOU, SFO
- UK Gateway
- LHR, MAN, EDI
- Key Safari Connections
- NBO, JRO, DAR, CPT, JNB, EBB, KGL, WDH
- Typical US Fare
- $850-$1,500 round trip
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul)
Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any airline in the world, and its Istanbul (IST) hub is a natural crossroads between Europe and Africa. The carrier offers direct flights from numerous US cities and connects to a huge range of African destinations, including smaller cities that other airlines skip. The value proposition is strong, especially in economy class.
Pros
- ✓ Largest international route network in the world
- ✓ Flies to obscure African destinations others do not serve
- ✓ Competitive fares, especially from the US East Coast
- ✓ Free Istanbul stopover program (Touristanbul)
- ✓ Star Alliance member (United, Air Canada miles)
Cons
- ✗ Istanbul airport can be congested
- ✗ Mixed fleet quality on African regional flights
- ✗ Economy long-haul is average compared to Gulf carriers
- Hub
- Istanbul (IST)
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
- US Gateways
- JFK, IAD, ORD, LAX, ATL, MIA, BOS, SFO, DFW, IAH, DEN
- UK Gateway
- LHR, MAN, EDI, BHX
- Key Safari Connections
- NBO, JRO, DAR, JNB, CPT, EBB, KGL, ADD, WDH, MUB
- Typical US Fare
- $750-$1,300 round trip
Kenya Airways (via Nairobi)
Kenya Airways is the national carrier of Kenya and the most convenient option for reaching East Africa directly. It operates nonstop flights from New York JFK and London Heathrow to Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), plus connections throughout East Africa. For Kenya-focused safaris, this is often the simplest routing.
Pros
- ✓ Only nonstop flight from JFK to Nairobi
- ✓ Direct London Heathrow to Nairobi service
- ✓ Strong East Africa regional network
- ✓ SkyTeam alliance (Delta miles work)
- ✓ No layover needed for Kenya safaris
Cons
- ✗ Limited to JFK for US departures
- ✗ Fleet is aging on some routes
- ✗ Business class is average compared to Gulf carriers
- ✗ Fewer options for Southern Africa
- Hub
- Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO)
- Alliance
- SkyTeam
- US Gateways
- JFK (nonstop)
- UK Gateway
- LHR (nonstop)
- Key Safari Connections
- MBA, JRO, EBB, KGL, DAR, ADD
- Typical US Fare
- $850-$1,400 round trip
South African Airways (via Johannesburg)
South African Airways (SAA) connects Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to the rest of Africa and the world. While SAA has scaled back some long-haul routes in recent years, it remains an important carrier for reaching Southern Africa. JNB also serves as a connection point for flights operated by partner airlines to Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Pros
- ✓ JNB is the best hub for Southern African safaris
- ✓ Codeshare partners cover wide range of destinations
- ✓ Star Alliance member
- ✓ Direct Johannesburg to regional safari airports
Cons
- ✗ Limited direct US and UK routes after restructuring
- ✗ Often requires a codeshare connection via partner airline
- ✗ Service can be inconsistent
- Hub
- Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB)
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
- US Gateways
- Via partner connections (United, Ethiopian)
- UK Gateway
- LHR (codeshare with British Airways)
- Key Safari Connections
- CPT, WDH, MUB, GBE, LVI, HRE
- Typical Fare
- Varies widely by routing
Flying from the United States
From the US, you have several excellent routing options depending on your departure city and final destination. East Coast travelers benefit from nonstop options on Kenya Airways (JFK to NBO) and Ethiopian Airlines (IAD, EWR to ADD). Gulf carriers like Emirates and Qatar offer connections from coast to coast. For West Coast travelers, routing through Europe or the Middle East adds only a couple of hours compared to East Coast options.
New York (JFK/EWR)
The best US gateway for Africa. Kenya Airways flies nonstop JFK to Nairobi (14.5 hours), Ethiopian Airlines flies nonstop EWR to Addis Ababa, and virtually every Gulf and European carrier serves the New York area.
- Nonstop to Africa
- Kenya Airways JFK-NBO (14.5h), Ethiopian EWR-ADD (14h)
- Best 1-stop
- Turkish via IST, Qatar via DOH, Emirates via DXB
- Budget pick
- Ethiopian Airlines or Turkish Airlines
- Premium pick
- Qatar Airways QSuites or Emirates A380
Washington DC (IAD)
Ethiopian Airlines operates a popular nonstop from Dulles to Addis Ababa. United and partner airlines offer one-stop connections through European hubs. Turkish and Gulf carriers also serve IAD with convenient timings.
- Nonstop to Africa
- Ethiopian IAD-ADD (14.5h)
- Best 1-stop
- Turkish via IST, Qatar via DOH, United via FRA
- Budget pick
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Premium pick
- Qatar Airways or Turkish Airlines
Chicago (ORD)
Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines both fly nonstop from O'Hare to their respective hubs, making connections to Africa straightforward. Qatar Airways also serves ORD.
- Nonstop to Africa
- Ethiopian ORD-ADD (via stopover)
- Best 1-stop
- Turkish via IST, Ethiopian via ADD, Qatar via DOH
- Budget pick
- Ethiopian or Turkish Airlines
- Premium pick
- Qatar Airways
Atlanta (ATL)
Delta's hub offers connections via European partners, and both Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways serve ATL directly. No nonstop Africa flights, but one-stop connections are plentiful.
- Nonstop to Africa
- None
- Best 1-stop
- Delta/KLM via AMS, Turkish via IST, Qatar via DOH
- Budget pick
- Turkish Airlines
- Premium pick
- Delta One via Amsterdam
Los Angeles / San Francisco (LAX/SFO)
West Coast travelers typically connect through a European or Middle Eastern hub. Emirates, Qatar, and Turkish all serve LAX and SFO. Total travel time is 20 to 26 hours depending on the routing and layover.
- Nonstop to Africa
- None
- Best 1-stop
- Emirates via DXB, Qatar via DOH, Turkish via IST
- Budget pick
- Turkish Airlines or Ethiopian (via connection)
- Premium pick
- Emirates First Class or Qatar QSuites
Flying from the UK and Europe
Travelers from the UK and Europe have the widest range of direct and one-stop options to Africa. London Heathrow alone has direct flights to Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Addis Ababa, Dar es Salaam, and Entebbe. European hubs like Amsterdam, Paris, and Frankfurt add even more choices. Flight times from London to East Africa are 8 to 9 hours, making it significantly easier than from North America.
London (LHR/LGW)
London is the single best origin for flights to Africa. British Airways, Kenya Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Ethiopian, and all Gulf carriers operate from Heathrow. You can fly nonstop to Nairobi (8.5h), Johannesburg (11h), Cape Town (11.5h), Addis Ababa (7.5h), Entebbe (9h), and Dar es Salaam (9.5h).
- Nonstop options
- BA to NBO/JNB/CPT, KQ to NBO, Virgin to JNB/CPT, Ethiopian to ADD
- Flight time to East Africa
- 8-9.5 hours
- Flight time to Southern Africa
- 10.5-11.5 hours
- Budget pick
- Ethiopian via ADD or Turkish via IST
- Premium pick
- British Airways Club Suite or Virgin Upper Class
Amsterdam (AMS)
KLM operates a strong Africa network from Schiphol, with direct flights to Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Entebbe. Great option for Delta SkyTeam passengers.
- Nonstop options
- KLM to NBO, JRO, DAR, JNB, CPT, EBB
- Flight time
- 8-11 hours
- Budget pick
- KLM often runs sales to Africa
- Premium pick
- KLM World Business Class
Paris (CDG)
Air France flies direct to numerous African cities from Charles de Gaulle, especially strong on West and Central Africa but also serving Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.
- Nonstop options
- Air France to NBO, JNB, CPT
- Flight time
- 8-11 hours
- Budget pick
- Air France Promo fares
- Premium pick
- Air France La Premiere (select routes)
Reaching Your Safari Destination
Once you arrive at a major African hub, you will often need a connecting flight to your safari destination. Some parks have their own airstrips served by charter flights, while others are reached by scheduled domestic or regional flights. Here is how to reach the most popular safari destinations.
Kenya (Nairobi NBO, Mombasa MBA)
Nairobi is the primary gateway. From NBO, domestic flights reach the Masai Mara (1 hour), Amboseli (45 minutes), and other parks. Alternatively, drive 4 to 6 hours to the Mara. Mombasa (MBA) is the gateway for coastal holidays and Tsavo parks.
- Main airport
- Jomo Kenyatta (NBO)
- Domestic airlines
- SafariLink, Fly540, AirKenya
- Masai Mara flights
- 1 hour from Wilson Airport (NBO domestic)
- Amboseli
- 45 min flight or 4-5 hour drive
- Tsavo
- Drive from Mombasa (2-3 hours) or Nairobi (5 hours)
Tanzania (Kilimanjaro JRO, Dar es Salaam DAR)
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) is ideal for the northern safari circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire). Dar es Salaam (DAR) serves the southern parks and Zanzibar. Some international flights land at JRO directly, which saves a connection.
- Northern circuit airport
- Kilimanjaro (JRO)
- Southern circuit airport
- Dar es Salaam (DAR)
- Zanzibar
- Quick flight from DAR or direct from NBO/ADD
- Serengeti
- 1.5h flight from JRO or Arusha
- Key tip
- Fly into JRO, not DAR, for northern safari
South Africa (Johannesburg JNB, Cape Town CPT)
Johannesburg is the main international gateway and the connection point for Kruger, Sabi Sands, and flights to Botswana and Namibia. Cape Town has its own international flights and is the base for the Garden Route and Western Cape wine regions.
- Main airport
- O.R. Tambo (JNB)
- Kruger gateway
- KMIA Nelspruit (MQP), 1h flight from JNB
- Sabi Sands
- Fly to MQP or Skukuza (SZK), then road transfer
- Domestic airlines
- FlySafair, Airlink, CemAir
- Key tip
- Open jaw JNB in, CPT out (or vice versa) for best value
Uganda (Entebbe EBB)
Entebbe International Airport is the sole international gateway. From Entebbe, you can reach Bwindi (for gorilla trekking) by domestic flight to Kihihi or Kisoro, or by a 7-to-9-hour drive. Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls parks are 5 to 6 hours by road.
- Main airport
- Entebbe (EBB)
- Gorilla trekking
- Fly to Kihihi/Kisoro (1.5h) or drive 7-9 hours
- Queen Elizabeth NP
- 5-6 hour drive from Entebbe
- Murchison Falls
- 5-6 hour drive from Entebbe
- Domestic airlines
- AeroLink Uganda, Fly Uganda
Botswana (Maun MUB, Gaborone GBE, Kasane BBK)
Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Most visitors fly into Johannesburg and connect to Maun or Kasane (for Chobe). Some Ethiopian and Kenya Airways flights serve Gaborone. From Maun, light aircraft charters take you into the delta camps.
- Okavango gateway
- Maun (MUB)
- Chobe gateway
- Kasane (BBK)
- Common routing
- JNB to MUB on Airlink (2h)
- Delta camps
- Light aircraft charter from Maun (30-60 min)
- Key tip
- Book camp transfers with your safari operator
Namibia (Windhoek WDH)
Hosea Kutako International Airport near Windhoek is the main entry point. Direct flights from Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Frankfurt serve WDH. Most visitors rent a car and self-drive across the country. Etosha is about 4 to 5 hours north by road.
- Main airport
- Hosea Kutako (WDH)
- Direct flights from
- JNB (2h), ADD, FRA (10h via Condor/Eurowings)
- Etosha
- 4-5 hour drive from Windhoek
- Sossusvlei
- 4.5 hour drive or fly to Sossusvlei airstrip
- Key tip
- Namibia is a self-drive destination; rent a 4x4
Budget Tips and Booking Strategies
Flight costs to Africa can vary wildly depending on when you book, which carrier you fly, and how flexible you are with dates. Here are proven strategies for finding the best deals.
Book 3 to 6 Months in Advance
The sweet spot for Africa flights is 3 to 6 months before departure. Prices tend to spike within 60 days of travel, and last-minute fares to Africa are rarely discounted.
Fly Midweek and in Shoulder Season
Tuesday and Wednesday departures are consistently cheaper. Shoulder months (March to May, late October to November) offer the lowest fares and coincide with quieter safari seasons.
Use Ethiopian Airlines for Value
Ethiopian consistently offers the lowest fares from the US to East and Southern Africa. Sign up for their email alerts and check their website directly, as fares are sometimes lower than on aggregator sites.
Consider Open-Jaw Tickets
Flying into one city and out of another (for example, NBO in, JRO out) can save money and avoid backtracking. Most airlines price open-jaw tickets the same as round trips. This works especially well for multi-country safaris.
Use Points and Miles
Africa is one of the best value award destinations. Star Alliance (United), Oneworld (American), and SkyTeam (Delta) all have partners flying to Africa. Business class awards to Africa are often available even when other regions are booked solid.
Check Scott's Cheap Flights / Going
Deal alert services frequently find error fares and sales to Africa. Business class deals from the US to JNB for $1,200 to $1,800 round trip appear multiple times per year.
Best Layover Airports for Africa Connections
Where you connect can make or break your journey. Some airports are modern and efficient with great lounge access, while others can be stressful during tight connections. Here are the best transit airports for Africa-bound flights.
Doha Hamad International (DOH)
Widely ranked as the world's best airport. Modern, clean, and easy to navigate. The Al Mourjan lounge is enormous. Minimum connection time is about 90 minutes, but 2 to 3 hours is comfortable.
- Rating
- Best for premium passengers
- Min connection time
- 90 minutes
- Lounge
- Al Mourjan Business Lounge (excellent)
- Free transit tour
- No
Dubai International (DXB)
Massive, busy, but well-organized. Terminal 3 (Emirates) is self-contained and efficient. Plenty of restaurants, shops, and rest areas. Can feel overwhelming if you have a very short connection.
- Rating
- Best for shopping and amenities
- Min connection time
- 2 hours
- Lounge
- Emirates Business Lounge (good)
- Free transit tour
- No (but Dubai Connect hotel program available)
Istanbul (IST)
Turkey's new mega-airport opened in 2018 and is modern and spacious. The Turkish Airlines lounge is legendary, with a golf simulator, sleeping rooms, and a full buffet. Connection times can be tight during peak hours.
- Rating
- Best lounge experience
- Min connection time
- 90 minutes
- Lounge
- Turkish Airlines Lounge (world-class)
- Free transit tour
- Yes (Touristanbul program)
Addis Ababa Bole (ADD)
The main hub for Ethiopian Airlines has been expanded significantly but can still feel hectic. Connections are straightforward if you follow the transfer signs. The new terminal has improved the experience considerably. Budget extra time for immigration if you are doing a stopover.
- Rating
- Best for East Africa connections
- Min connection time
- 2 hours
- Lounge
- Cloud 9 Lounge (decent)
- Free transit tour
- Free Addis stopover for 6+ hour layovers
Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Compact, efficient, and easy to navigate. KLM's hub is excellent for connections and the airport has its own Rijksmuseum annex. A favorite for European connections to East Africa.
- Rating
- Best European hub for Africa
- Min connection time
- 60 minutes
- Lounge
- KLM Crown Lounge (good)
- Free transit tour
- No
Open-Jaw and Multi-City Routing
One of the smartest booking strategies for African safaris is the open-jaw ticket, where you fly into one city and out of another. This avoids backtracking and often costs the same as a standard round trip. Here are the most popular open-jaw combinations.
Nairobi In, Kilimanjaro Out (Kenya + Tanzania)
Fly into NBO, drive or fly to the Masai Mara, then cross overland into Tanzania for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, departing from JRO. This is the classic East Africa safari loop.
- Best for
- Kenya + Tanzania combo safaris
- Airlines that support
- KLM, Qatar, Turkish, Ethiopian
- Savings vs round trip
- Similar price, saves 1-2 travel days
Johannesburg In, Cape Town Out (South Africa)
Arrive in JNB for Kruger or Sabi Sands, then fly to Cape Town for the wine region and coast before departing internationally from CPT. Avoids returning to Johannesburg.
- Best for
- South Africa circuit
- Airlines that support
- Emirates, British Airways, Qatar, KLM
- Savings vs round trip
- Saves domestic flight back to JNB
Nairobi In, Entebbe Out (Kenya + Uganda)
Start with a Kenya safari and end with gorilla trekking in Uganda. Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines both serve this routing.
- Best for
- Safari + gorilla trekking
- Airlines that support
- Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, KLM
- Savings vs round trip
- Avoids backtracking to Nairobi
Johannesburg In, Windhoek Out (South Africa + Namibia)
Combine Kruger with a Namibia self-drive safari. Fly into JNB, safari in Kruger, then head to Namibia overland or by flight.
- Best for
- Southern Africa multi-country
- Airlines that support
- Ethiopian (via ADD), Condor (seasonal WDH)
- Savings vs round trip
- Avoids returning to JNB
Key Takeaways
- Ethiopian Airlines offers the best value and widest African network from the US, with nonstop flights from 4 cities
- For East Africa safaris, fly into Nairobi (NBO) or Kilimanjaro (JRO); for Southern Africa, use Johannesburg (JNB) as your hub
- Book 3 to 6 months in advance for the best fares; shoulder season (March to May) is cheapest
- Open-jaw tickets (fly into one city, out of another) save time and often cost the same as round trips
- London has the most nonstop Africa routes; New York is the best US gateway with nonstop Kenya Airways and Ethiopian services
- Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Turkish) offer premium experiences but add travel time compared to direct Africa routes
- Award flights to Africa in business class are among the best-value redemptions anywhere
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to fly to Africa from the US?
Ethiopian Airlines consistently offers the lowest fares from the US to Africa, typically $800 to $1,200 round trip in economy. Fly from Washington Dulles (IAD) or Newark (EWR) to Addis Ababa, then connect onward. Turkish Airlines is another affordable option. Booking 3 to 6 months in advance and flying midweek in shoulder season (March to May) gives you the best prices.
Which airlines fly direct to Kenya from the US?
Kenya Airways operates the only nonstop flight from the US to Kenya, flying from New York JFK to Nairobi NBO. The flight is approximately 14.5 hours. Ethiopian Airlines flies nonstop from Newark, Washington Dulles, Chicago, and Houston to Addis Ababa, with short connections to Nairobi.
How long is the flight from New York to Africa?
A nonstop flight from New York JFK to Nairobi on Kenya Airways takes about 14.5 hours. Flights with one stop through a Middle Eastern hub (Dubai, Doha, Istanbul) take 18 to 22 hours total depending on the layover. Flights to Johannesburg from New York average 15 to 16 hours nonstop (when available) or 18 to 24 hours with a stop.
Should I fly through Dubai or Doha to get to Africa?
Both are excellent options. Doha (Qatar Airways) has a more modern, compact airport and is generally considered better for premium passengers, especially with QSuites business class. Dubai (Emirates) has more US departure cities and better shopping and dining during layovers. For safari destinations, Qatar flies direct to Kilimanjaro (JRO), which is a significant advantage for Tanzania-bound travelers.
Can I use airline miles to fly to Africa?
Yes, and Africa is one of the best-value award destinations. United MileagePlus can book Ethiopian Airlines or Turkish Airlines in Star Alliance. American AAdvantage and British Airways Avios work on Qatar Airways through Oneworld. Delta SkyMiles can book Kenya Airways through SkyTeam. Business class awards to Africa often have better availability than to Europe or Asia.
What is an open-jaw ticket and should I book one for my safari?
An open-jaw ticket means you fly into one city and out of a different one. For example, flying into Nairobi and out of Kilimanjaro after a Kenya and Tanzania safari. Most airlines price these the same as round trips. Open-jaw routing saves you a day of travel and an internal flight. It is almost always the smart choice for multi-destination safaris.
How do I get from Nairobi to the Masai Mara?
You can fly from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara in about 1 hour on SafariLink or AirKenya. Flights cost $150 to $300 one way. Alternatively, you can drive, which takes 5 to 6 hours via Narok. Most safari operators include the transfer in their packages. Flying is strongly recommended for comfort and time savings.
What is the best airline for flying to Africa in business class?
Qatar Airways QSuites is widely considered the best business class product available on Africa routes. Emirates business class on the A380 is also excellent. For direct flights, British Airways Club Suite from London to Nairobi or Johannesburg offers a strong experience. Ethiopian Airlines business class is comfortable and good value but does not match the Gulf carriers.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Africa?
The cheapest months to fly to Africa are March through May, which coincides with the long rains in East Africa (though safaris are still very much possible, with fewer crowds). Late October to mid-December is another value period. Peak prices occur during June through September (high safari season) and December holidays. Midweek flights are consistently cheaper than weekends.
Do I need a visa to transit through Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul?
US and UK passport holders do not need a visa to transit through Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul as long as they stay in the international transit area. If you want to leave the airport during a long layover, Dubai offers visa-free entry for up to 30 days, Turkey has an e-visa system, and Qatar offers visa-free entry for many nationalities. Addis Ababa offers a free city tour program for Ethiopian Airlines passengers with layovers over 6 hours.