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$849 Find cheap flights 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 Australia to South Africa departing on 13/10. 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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Best South Africa Flight Deals

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Johannesburg
Johannesburgdirect$1,373
Cape Town
Cape Town2 stops$1,340
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth3 stops$2,444

Good to know

Low season

July

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$849
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 5% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly (32% more expensive on average)
Flight from Melbourne to Johannesburg

FAQs - booking South Africa flights

  • Which is a convenient airport for Robben Island?

    Robben Island is a top attraction in South Africa. You may not find a direct flight from Australia to the destination, but flying to Cape Town International Airport is convenient. You can then take a car or ferry, which takes roughly 30min to reach the site.

  • Which airport is close to Soweto?

    O.R. Tambo International Airport is an ideal destination if you’re flying from Australia to South Africa to visit Soweto. You can then take a train or bus to the destination. Taking a shuttle would also be ideal, as it only takes roughly 33min to reach Soweto.

  • Which holidays affect flights to South Africa?

    South Africa celebrates various annual holidays that could impact your travel. Most of these holidays, such as Heritage Day, celebrate cultural diversity and the country’s history, attracting thousands of tourists. Fares often hike due to high demand, so be sure to book in advance or consider alternative dates.

  • Can I bring my pet when flying to South Africa?

    It’s important that you check your airline’s policies to choose what suits best when travelling with a pet. Qantas allows service animals in the passenger cabin while other pets travel in a dedicated area in the aircraft. Singapore Airlines allow emotional support pets on board, free of charge, and other pets as checked luggage.

  • What are the major airports in South Africa?

    There are several major international airports in South Africa, dotted across the country. The O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Lanseria International Airport (HLA) both serve Pretoria and Johannesburg, the King Shaka International Airport (DUR) is located near Duban, and the Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is about an hour out of Cape Town in Matroosfontein.

  • Where should I fly into to explore South Africa?

    South Africa is a large country and the most efficient way to explore everything the country has to offer is to fly between the main centres. South Africa’s biggest airport is the O.R. Tambo in Johannesburg. From here you will be able to connect to many domestic flights all over the country, as well as explore the sites of one of South Africa’s major cities. However, the most centrally placed large city in South Africa is Bloemfontein, serviced by the Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN)

  • Does South Africa have any local airlines?

    There is a wide range of airlines based in South Africa. South Africa’s major airline is South African Airways which also flies internationally. Due to the country’s historic ties with the UK, British Airways also has a strong presence in South Africa, particularly in Johannesburg. SA Express and SA Airlink also offer a range of flights throughout Southern Africa.

  • How do I travel around South Africa on a budget?

    The most popular budget airline in South Africa for locals and tourists alike is Kulula. Often fondly referred to as the green dragon, it flies to many of South Africa’s major ports. The bright orange Mango Airlines is another good alternative, as is FlySafair, the budget airline owned by Safair. To help you get around South Africa, you can combine your flights with the various regional bus services including Greyhound, Intercape, and Baz Bus.

  • How long is the flight to South Africa?

    An average direct flight from Australia to South Africa takes 30h 15m, covering a distance of 16746 km. The most popular route is Melbourne - Johannesburg with an average flight time of 22h 30m.

  • What is the cheapest flight to South Africa?

    The cheapest ticket to South Africa from Australia found in the last 72 hours was $1,092 one-way, and $1,340 round-trip. The most popular route is Melbourne to Johannesburg OR Tambo and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $1,448.

  • Which airlines fly to South Africa?

    EL AL, Qantas Airways & Air New Zealand fly the most frequently from Australia to South Africa.

  • What are the most popular destinations in South Africa?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Johannesburg (59% of total searches to South Africa). The next most popular destinations are Cape Town (31%) and Durban (9%). Searches for flights to Hoedspruit (0.3%), to Port Elizabeth (0.3%) and to Phalaborwa (0.2%) are also popular.

  • How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to South Africa

  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest South Africa flight deals.
  • Qatar Airways, Virgin Australia, South African Airways and Etihad Airways operate flights on this route. Virgin Australia offers competitive prices and flexibility to popular destinations in South Africa. There are typically four classes available: Economy Classic, Economy Delight, Premium and Upper Class. You can also enjoy a comfortable and hospitable trip to South Africa with Etihad Airways.
  • It is wise to choose your arrival airport based on your final destination in South Africa and the price. If you want to stay or travel around Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) will be a good bet because of its proximity to several destinations and accommodation options. Alternatively, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is a good choice to access the South African business hub.
  • From Australia, the easiest locations in South Africa to fly to are Johannesburg and Cape Town. You can find flights to these cities from Melbourne, Brisbane, or Sydney with only one stopover.
  • There are many long-haul carriers that offer flights from Australia to South Africa such as Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Cathay Pacific. If you want to fly local, Qantas Airlines offers flights to Johannesburg.
  • Surfers and sea-lovers looking to enjoy the southern coast can either fly into Cape Town International Airport (CPT) or Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ). Between the major cities are plenty of coastline and many popular surfing locations. It takes approximately 8h to drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth.
  • If you’re looking to enjoy the natural reserves and safari parks in South Africa, Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga is a good option. This area is served by the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), or many travel from Johannesburg, which is a 3 to 4h drive to Nelspruit.
  • Australian passport holders will not need a visa to enter South Africa whether you’re travelling as a tourist or on business, provided your stay is only for up to 90 days. However, you will need to pay a tourism or visa fee on entry into South Africa.
See more tips

Top 5 airlines flying to South Africa

Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Australia 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.
8.1
EmiratesOverall score based on 3609 reviews
7.9Food
8.1Comfort
8.3Crew
8.3Entertainment
8.2Boarding
Airline reviews

The lounge staff at reception were inefficient and robotic. Boarding process was chaotic at the gate with no priority for business and first. At arrival into Dubai, no upper deck door . Food option and quality for this flight was awful . Thankfully the bar is always good.

4.0 OkayWoei, Aug 2024SIN - DXB
Read more Emirates reviews

The lounge staff at reception were inefficient and robotic. Boarding process was chaotic at the gate with no priority for business and first. At arrival into Dubai, no upper deck door . Food option and quality for this flight was awful . Thankfully the bar is always good.

Seats are not as easy to move as you would hope in premium econo Y

More organised boarding process. It was a circus. Otherwise absolutely top class flight

The staff were very friendly and helpful. The seats were very comfortable and spacious. The entertainment was amazing, and so was the food!

We waited over an hour to check our bags in and get boarding passes. We arrived 2 and 1/2 hours before the flight, and it was still very slow. That crew was very friendly and very helpful

Excellent staff! Flights were delayed due to technical issues after everyone was boarded and we sat in the flight for almost 2 hours before taking off. Not enough vegetarian food was available despite pre-ordering. The staff did an exceptional job dealing with both the problems neither of their making.

When you buy Emirates you don’t expect low cost. Choice of coffee/tea vs water. Entertainment on demand. Seat distance won’t allow food tray to extend without hitting belly (and I didn’t grow lately)

The plane was very old and uncomfortable. Service was very slow!

Everything was good but I think food choices could've been better

On time take off and early arrival, what else can one want

Didn't like much at all Nowhere near enough legroom, narrow seats. Aisles not wide enough for safe food trolley access and husband had his knee hit cos not enough leg room. Would take a lot to convince us to fly Singapore Airlines again which is a pity cos it was always our go-to airline

Once again the meal served was delicious - we got chicken rice

Good airlines, travelled 🧳 n Singapore multiple times and experience is consistent

I had to change a flight date and it cost me $800.00 dollars. In the past, if there was room on the flight(which there was), Singapore Airlines simply re-booked me. This might have occurred because the office in Bali where I could interface with a human face to face is now closed since COVID. I naively figured the ability to change my flight into my decision to go with Singapore Airlines as it does cost a bit more. I will still fly on them as they are superior to the other carriers by a fairly large margin, especially for my needs.

Awesome! Was impressed with the hospitality and the thoughtful services. The cabin attendants were superb.

If I made the connection in Singapore I was stuck there for 24 hours you owe me 355.00 for accommodations

The Premium economy class is not the same as some other airlines because there are no economy seats on these planes. Basically you’re getting an economy seat that’s a little wider. The seats are not that much more comfortable. The service and food experience is similar to economy class on other Asian airlines. There aren’t enough toilets for the entire plane therefore we are forced to share the business class toilets that are closed off with curtains.

Good flight. The food was served a bit late, hence a hurry to finish before landing. Excellent crew and service

Great to have actual hot tastey meal on a flight. Well done

Excellent meal served with real utensils, cardboard served hot meals instead of plastic utensils and plastic covers. Quick service, friendly and accommodating stewards.

On time flight; otherwise not impressed by the check- in- purchased business class and the aircraft was downgraded; no refund given for the difference. Told I could access the lounge due to the above and was questioned by the lounge check- in person who was not friendly

Flight was cancelled with no notification until I reached the check-in desk at the airport. I also got downgraded and they lost my luggage.

Very bad. Linda the hostess was very rude all the time

Very bad, Linda the hostess was very rude all the time

The flight SA227 on 2nd March Sao Paulo to Cape Town was delayed by 3 hours. All other flights leaving Sao Paulo left on time. We were told that we were waiting for push back and a routing from Air traffic control. I don't believe this, what was the real reason for the flight delay?

I think more immigration officers at Or Tambo- I spent 90 mins in a queue before I can assisted and most people missed their appointments and meetings

Not sure it was a basic airline so nothing much to like but what was annoying was they delayed so much we missed our connecting flight and we had to almost fight to be out on the next flight and also even get food

Everything the crew werr nice and helpful plus the food was good

First row in business class is terrible - no storage space with video screen folded down between seats. Entertainment system didn't show flight info...

At the last minute as I boarded the airplane they made me check my carry on bag. When I arrived my Apple Watch, sunglasses, and medications had been stolen. I find this absolutely unacceptable. I will never fly with SAA again.

Do not overbook flights and kick out confirmed ticketed passengers :-(

Do I need to repeat my complaints about my lost carry on bag?

Noice cancelling headphones would be better since it’s a crowded plane And kids behaviors are unavoidable

Fly Qatar Airways is always amazing. Their service and care for details is really very good.

Staff was very friendly. There is no on board entertainment, but it’s such a short flight that it doesn’t matter. We also got a meal which was nice and unexpected due to the length of the flight.

For a short flight, Qatar Airways offers very good onboard service.

Just happy I flew Qatar Airways awesome no wonder they are #1 in the world right now! The food was just delicious, very courteous, professional crew.

I found it weird that the quality of the flight different from Australia to Doha than the Doha to Berlin leg. The quality of the toiletries pack (was in a box from Australia) and then a proper bag from Doha. The biggest variation was the inflight entertainment, which had a significantly shorter amount of content compared to the Doha flight. My QSuite seat was also broken and did not recline all the way flat. Wasn’t the best and I wouldn’t be happy if I’d paid cash for the flight.

From Montreal to Doha , we habe two complaints : 1) They want to charge for Seat Selection, claiming that the Class of ticket bought on Kayak did not cover seat selection. It such a penny pinching rule, I told them, since we paid almost $20,000 our 3 tickets , that rule should never exist. Also I reserved my tickets so many months ahead, I expected they will naturally put the family together or move somebody else to keep our family seating together. I filed a complaint, and NOBODY ANSWERED. 2) In Montreal, Qatar has an arrangement with the National Bank Lounge. It was so overcrowded and the Lounge is so bad in terms of service and food, amenities etc... The WORST lounge . Why Qatar not have another arrangement their Business Class clients in Montreal. The Air France KLM Lounger is better, the Air Canada Lounge is better. Qatar should send somebody to take a look ! Joseph Chung

Online check-in doesn't work. That's why I couldn't give it full Star.

An extremely long flight packed in like sardines. But they feed you often with meals,drinks and snacks. They have a lot of movies and audio books

It’s a very long flight and there are so many people on board. Perhaps a warm washcloth now and then to freshen up

Don't irreparably damage my luggage, don't stand around talking in the kitchen area of the plane when a passenger is waiting to speak to you, don't run out of a meal selection so have me end up eating bread for dinner. Lastly, regarding the code-share flight from DFW to JFK....STOP PARTNERING WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES - THEY ARE THE WORST AIRLINE IN THE WORLD! The delay, followed by another delay, followed by disorganized boarding, followed by stale snacks fit for a rodent, followed by a pilot who literally slammed the plane onto the runway when landing causing quite some concern among the passengers.

Too many passengers are bringing on too many large items as part of carry on baggage where it should be checked in. This is not the fault of Qantas but the stupid mindset passengers have now about trying to bring anything and everything on as carry on luggage where it should be checked in.

Better than expected, normally I don't use this airline because they are too expensive for me, but if you can afford it, good on you, you won't regret it. Regards.

Plane a little late departing, but not an issue. The pilots humour when he said “I will try to make up some time…. I know a few short cuts to Adelaide” made the passengers chuckle. This is what makes Qantas “Australian”.

I have never had a problem with flying Qantas, so this flight was the same as any other.

After British Airways cancelled my London to Sydney and Virgin Australia refused to refund, there was no ways I would try Virgin Australia again, so it was Qantas - what a good flight experience. So much easier to get off an international flight and get a local flight without having to add extra amounts for baggage

The flight was delayed by 1.5 hours and most of the flights bags were not on the flight. Have also had no communication from QANTAS

I was thrilled with the bottle of water, blanket, pillow, earphones, and little packet of toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs. I was very satisfied with the meals and snacks and drinks. I alao was very grateful to have a seat that backs up against the lavatory, as it made it very easy to get to the bathroom without being jumped in line, as so often happens in the airplane. Of course that was just a random strike of luck, but it really made a difference.

Book Cheap South Africa Plane Tickets

Recent return flight deals

6/3Thu
2 stopsSingapore Airlines
21h 55mPER-CPT
31/3Mon
2 stopsSingapore Airlines
31h 15mCPT-PER
$1,340
6/3Thu
2 stopsSingapore Airlines
21h 55mPER-CPT
11/3Tue
2 stopsSingapore Airlines
31h 15mCPT-PER
$1,356
7/3Fri
directSouth African
11h 15mPER-JNB
22/3Sat
directSouth African
9h 35mJNB-PER
$1,373
17/3Mon
directSouth African
11h 15mPER-JNB
6/4Sun
directSouth African
9h 25mJNB-PER
$1,375
17/3Mon
1 stopQatar Airways
35h 10mPER-JNB
6/4Sun
1 stopQatar Airways
23h 00mJNB-PER
$1,445
31/10Thu
1 stopQatar Airways
22h 00mPER-JNB
9/11Sat
1 stopQatar Airways
24h 00mJNB-PER
$1,479
13/10Sun
1 stopEmirates
23h 35mMEL-JNB
29/10Tue
1 stopEmirates
32h 00mJNB-MEL
$1,797
14/10Mon
1 stopEmirates
23h 35mMEL-JNB
29/10Tue
1 stopEmirates
26h 35mJNB-MEL
$1,805
9/2Sun
directQantas Airways
14h 15mSYD-JNB
14/2Fri
directQantas Airways
12h 00mJNB-SYD
$1,810
19/2Wed
directQantas Airways
14h 15mSYD-JNB
29/3Sat
directQantas Airways
12h 00mJNB-SYD
$1,827

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Recent one-way flight deals

13/10Sun
3 stops
50h 40mMEL-JNB
$849
21/10Mon
3 stops
44h 35mPER-JNB
$864
13/11Wed
1 stopSingapore Airlines
68h 00mSYD-JNB
$1,041
12/2Wed
1 stopSingapore Airlines
35h 00mPER-JNB
$1,077
16/2Sun
directSouth African
11h 15mPER-JNB
$1,125
18/2Tue
directSouth African
11h 15mPER-JNB
$1,127
2/3Sun
directQantas Airways
14h 15mSYD-JNB
$1,185
31/10Thu
directQantas Airways
14h 15mSYD-JNB
$1,203
17/11Sun
1 stopEmirates
43h 30mMEL-CPT
$1,609
16/11Sat
2 stopsEmirates
46h 20mMEL-CPT
$1,619

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Last minute flights to South Africa

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

24/9Tue
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
35h 00mPER-JNB
5/11Tue
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
28h 10mJNB-PER
$1,917
24/9Tue
multi-stop
42h 20mPER-JNB
9/10Wed
multi-stop
40h 00mJNB-PER
$2,102
23/9Mon
multi-stopEmirates
26h 55mBNE-JNB
5/11Tue
multi-stopEmirates
40h 20mJNB-BNE
$2,262
24/9Tue
multi-stopEmirates
41h 45mBNE-JNB
5/11Tue
multi-stopEmirates
27h 40mJNB-BNE
$2,339
24/9Tue
multi-stopQatar Airways
40h 05mBNE-JNB
5/11Tue
multi-stopQatar Airways
28h 00mJNB-BNE
$2,600
24/9Tue
multi-stopQatar Airways
24h 15mPER-JNB
11/10Fri
multi-stopQatar Airways
23h 00mJNB-PER
$2,942
21/9Sat
multi-stopQantas Airways
18h 10mAVV-JNB
12/10Sat
multi-stopQantas Airways
19h 10mJNB-AVV
$3,536
20/9Fri
multi-stopQantas Airways
27h 20mAVV-JNB
12/10Sat
multi-stopQantas Airways
19h 10mJNB-AVV
$3,714
23/9Mon
directSouth African
10h 55mPER-JNB
8/10Tue
directSouth African
9h 25mJNB-PER
$4,551
20/9Fri
directSouth African
10h 55mPER-JNB
8/10Tue
directSouth African
9h 25mJNB-PER
$4,689

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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.