Finding cheap flights to South Africa often comes down to being flexible about both your itinerary and your starting point. Fares can vary considerably between Cape Town and Johannesburg, so it is worth searching both if either works for your plans. If your final destination is Pietermaritzburg, comparing fares into another South African city may also be worthwhile, provided you allow for the cost, time and convenience of the onward journey.

Travel dates make a noticeable difference because demand changes around school holidays, Christmas and New Year, and South Africa’s popular summer period. Searching a range of dates rather than focusing on a single departure can reveal better-value combinations, while travelling outside the busiest periods may offer more choice. It is also sensible to compare return tickets with separate one-way fares only when the overall arrangements remain practical and protected.

London airports may offer the broadest selection, but travellers outside the capital should also search departures from nearby UK airports, including regional options where available. A slightly different departure point can be worthwhile if the saving outweighs rail, parking or overnight accommodation costs. When comparing results, include baggage, airport transfers, lengthy connections and the possibility of separate tickets so that the cheapest headline fare reflects the true cost of the journey.

When comparing flights to South Africa from the UK, start by considering which UK airport is most convenient for the whole journey. London airports may offer a wider choice of departure times and connections, while Manchester and other regional airports can reduce the need for a separate domestic journey within the UK. Check the complete itinerary rather than focusing only on the first flight: a convenient departure can be outweighed by a long connection, an overnight airport stay or a tight transfer between terminals.

Your preferred South African destination should guide the arrival airport you select. Cape Town is the practical choice for travellers whose plans are centred there, while Johannesburg can work better for itineraries focused on the city or requiring onward domestic connections. Pietermaritzburg may involve more careful planning, as available flight combinations and onward transport can differ from those serving the country’s larger gateways. If your trip includes more than one of these destinations, compare the cost and convenience of flying into one city and continuing by air or ground transport, rather than automatically booking a return flight to the same airport.

For every option, allow time for baggage collection, airport transfers and any separate tickets on connecting journeys. Comparing total travel time, connection arrangements, arrival time and the ease of reaching your first stop will usually give a clearer picture than comparing the international flight alone.