Boarding pass check at Cape Town International Airport

Travel to South Africa can feel a little daunting. After all, flights from Europe can take up to 12 hours; it’s 17 hours from Asia and at least 15 hours from the United States.

The good news? The country is serviced by all major airlines, so your visitors will be well taken care of en route. This also means that your visitors have a choice of airlines and can choose one that best suits their needs and budgets. Plus, you can help them take advantage of specials to our destination.

What’s more, our airports are all world class, and tended by well trained, friendly staff focused on making sure all travellers receive a warm welcome that sets the tone for the rest of their stay. A large number of airports (including OR Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest in the country; Cape Town International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, Bram Fischer International Airport, Upington International Airport, King Phalo Airport and George Airport) are operated by the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). The company handles around 230 000 landings every year, so rest assured: your clients are in good hands. What’s more, ACSA has recently announced that it will be investing R20 billion to modernise and improve airports over the next five years, making for an even better visitor experience.

South Africa’s international airports

  • OR Tambo International Airport – Johannesburg
  • Cape Town International Airport – Cape Town
  • Lanseria International Airport – Johannesburg
  • King Shaka International Airport – Durban
  • Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport – Gqeberha
  • Bram Fischer International Airport – Bloemfontein
  • Upington International Airport – Upington
  • Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport – Hazyview
  • Mmabatho International Airport – Mahikeng
  • Polokwane International Airport - Polokwane

Other airports

  • King Phalo Airport – East London
  • George Airport – George
  • Plettenberg Bay Airport – Plettenberg Bay

It’s most likely that your clients will fly to OR Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport. If these cities are just a stop off, it’s a good idea to book a night in a hotel before heading off to another destination, like the bush, so they can acclimatise and rest.

For the next leg of their journey, they may book a flight on one of South Africa’s domestic airlines:

  • FlySafair
  • Lift
  • Airlink
  • South African Airways
  • CemAir

Remember that many upmarket game lodges operate their own airstrips, and it’s possible to charter a direct flight from OR Tambo or other airports. Be sure to ask the lodge for information.

It’s also a good idea to check ticket prices, schedules and baggage allowances across airlines, as these may vary significantly.

Airport transfers

Booking an airport transfer is a simple matter, although it’s best to do this online before leaving home. There are so many options: a transfer through a tour operator or through your hotel are good options. Additionally, certain car hire companies offer a door-to-door shuttle service. These are safer and more convenient than booking a taxi, especially if your client is tired and jet-lagged when they arrive (which is most likely to be the case) – although they may prefer to use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Bolt. These are easy to find, as most airports have designated parking areas for these vehicles, and your client will be able to leave for their next destination in minutes. If, however, they opt to catch a taxi, remind them to use a licensed driver who displays their tags, and to use metered taxis only.

If your client has arrived at OR Tambo International Airport, they may catch the Gautrain to travel quickly and safely to stops in Sandton, Johannesburg and Pretoria.

In Cape Town, the MyCiTi bus rapid transit service is the easiest way to get around the city and its surroundings. While it does not run to the airport, so a private taxi or transfer is recommended, the service passes between the central business district and the Atlantic Seaboard, travelling to tourist must-sees like Table Mountain, Camps Bay and Hout Bay. The service has stations at the Civic Centre, Adderley and Gardens. A handy trip planner is available on the service’s website, and it even offers a kerb-to-kerb service for people with disabilities who can’t use mainstream transport.

OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg

Fast fact:

In South Africa, ‘taxis’ usually refer to the mini buses that transport workers to and from their jobs, rather than the cabs people are accustomed to in other countries. It’s not advisable for international visitors to catch such a taxi, because drivers and passengers rely on a system of hand gestures to relay information about their destinations. For example, pointing upwards with your index finger indicates that you’d like a ride into the Johannesburg CBD. Unless you know these gestures, you may end up somewhere very different to where you’d like to go! With this in mind, if your clients don’t want to rely on ride-hailing services, it’s a good idea to hire a car.

Another point to remember: South Africans drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is especially important if your clients are planning a self-driving holiday.

Need to know

What about travelling with children?

South Africa is a fantastic destination for children! They are certain to love spending time exploring the outdoors; they’ll be fascinated by the wildlife, and what child doesn’t get a thrill from swimming in the sea. Although most hotels welcome children, it’s best to confirm this if your clients are interested in staying at a high-end lodge or exclusive hotel at a small retreat.

It's important to know that visitors to South Africa must bring their child’s full (unabridged) birth certificate as well as their passport. Also, if only one parent is travelling with their child, they will need a document indicating that they have the permission of the other parent. More information can be sourced HERE.

What about renting a vehicle?

If your clients plan to hire a car in South Africa, it is best to pre-book before leaving home. Bringing an international driving license is recommended, although a valid driving license issued in their country of origin may also be used provided it is in English and bears the driver’s photo and signature. Note that the legal driving age in South Africa is 18 years.

Heading out to the bush? Consider hiring an SUV: being higher up allows for better game viewing. It’s also a good idea to get a four-wheel drive, as the roads to game reserves can be quite rugged. The same applies to remote destinations like countryside villages and farms.

Is South Africa’s tourist infrastructure geared to offer universal access?

Yes. All major hotels are equipped to ensure the comfort of guests with disabilities, as are most shopping centres and key tourist attractions. Your clients may also book a specially organised tour. There are transport services for people with disabilities, and if your client wishes to hire a car, it’s possible to hire a modified vehicle and obtain parking dispensations.