Best Places to Travel From South Africa

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Where to Travel From South Africa

South Africa is a wonderful place, but sometimes we all need a change of scenery. There's a whole wide world out there, and it can be tough deciding where to go first. With so many amazing places to travel from South Africa, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

We're here to share some of our favourite spots to give you a head start. We’ve thought about everything from flight options to what there is to see and do, so you can focus on the fun part – planning your adventure!

We've only covered a small selection of destinations here. For even more inspiration and advice, check out our guide on visa-free travel for South Africans.

Sydney, Australia

Sydney is a place you should definitely consider if you’re looking to travel from South Africa.

There are direct Qantas flights from Johannesburg to Sydney five times per week on their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. It's a long flight - about twelve hours - but it's worth it. As one of the most southerly flight routes in the world, you might even spot the Antarctic ice sheets on a clear day!

In our opinion, the best time to travel to Sydney is either spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). The weather’s nice, it’s not too crowded, and there's always something going on. Summer can be a bit hectic and hot, and winter might be chilly for some.

Trust us, you won’t get bored in Sydney! First off, you can’t miss Bondi Beach. If you love animals, Taronga Zoo is fantastic. And if you want a bit of nature, a day trip to the Blue Mountains is a must. The scenery there is out of this world!

If you're South African, you will need a visa to visit Australia. The good news is that the process is generally straightforward, but it’s always best to check the Australian government website for the latest information.

Mauritius

Dreaming of white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters? Mauritius is one of the best places to fly from South Africa.

Getting there is a breeze with daily direct flights from Johannesburg to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU). The flight takes just four hours! You can choose from Air Mauritius, South African Airways, or FlySafair. If you're based in Cape Town, Air Mauritius flies direct to MRU twice a week, taking about five hours.

The best time to visit Mauritius is between April and June, or September to November. The weather’s lovely then, perfect for lounging on the beach. Mauritius has some of the most beautiful beaches you'll ever see. You can spend your days swimming, sunbathing, or trying out water sports like snorkelling or diving.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Mauritius. We recommend visiting the Black River Gorges National Park for hiking, or heading to the Chamarel Seven Colored Earths for a unique natural wonder. For a taste of Mauritian culture, explore the historic town of Port Louis or visit one of the colourful local markets.

Best of all, Mauritius is visa-free for South Africans! It's a simple process – just make sure your passport is valid for your entire trip. You'll need to exchange your South African Rand for Mauritian Rupees once you arrive.

Istanbul, Türkiye

Istanbul is a great place to visit if you're from South Africa. There are daily direct flights from both Cape Town and Johannesburg on Turkish Airlines, with Johannesburg flights tending to be the cheapest option.

The flight is around 11 hours from Cape Town and 10 hours from Johannesburg. Turkish Airlines has a great reputation, with modern 787-9 Dreamliner planes and delicious food. Plus, Istanbul Airport (IST) is a major global hub, so you can easily connect to other destinations.

We recommend visiting Istanbul between April and May or September and October. The weather is pleasant, and you'll avoid the larger crowds of peak season. While you're there, you absolutely must explore the Grand Bazaar, a shopper's paradise. Hagia Sophia is a must-see, as is the Blue Mosque. Don't forget to try a traditional Turkish bath!

South Africans need a Turkish eVisa to enter the country. It's a simple online process that takes about five minutes. You'll need a passport photo and your passport details. The eVisa costs around $50 USD and is valid for 180 days.

To get the most out of your trip, consider purchasing a Turkish lira card before you go. This is a prepaid card loaded with Turkish lira, which is the local currency. It's a convenient way to access money while you're there, and it often offers better exchange rates than exchanging cash at the airport.

London, United Kingdom

Thinking about escaping the South African heat? London might be just the place for you. In our opinion, it’s one of the best places to travel from South Africa.

There are plenty of flights to London from South Africa. British Airways offers two daily flights from Johannesburg to London Heathrow. Virgin Atlantic also flies from Johannesburg, giving you a couple of choices. We personally prefer British Airways because they have more flight times. Plus, they’re part of the Oneworld alliance, which can be handy for frequent flyers.

If you're based in Cape Town, you can fly direct to London Heathrow with British Airways. They use the A350-1000 on this route, which is a great plane with a fantastic business class. While it's convenient, flights from Johannesburg tend to be cheaper.

To avoid the crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, we'd recommend visiting London in the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Summer is lovely and sunny, but it also means more crowds.

While you’re there, you can’t miss iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Big Ben. And of course, you have to try traditional fish and chips!

South Africans need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK. It’s easiest to apply through the UK government website.

São Paulo, Brazil

Fancy a trip to South America? Flights from South Africa to Brazil are easier than you might think. Plus, South Africans can enjoy up to 90 visa-free days in Brazil!

South African Airways offers direct flights from both Johannesburg and Cape Town to São Paulo. The journey from Johannesburg takes around ten and a half hours on an Airbus A330-300, with flights departing every three days.

It's a slightly shorter trip from Cape Town, at about nine hours on the same kind of plane, also departing every three days. These South African Airways flights have comfortable seats, even in economy. If you want to treat yourself, business class has flat-bed seats that are perfect for a good night’s sleep.

São Paulo’s a lively city with a lot going on. There’s amazing food, shopping, and a really cool culture. We’d recommend spending some time checking out the city centre, visiting museums like the São Paulo Museum of Art, and trying some of the local dishes. Feijoada is a must-try!

If you need a break from the city, there are plenty of options. For beach lovers, Ubatuba is our top choice. If you’re more into nature, head to the Atlantic Rainforest. You can spot some amazing creatures like monkeys, sloths, and toucans. We’d also recommend checking out the trails in Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar. It’s a big park with lots of different trails to suit all fitness levels.

Book Flights Departing From South Africa

At Alternative Airlines, booking flights from South Africa couldn’t be easier. You can pay in over 160+ currencies, including the South African Rand, with a choice of over 600+ airlines worldwide.

Rather than paying for your flights upfront, you can use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) solutions to help you split the cost of your flights into more manageable instalments.

If you’re a South African resident, you can now take advantage of PayJustNow when booking flights through Alternative Airlines. This Buy Now, Pay Later service lets you split your payments into 3 equal parts. You won’t be charged interest, providing payments are made on time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country is cheapest to visit from South Africa?

The cheapest countries to visit from South Africa are generally those geographically closest. These tend to be more affordable due to shorter flight times. Places like Mauritius, Zanzibar, or even Kenya often offer good value for money.

However, it also depends on when you're going, as peak seasons can drive up prices.

What is the closest European country to South Africa?

Malta is the closest European country to South Africa. It's a lovely little island with beautiful beaches and a friendly atmosphere.

To start your search for flights to Malta from South Africa, use the search form at the top of the page.

What airlines fly from South Africa to the UK?

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are the main airlines that fly directly from South Africa to the UK. Both of these airlines fly to London Heathrow (LHR).

What are the three main airports in South Africa?

The three main airports in South Africa are O.R. Tambo International Airport, located in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport, serving the Western Cape, and King Shaka International Airport, situated in Durban.

All three of these airports are perfect gateways if you’re looking to explore the best places to travel in South Africa.