In travel, the journey is just as important as the destination. As we soar into 2025, a host of new international flight routes to Africa are set to make the continent's top safari destinations more accessible than ever. These developments promise to transform your travel experience, allowing you to spend less time in transit and more time immersed in the wild wonders of Africa.
Soar from home to your African dream
Luxury, Convenience, and Unmatched Access
Africa continues to rise in popularity as a holiday destination, with its iconic landscapes, incredible wildlife, and rich cultures drawing more travellers than ever. This growing demand has prompted airlines to meet the needs of modern globetrotters with new flight routes and expanded options for seamless travel. Here's why these developments are a game-changer for our international guests.
- Time-Saving Convenience: Say goodbye to long, exhausting layovers. Direct flights and streamlined routes mean you’ll spend less time in transit and more time soaking up the breathtaking beauty of Africa.
- Expanded Travel Options: These new routes make it easier than ever to explore multiple destinations in a single trip. Imagine trekking gorillas in Rwanda one week and indulging in the luxury of a private safari lodge in the Okavango Delta the next – all without logistical headaches.
- Luxury Reimagined: Modern cabins, world-class dining, and exceptional in-flight experiences ensure you arrive in Africa refreshed, pampered, and ready to dive into adventure. Whether it’s sipping champagne above the clouds or reclining in a premium seat, the journey itself becomes part of the magic.
Elevate your journey to Africa’s wild wonders, Image Credit: British Airways
Big Apple Meets Big 5
JFK to Nairobi (Kenya) with Kenya Airways
Kenya Airways has solidified its reputation for making Africa’s wonders more accessible. With direct flights from New York’s JFK to Nairobi, you’ll find yourself within reach of the legendary Maasai Mara, Amboseli National Park, and more. Say goodbye to lengthy layovers and hello to lions, elephants, and endless savannahs – all in the lap of luxury!
Well-Established Direct Routes Worth Considering:
- Atlanta (ATL) to Johannesburg (JNB) with Delta Air Lines
- Washington D.C. (IAD) to Accra (ACC) with United Airlines
- Newark (EWR) to Cape Town (CPT) with United Airlines
New flight routes bring these worlds closer than ever before
Roo Meets Rhino
Sydney to Johannesburg with Qantas
From the land Down Under, Qantas has upped the game on international flight routes to Africa, bringing its Airbus A380 from Sydney to Johannesburg. With nearly double the capacity – 130,000 extra seats a year – Aussie travellers to South Africa’s safari heartlands can now enjoy a roomier, more stylish journey.
From the shores of Sydney to the heart of Africa’s big cat territory
Buckingham Palace Meets Bushveld Bliss
London to Cape Town with Norse Atlantic Airlines
Cape Town is a dream destination for many, and Norse Atlantic Airlines is making it more accessible and affordable with its new thrice-weekly flights from London. Whether you’re exploring the city’s celebrated Table Mountain or heading out to the Eastern Cape’s private reserves, this route is a winner.
Experience the best of Cape Town straight from London without missing a beat
London to Johannesburg with British Airways
British Airways is enhancing its international flight routes to Africa with its double-daily A380 service to Johannesburg starting in June 2025. This increased capacity ensures that travellers heading to South Africa’s world-class safari destinations, such as Madikwe Game Reserve and the Greater Kruger, can do so comfortably.
Fly in style with British Airways, bridging the gap between the UK and Africa’s top safari hotspots, Image Credit: British Airways
London to Nairobi (Kenya) with Kenya Airways
Effective 2 July 2025, Kenya Airways will launch thrice-weekly flights between Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport and London Gatwick. This brings their UK service to 10 weekly flights, split between Gatwick and Heathrow. For those heading to East Africa’s iconic safari spots, these new flights offer greater flexibility for your holiday.
Well-Established Direct Routes Worth Considering:
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT) with British Airways
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Nairobi (NBO) with British Airways
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines
- London Gatwick (LGW) to Cape Town (CPT) with TUI Airways (seasonal)
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Lagos (LOS) with Virgin Atlantic
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Johannesburg (JNB) with Virgin Atlantic
- London Heathrow (LHR) to Cape Town (CPT) with Virgin Atlantic
The Maasai Mara in Kenya is nature's paradise
Brandenburg Gate Meets Big Daddy Dune
Munich to Johannesburg with Lufthansa
Lufthansa has made the journey to South Africa even smoother with the return of its Munich to Johannesburg route as of 3 September 2024. Operating three times a week aboard the advanced Airbus A350-900, this flight bridges Bavaria with the beating heart of Africa.
Step off the plane and straight into the adventure of a lifetime
Frankfurt to Johannesburg with Condor
Condor is soaring into safari territory with its year-round Frankfurt to Johannesburg route, launching 1 May 2025. With three weekly flights aboard the cutting-edge A330-neo, Germany’s retro-striped airline is bringing its signature flair straight to the doorstep of South Africa’s most iconic wildlife adventures.
Africa is brimming with all sorts of wildlife surprises
Munich and Frankfurt to Windhoek (Namibia) with Discover Airlines
For those with Namibia on their “Löffelliste”, Discover Airlines is rolling out two game-changing direct flights. From 1 April 2025, travellers can hop on thrice-weekly flights from Munich to Windhoek, skipping lengthy layovers and heading straight for Namibia’s dreamlike landscapes.
And if Frankfurt is your starting point, you’re in luck – Discover Airlines is also expanding its Frankfurt-Windhoek route, offering even more flexibility when it comes to a hassle-free journey from Bavaria to the bush.
Well-Established Direct Routes Worth Considering:
- Frankfurt (FRA) to Johannesburg (JNB) with Lufthansa
- Frankfurt (FRA) to Nairobi (NBO) with Lufthansa
- Frankfurt (FRA) to Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines
- Frankfurt (FRA) to Nairobi (NBO) with Lufthansa
- Munich (MUC) to Cape Town (CPT) with Lufthansa (seasonal)
Every culture and tribe tells a unique story
Eiffel Meets East Africa
Paris to Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) with Air France
Air France’s thrice-weekly flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Kilimanjaro highlight growing international flight routes to Africa. This direct connection offers easy access to Tanzania’s natural wonders. And for a tropical escape after the savannah, the Zanzibar extension provides the ultimate bush-to-beach experience.
New flights open up a clear path to unforgettable safari experiences
Paris to Kigali (Rwanda) with RwandAir
For those seeking once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experiences, RwandAir’s three-times-a-week service from Paris to Kigali is a game changer. The route offers seamless access to Rwanda’s pristine wilderness, including Volcanoes National Park, where you can trek to see endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Well-Established Direct Routes Worth Considering:
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Johannesburg (JNB) with Air France
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Cape Town (CPT) with Air France
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Nairobi (NBO) with Air France
- Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines
Embark on a journey to Rwanda’s pristine wilderness with RwandAir, where the enchanting mountain gorillas await
Tulips Meet Table Mountain
Amsterdam to Cape Town with KLM
In response to increasing demand, KLM is adding flights between Amsterdam and Cape Town during the southern hemisphere's summer season. With up to 10 weekly flights, these expanded international flight routes to Africa offer undisturbed travel for those looking to pair Europe with Cape Town’s urban charm and the surrounding wilderness.
Well-Established Direct Routes Worth Considering:
- Amsterdam (AMS) to Johannesburg (JNB) with KLM
- Amsterdam (AMS) to Nairobi (NBO) with KLM
- Amsterdam (AMS) to Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Dar es Salaam (DAR) with KLM
Glide from the waterways of Europe to Africa’s iconic Table Mountain
Alps Meet Acacia
Zurich to Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) with Edelweiss Air
Swiss airline Edelweiss Air is expanding its African network with new flights from Zurich to Kilimanjaro, commencing in February 2025. This route offers European travellers a convenient gateway to Tanzania's northern safari circuit, including the Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks, known for their abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Well-Established Direct Routes Worth Considering:
- Zurich (ZRH) to Johannesburg (JNB) with Swiss International Air Lines
- Zurich (ZRH) to Nairobi (NBO) with Swiss International Air Lines
- Zurich (ZRH) to Addis Ababa (ADD) with Ethiopian Airlines
From Swiss perfection to untamed beauty, thanks to new international flight routes to Africa
Samba Meets Safari
Johannesburg to São Paulo with LATAM Airlines
LATAM Airlines now offers five-weekly flights from Johannesburg to São Paulo. This exciting route bridges two vibrant continents, connecting South Africa to the heart of South America. This addition makes travel options a breeze for South American visitors returning home after an extraordinary safari experience.
Trade São Paulo’s city buzz for Africa’s roaring wilderness
Special Mentions for Convenient Connections
Dubai to Africa with Emirates
Emirates continues expanding its reach across the continent, adding international flight routes to Africa, including Entebbe, Addis Ababa, and Johannesburg. With the airline’s global network, you can effortlessly connect to Africa’s top safari destinations, whether you’re coming from the Middle East, Europe, or beyond.
From skyscrapers and highways to giants wading through waterways
Addis Ababa to Africa with Ethiopian Airlines
Addis Ababa, fondly called the “Dubai of Africa,” is your quintessential launchpad to explore the continent. Whether your journey takes you to Botswana's tranquil waterways, Namibia's desert dunes, and beyond, Ethiopian Airlines offers seamless connections to nearly all of Africa’s most legendary destinations.
Connecting you to the continent’s top safari destinations, Image Credit: Ethiopian Airlines
Let Your Dreams of Africa Take Flight!
This year, international flight routes to Africa are rewriting the travel map, making it easier than ever to reach the continent’s top safari destinations. With streamlined connections, your journey is now smoother and more direct, giving you the freedom to spend less time navigating airports and more time exploring Africa’s iconic landscapes and wildlife.
The path to adventure has never been clearer – step on board and let the journey begin.
