South Africa offers Cape Town's mountains and wine country, Kruger National Park's safaris and Johannesburg's city life. Johannesburg and Cape Town are the main international gateways, both with nonstop service from the US in recent years.
Cheap airfare to South Africa is mostly about timing and flexibility. Compare fares across airlines and nearby airports, shift your dates a few days either way, and book when the price looks right.
South African Airways is the national flag carrier, and US carriers such as Delta and United have served Johannesburg and Cape Town, alongside many connections via European and Middle Eastern hubs.
South Africa's summer (December–February) is peak season in Cape Town, and the dry winter months (about June–September) are prime safari time in Kruger. Shoulder months such as April–May and September–November are often good value.
Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International (JNB) is the largest hub, with Cape Town International (CPT) also receiving long-haul flights.
Most travelers connect through Johannesburg or Cape Town to Kruger Mpumalanga International (MQP), Skukuza (SZK) inside the park, or Hoedspruit near the private reserves.
Shoulder seasons outside the December–January holidays are often lower; Cape Town summer and school holidays are the busiest.
