• Introduction to South Africa
• Things to do in Johannesburg
• On Safari in Kruger National Park
• Things to do in Cape Town
• Day Trips from Cape Town: Vineyards and More
• Johannesburg Hotels
• Kruger National Park Lodges and Camps
• Cape Town & Western Cape Hotels
• Restaurants in Johannesburg, Cape Town and the Western Cape
• Getting to South Africa
• When to Go to South Africa
• What Not to Miss in South Africa

Getting to South Africa

BY PLANE
Although flights to Cape Town and Durban are increasing, the biggest air hub in South Africa is still Johannesburg. The only direct flights from the U.S. to South Africa are with Delta Airlines and South African Airways, both of which fly daily from New York (JFK) to Johannesburg and from Atlanta to Cape Town or Johannesburg; trips usually last about 15 hours. From Washington, DC, Chicago, L.A., Miami, or San Francisco, you can fly via a European capital with carriers like Air France and Virgin.

The best approach is to book an international round-trip ticket through Johannesburg, then book one-way tickets from Joburg to Kruger, Kruger to Cape Town, and finally, Cape Town to Johannesburg. South African Airways is the best airline for getting to and from Kruger (50-minute flights daily) while the low-cost Kulula Air might be your best option for getting from Cape Town back to Johannesburg.

VACATION-PACKAGE PROVIDERS
For an itinerary that roughly mirrors the one outlined in this article, we recommend Maupintour, which is currently offering a “Wonders of South Africa” 13-day escorted holiday that includes Joburg, Soweto, Kruger, Cape Town, and Cape wine country. For good value from an established company with offices in the U.S., Europe, and South Africa, go with Book in Africa, which is offering an inclusive 13-day trip that starts in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg. If you’d rather not go with a fixed package or itinerary, South Africa-based Pulse Africa can design, book, and arrange a personalized holiday or safari that will encompass all the facets of a perfect visit to Africa. U.S.-based tour companies that specialize in South Africa and safaris include Africa Adventure Co., Uncharted Outposts, African Adventures (435-649-4655), Smithsonian Journeys, and Overseas Adventure Travel.

See South Africa Travel GuideSee Cape Town Travel Guide