10 Insider Tips to Find Cheap Airfare to Africa and Save Big on Your Next Adventure
breaking up the flight into mini flights- though long can be fun to scratch your travel bug & experience something new. a few years ago a took a trip to Kenya on a red eye & decided to spend the night at TWA hotel at JFK.
I think what prevents a lot of people from traveling to Africa is the alleged high cost of tickets. However, believe it or not, it's actually quite pricey to travel within the continent itself. Between the growth of travel infrastructure and the market on the continent, and the rebuilding of each country since colonial control, it will cost a pretty penny to travel to and from, and also within, Africa. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from it. Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way from my 7 years (and counting) traveling solo across the continent!
So lets get into it!
Tips for Finding Cheap Airfare to Africa
Finding affordable airfare to Africa is the first step towards embarking on an unforgettable adventure across the continent. With the right strategies, you can unlock budget-friendly options and make your dream adventure a reality. Here are my top insider tips to help you navigate the world of airfare and discover budget-friendly ways to reach Africa's diverse destinations.
Plan and Book in Advance Booking your flights well in advance can help you secure better deals. Airlines often release tickets months ahead of departure dates, and the earlier you book, the more likely you are to find lower prices. Setting up fare alerts can also help you track price drops.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates Flexibility with your travel dates can significantly impact airfare costs. Flying mid-week, on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, often results in cheaper fares compared to weekend flights. Additionally, traveling during off-peak seasons can help you avoid the high prices of peak tourist periods.
Use Flight Comparison Websites and Apps Use flight comparison websites and apps to monitor and compare prices across different airlines. Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights allow you to set alerts and track fare trends over time, helping you identify the best time to book.
Consider Alternate Airports Sometimes flying into or out of alternate airports can result in significant savings. For example, if you're heading to East Africa, compare fares for Nairobi (NBO), Dar es Salaam (DAR), and Kigali (KGL). Similarly, for West Africa, consider both Accra (ACC) and Lagos (LOS).
Take Advantage of Layovers Sometimes, booking a flight with a layover can be cheaper than a direct flight. Consider using cities like Addis Ababa, Nairobi, or Johannesburg or France or London as transit hubs (who says you can’t leave the airport & sight see for a few hours??) . These cities often have more frequent and affordable flights to various African destinations.
Look for Multi-City Tickets Multi-city or open-jaw tickets, where you fly into one city and out of another, can sometimes be more economical than booking separate round-trip flights. This approach also allows you to see more of the continent without backtracking.
Use Travel Reward Programs Utilize travel reward programs and frequent flyer miles to offset some of your airfare costs. Many credit cards offer points that can be redeemed for flights, and joining airline loyalty programs can provide additional savings and benefits.
Join Airline Newsletters and Follow Social Media Airlines often announce special promotions and discounts through their newsletters and social media channels. Subscribing to these newsletters and following airlines on social media can keep you informed about limited-time offers and flash sales.
Monitor and Compare Prices Use flight comparison websites and apps to monitor and compare prices across different airlines. Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights allow you to set alerts and track fare trends over time, helping you identify the best time to book.
Be Ready to Book When You Find a Good Deal Great deals don't last long, so be ready to book when you find a good price. Have your payment details and travel documents ready to ensure you can quickly secure the deal before it disappears.
even though the airline is no longer in business, they made sure to keep the 60’s intact. if you get a chance to spend more than 8 hr’s in JFK, I highly recommend!
Embracing the Adventure
Finding affordable airfare to Africa is the first step towards embarking on an unforgettable adventure across the continent. By applying these insider tips and tricks, you can unlock budget-friendly options that allow you to explore Africa's rich tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and wildlife without breaking the bank. With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, you'll soon be on your way to experiencing the magic of Africa firsthand. Safe travels!
Pictures are taken at TWA hotel, book your next stay before heading on the continent with them.
xoxo
- Mutanu
