how to get to South Africa
FLIGHTS
Scheduled Flights
A sophisticated network of domestic and regional flights links the main tourist destinations, as well as those of neighbouring countries. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport services the Southern Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, while Eastgate Airport services the northern Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Reserve.
Shuttle/Charter Flights
Many game lodges now have competitively priced shuttle flights directly from O R Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. It is also possible to arrange private charters to almost anywhere in South Africa.
Transfers
Guided Tours and Groups
We tailormake minibus tours hosted by excellent local guides - including foreign-language speakers - and we have many years’ experience in designing and managing tours for larger groups. (Both special-interest groups and tour series).
Trains and Coaches
Luxury trains like Rovos Rail and the Blue Train link principal destinations on routes such as Cape Town - Pretoria; Cape Town - Port Elizabeth; Pretoria - Victoria Falls. Options for the more budget-conscious include the Shongololo train and luxury coaches between main centres.
Self-Drive
South Africa is an excellent self-drive destination and we highly recommend this method of seeing the country. Roads are in good condition and there is little traffic outside urban areas.
Travel Times
Please note that these travel times are indicative and are subject to change by the airlines. We regret that &Beyond cannot be held responsible should airlines discontinue flights on certain routes, change scheduled timetables or encounter delays, resulting in missed connections or other inconvenience.
Travel times
| Airline | From | SA Summer Approx Arrival into ORT, JHB | SA Winter Approx Arrival into ORT, JHB |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways (BA 55) | New York, USA | 07h00 | 06h55 |
| British Airways (BA 55) | Atlanta, USA | 07h00 | 06h55 |
| British Airways (BA 55) | Washington, USA | 07h00 | 06h55 |
| Virgin Atlantic (VS 601) | New York, USA | 08h25 | 08h35 |
| Delta Airlines (DL 200) | Atlanta, USA | 17h05 | 17h10 |
| Virgin Atlantic (VS 601) | Washington, USA | 08h25 | 08h35 |
| South African Airways (SA 204) | New York, USA | 09h15 | 08h40 |
| South African Airways (SA 208) | Atlanta, USA | 17h30 | 17h05 |
| South African Airways (SA 208) | Washington, USA | 17h30 | 17h05 |
| British Airways (BA 55) | UK / Europe | 07h00 | 06h55 |
| British Airways (BA 57) | UK / Europe | 09h00 | 09h05 |
| Virgin Atlantic (VS 601) | UK / Europe | 08h25 | 08h35 |
| South African Airways (SA 235) | UK / Europe | 07h15 | 07h00 |
| South African Airways (SA 237) | UK / Europe | 10h20 | 08h20 |
| Air France (AF 990) | UK / Europe | 10h45 | 09h45 |
| KLM (KL 519) | UK / Europe | 22h20 | 21h25 |
What to Remember when travelling around South Africa
There are many different ways of travelling to South Africa, but most visitors fly to Johannesburg or to Cape Town. For most visitors coming from Europe, the UK or the USA, this is a long flight of several hours. Once in the country, different modes of transport are safe to use and are recommended.
Roads are in a very good condition, even in game reserves like the Kruger National Park, but keep in mind that SA is a vast country and it may take several hours to reach destinations. Public transport like minibus taxis and buses is not a recommended mode of transport.
