How Long is a Flight to Africa?

Getting on a plane to fly from the United States to Africa is exhilarating. For many, this is their first trip to the motherland and excitement is pulsating in their blood. But, depending on where you’re going, flights from the US can take anywhere from 10-20 hours of airplane time before you arrive. And that doesn’t include layovers! Needless to say, these are some long-haul flights. The payoff when you arrive makes it all worth it. So, before you book and board an international flight to African countries, there are a few tips you should know.

What are the Most Popular Places to Visit in Africa?

There are lots of interesting and beautiful places to visit on the African continent. Some of the most popular places for tourist travel destinations include Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, and Ghana.

Visitors to Egypt can enjoy time in Cairo and see the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, which are among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Other popular attractions in Egypt include the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Salah El Din, and the Al-Azhar Mosque. Tourists can also take a cruise down the Nile River to visit Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, where they can see the tombs of ancient pharaohs and learn about the rich history of this fascinating country.

In South Africa, you can enjoy the Indian Ocean and visit Cape Town or Johannesburg. Beyond just these two cities, South Africa has diverse landscapes, from the vineyards of the Western Cape to the rugged beauty of the Garden Route and the Eastern Cape. This is why it’s so popular for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Consider an African safari if you love a little adventure and wild animals.

In Tunisia, tourists can experience the ancient ruins of Carthage and sample the delicious local cuisine. They can also visit the medinas of Tunis and Sousse, where they can witness traditional North African architecture.

Morocco is famous for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant markets. Popular spots to visit include the colorful souks of Marrakech and the blue-painted buildings of Chefchaouen. The coastal city of Essaouira is also a top destination because of its relaxed atmosphere and stunning seaside ramparts.

Ghana is another popular travel destination in Africa, known for its vibrant culture, bustling markets, and fascinating history. Visitors to Ghana can explore the capital city of Accra, or venture outside the city to see the stunning waterfall at Kakum National Park. And visiting the former slave-trading fortifications at Cape Coast is like traveling back in time to see the history of black migration throughout the world from the source.

No matter where you choose to go in Africa, you will be greeted with a rich tapestry of cultures, stunning landscapes, and fascinating history. These are some of the best travel destinations in Africa for adventure seekers, foodies, and culture enthusiasts alike.

How Long is a Flight to Africa

Leaving from the east coast of North America, the length of international flights to Africa will depend on your final destination. You’ll end up on a plane for about 11 hours to get to Ghana, about 19 hours on a plane to get to South Africa, and about These are long flights. Don’t worry though. Most airlines make every effort to keep them painless.

Direct Flights

Final destinations like Accra, Ghana have non-stop flights available, which gets you the shortest distance as well as the shortest required flight time. This limits your travel time and keeps your total flight duration under 11 hours. United Airlines offers a direct flight from Washington Dulles to Ghana. Delta Airlines offers flights between Ghana and New York’s JFK with an evening departure time. On the way back you’ll get on the plane, eat dinner, and sleep. If you’re too amped up to sleep, the inflight movies will keep you occupied. Then, the flight attendants will wake you up, feed you breakfast, and then you’ll start your descent at the airport! It’s a great way to fly.

Multi-Stop Flights

If you can’t get a direct flight, multi-stop flight times can vary a lot. For example, that same Ghana flight can lay over in the United Kingdom. Your first flight from the US to the UK will be about 6 hours. The next flight to Ghana takes another 6 hours. This layover means your flying time is longer and your flight distance is also longer. Plus, you’ll have a layover in the UK for anywhere from 2 to 8 hours or more. Now that same travel that direct took you 11 hours is now taking you 15 or more, depending on the layover time.

And remember, that you’ll have a much longer travel time starting out from the west coast. Leaving from Los Angeles will increase your plane time by another 6 hours and then add more layover time too.

So, as you can see, there are a lot of variations in flight times to Africa. There is no good way to answer how long a flight to Africa lasts. In general, plan on at least a 10-hour flight, but it can take up to 20 hours or more of plane time depending on your start and end point.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Africa

Timing your travel to Africa depends on where you’re going and your weather preferences. There are high and low seasons in African countries that largely revolve around the weather. And your timing will greatly impact the price. If you want to save money, you’ll have to consider the travel demands in your destination country as well as travel on the US side. Here are some things to consider for some of the best times to travel to Africa:

1. Egypt: September to November and April to June are the shoulder seasons when temperatures are mild and prices are lower.
2. South Africa: May to August is the winter season when temperatures are lower and prices are more affordable.
3. Morocco: September to November and April to May are the shoulder seasons when temperatures are mild and prices are lower.
4. Kenya: January to March and September to November are the shoulder seasons when prices are lower and wildlife viewing is at its best.
5. Ghana: June to August is the low season when prices are lower and there are fewer tourists.
6. Tunisia: September to November and April to June are the shoulder seasons when temperatures are mild and prices are lower.

Prices can also vary based on events, holidays, and peak travel times, so it’s always best to compare prices or work with an agent that can help.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Africa

If you want the cheapest flight to Africa, it’s best to book in advance or book last minute. It’s also helpful to choose travel dates at non-peak travel times. Choose midweek flights when schools are not on vacation. That may mean avoiding December, July, and August since this is the high season for international travel in the US. Spring break can also be a bad time since so many people are traveling for the Easter holiday. For the most part, the cheapest month to travel is February or October.

Here are some tips for finding cheap flights to Africa:

1. Book in advance: Booking your flight several months in advance can help you find cheaper prices. Try top sites for travel and make note of change fees and policies.
2. Be flexible with your dates: Flights on weekdays are often cheaper than those on weekends. Also, consider traveling during the off-season when there are fewer tourists.
3. Compare prices: Use online travel agencies or flight comparison websites to compare prices and find the best deals.
4. Use budget airlines: Budget airlines such as Fastjet and RwandAir offer cheaper flights, but be aware of extra fees for things like checked baggage.
5. Book connecting flights: Direct flights to Africa can be expensive, so consider booking connecting flights instead.
6. Be flexible with your destination: If you are open to exploring different parts of Africa, you may be able to find cheaper flights to alternative destinations.
7. Subscribe to flight deal newsletters: Sign up for flight deal newsletters to stay informed about the latest sales and promotions.
8. Look for promotions and discounts: Airlines often offer promotions and discounts, especially during holidays or special events, so be sure to check for these before booking.

If money is on your mind, then try these 8 money-saving tips. Remember, opting for different flight paths or airlines may get you the lowest price, but will likely include a long layover. If you search for only direct flight options, your price will increase. It may be worth it though to avoid laying over in Europe or the UK. You can also try to use airline miles to book your flight. Ultimately, though, you may find that making travel plans with an agent is how to get the best deal.

Best Airlines to Fly to Africa

There are multiple international airlines that fly to Africa. Your choice will depend on your airline preferences. South African Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air France, and Kenya Airways all have flight options for your air travel with a lot of variation in terms of flight times, depending on their layover cities. Most of these airlines do not have a nonstop flight option and require at least one stop. Some of the quickest one-stop flight options are with KLM (in association with Delta Air lines) or with a British Airways flight (in association with American Airlines).

I have always loved taking a long layover in a European country on the way to Africa. It’s like adding a bonus vacation to your vacation. Flying through cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Lisbon are good options because they all have a relatively easy way to leave the airport and experience the city. You can spend the whole day exploring and still make it to your flight on time. Or, depending on the airline, spend an extra day laid over. If this sounds perfect to you, be sure to work with a travel agent to ensure you get the best flight tickets, have enough time for your excursion, and know your options for entertainment during your layover, like a city tour!

Helpful Tips when Flying to Africa

When you get set to fly to your African destination, it is a long flight. Long flight. It’s totally worth it in the end, but a couple of things can make it more enjoyable. Follow these tips to make your flight great.

1. Sleep. Jet lag is no joke and the faster you reset yourself to the local time, the more you’ll be able to enjoy your destination.
2. Pack Right. You can bring smaller hand luggage on the plane as well as a personal item. There’s limited space in the overhead bins. Channel your flight crew and opt for a smaller and easy-to-maneuver suitcase along with a backpack or oversized purse. Moving between terminals can be a long haul. Don’t weigh yourself down with everything. Just bring the basics (read more below).
3. Get there Early. You’ll want your luggage to make it on the plane with you. Getting checked in at least 90-120 minutes ahead of your flight time is required by most airlines for international travel. On top of that, lines at bigger airports to get your boarding pass and get through security can easily eat into your day. Don’t cut it too close.
4. Check Your Paperwork. Immunizations and entry visas may be required in your destination country. Those requirements can change, so check ahead and make sure you have the right paperwork before you get to the airport.
5. Stay Hydrated. Dehydration is a common side effect of flying, so make sure to drink plenty of water both before and during the flight. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration.
6. Stay Active. Get up and move around the cabin as much as possible to avoid stiffness and discomfort. Stretch your legs, arms, and neck, especially on the longest flight.

What to Pack for Your Flight

Searching for what to pack for your international flight might bring up suggestions like earplugs and an eye mask. These suggestions are slightly out of date, depending on the airline you choose to fly with. When you get on actual flights these days, the basics are covered. For example, Delta Airlines provides economy class passengers with an eye mask, blanket and pillow, earbuds to use with inflight entertainment, and access to USB ports for charging. For those traveling in Premium or first class, you’ll get all those things plus a toothbrush and toothpaste too.

With that said, you should bring a few things to make your life easier in between flights.

1. Headphones and entertainment: Pack a book, magazine, or e-reader, along with headphones to keep you entertained at the airport in between your flights.
2. Personal hygiene items: Pack a small travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and any other essential toiletries you may need when traveling 10-20 hours. You’ll probably want to freshen yourself up at the airport between flights.
3. Snacks: Pack a few snacks such as nuts, fruit, or granola bars to tide you over in case of a delayed flight. Most airports have an endless supply of restaurants and meal options, but pickings slim up if you’re delayed late into the evening or early morning.
4. Medications: If you take any prescription medications, make sure to bring enough for the entire trip, along with a copy of the prescription, in case you need to show it at customs. There is nothing worse than being delayed at an airport and panicking about the medication you put in your checked luggage.
5. A jacket or sweater: Airports can be chilly, so bring a comfortable jacket or sweater to keep you warm.
6. Portable charger: Most US airports have a charging station somewhere to plug in and charge up. The problem is when you lay over in another country or get delayed on your return flight at an African airport. They may not have the port for your device. Ideally, travel with a portable charger to keep your devices charged throughout your trip.
7. Water bottle: Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up after passing security to stay hydrated at the airport and during the flight. There are bottles that filter when you fill them. These are great in Africa if you’re worried about water cleanliness and possible sicknesses related to that.

Packing these items in your carry-on bag is one of the best ways to stay comfy throughout your flight and layover too. Just don’t pack too much. You want to be able to move freely at the airport and not feel like a camel.

RECAP: How Long is a Flight to Africa

Traveling to Africa from the US can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours or more, depending on the departure and destination cities, and the flight route. The best time to travel will depend on your personal preferences and weather conditions. Regardless of when you go, you’re sure to be greeted with a rich tapestry of cultures, stunning landscapes, and fascinating history. From the bustling markets of Ghana to the ancient ruins of Carthage, the African continent is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers, foodies, and culture enthusiasts alike. With careful planning and a little bit of preparation, your flight to Africa can be a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Find out more about our Reclaiming Connections Youth Tours by clicking here.