Planning a trip to Africa in 2025? 🌍 You’re in for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re exploring Morocco’s vibrant souks, embarking on a safari in Kenya, or soaking up Cape Town’s stunning views, finding the right airline is crucial to starting your journey off right.
Having flown to multiple countries in Africa from the US, I know what it takes to make a long-haul flight comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective. For this guide, I analyzed essential criteria such as comfort, in-flight services, direct routes, ticket pricing, and overall value. Plus, I reviewed data from 75 major airports across the US, Canada, and Europe to bring you the most comprehensive list possible.
This ultimate guide reveals the top 10 airlines to fly to Africa in 2025, from budget-friendly picks to luxurious options. No matter your travel style or budget, these airlines are the best for a smooth trip to Africa’s top destinations. Let’s dive in!
Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Africa
For the past 4 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $707 roundtrip fare from Boston to Marrakech.
There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Africa flights in 2025.
1. 🇪🇹 Ethiopian Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: ShebaMiles
- ☕ Perks: Unmatched Africa coverage, modern fleet, traditional coffee service
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Ethiopia Airlines’ “Africa’s Gateway” means the shortest routes to most African destinations. Save hours of flying time!
Want to explore Africa like a local? Ethiopian Airlines is your secret weapon. Flying out of Addis Ababa, this African powerhouse reaches over 60 African destinations, more than any other airline on the planet. While others cobble together complex connections, you’ll be sipping Ethiopian coffee on your direct flight to places like Zanzibar, Cape Town, or Dakar.
Picture this: You’re settling into Cloud Nine Business Class on their sleek Airbus A350. The seats go fully flat, and the flight attendants (dressed in stunning traditional white habesha kemis dresses) are already coming around with roasted coffee beans for you to smell before they brew your cup. It’s like flying Business Class for Premium Economy prices.
Here’s what sets them apart: Ethiopian knows African hospitality inside and out. You’ll get injera-wrapped snacks, berbere-spiced meals, and a cabin crew that actually seems happy to see you. Their Premium Economy isn’t just slightly bigger seats, you get priority everything from boarding to bags, making connections a breeze.
The ShebaMiles loyalty program is a hidden gem for African travel. Unlike other programs that make Africa an expensive afterthought, Ethiopian treats the continent as priority number one. Book through Star Alliance partners like United and watch your miles go further. Plus, you’re earning on an airline that’s actually profitable, they’re not going anywhere.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Ethiopia
Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!
2. 🇿🇦 South African Airways
- 🏠 Hub: O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Voyager
- ☕ Perks: Rooibos tea service, award-winning wines, Cape to Cairo routes
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Book SAA’s “Rainbow Routes” for easy connections between Southern African countries
South African Airways is back and better than ever after its relaunch. Based at Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo, SAA connects Southern Africa with the world through its strategic location. Their fleet of pristine Airbus A330s and A320s serve routes across Africa, with special focus on Southern African destinations that other carriers skip.
The new Business Class cabin features lie-flat seats and direct aisle access, but what truly stands out is the South African soul in every detail. Flight attendants serve Amarula cream, biltong snacks, and Pinotage wine from the Cape. You’ll find Ubuntu hospitality (the African concept of humanity) is real here.
SAA brings South African culture to the skies. Economy passengers get to try koeksisters (sweet braided donuts), droëwors (dried sausage), and Windhoek lager. The entertainment system includes local music, documentary content about South African heritage, and Afrikaans language options. Meanwhile, the Premium Economy seats also add extra legroom and priority boarding for safari connections.
The Voyager program is now simpler, with no blackout dates on SAA-operated routes. You can earn miles on partner Airlink, perfect for reaching remote safari lodges or coastal escapes. Silver status gives you access to lounges stocked with showers, nap rooms, and even a braai buffet. Gold members enjoy domestic upgrades and fast-track services.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in South Africa
- You may also like: Breathtaking Places in Pretoria
- For more reading: Things to Do in Johannesburg at Night
3. 🇺🇸 Delta Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles
- ☕ Perks: Direct ATL-JNB route, extensive US-Africa connections, Delta One suites
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Fly Delta’s Atlanta-Johannesburg route for US Customs preclearance upon return
Delta makes getting from the U.S. to South Africa surprisingly simple, especially through its flagship Atlanta-Johannesburg route on the Airbus A350-900. The flight is a long one, but Delta One Suites make it feel more like a private hotel room, with sliding doors, memory foam bedding, TUMI amenity kits, and even pajamas for extra comfort.
Premium Select is a great middle ground, offering wider seats, better meals, and early boarding. This is perfect if you’re headed straight into safari mode. Comfort+ gives you extra legroom, free drinks, and a bit more breathing room, while still keeping things budget-friendly.
Delta’s network really shines for travelers flying in from the West Coast or the South, and partnerships with Virgin Atlantic and KLM open up even more options via London or Amsterdam. Whether you’re based in Los Angeles or Portland, connecting through Atlanta keeps things seamless.
The SkyMiles program is easy to use. Your miles never expire, and you can redeem them for any seat with the Pay with Miles feature. Medallion status brings perks like domestic upgrades, lounge access, and priority everything. Add in generous credit card offers, and Delta becomes a smart pick for Africa-bound U.S. travelers.
4. 🇦🇪 Emirates
- 🏠 Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Skywards
- ☕ Perks: World’s biggest fleet to Africa, five daily flights to South Africa, A380 service
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Emirates often has the lowest fares for luxury travel to Africa from the Middle East and Asia
Emirates has quietly become Africa’s unofficial flag carrier. From Dubai, they fly to 29 destinations across the continent, which is more than many African airlines using their massive fleet of Boeing 777s and A380s. Their Johannesburg and Cape Town routes feature the A380, bringing legendary comfort to South African skies.
First Class on the A380 is a full experience: private suites, zero-gravity recliners, in-air shower spas, and a personal minibar stocked to your liking. Business Class offers lie-flat seats with aisle access on every aircraft, and menus often feature regional dishes like North African tagines or spiced lentils.
Even in Economy, Emirates goes the extra mile with free Wi-Fi, a massive ICE entertainment library (including African films and music), and strong service. Premium Economy adds wide leather seats, extra baggage allowance, and the kind of comfort perfect for long-haul safari travelers.
The Skywards program is built for flexibility, especially in Africa. You can earn and redeem miles flying between African cities without even passing through Dubai. Gold members get lounge access across the continent, including standout Emirates lounges in Lagos and Cairo. With the Family and Friends feature, you can link accounts and pool miles—ideal for group trips or multigenerational safaris.
- Read next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Kenya
- You may also like: Beautiful Places to Visit in Egypt
- For more reading: Picture-Perfect Places in Dubai
5. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Hamad International Airport (DOH)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (QSuite), First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club
- ☕ Perks: QSuite’s lie-flat bed for two, 27 African destinations, frequent regional flights
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Qatar’s evening departures from Africa perfectly connect to early morning arrivals in Asia and Europe
Qatar Airways has quietly become one of the most efficient ways to connect Africa to the world. From Doha, you’re just five hours from East Africa and about six from the southern end of the continent. With service to 27 African destinations, it’s easy to fly from Lagos to Nairobi to Cape Town.
The standout? QSuite Business Class, available on key African routes. The middle seats transform into a double bed, perfect for couples fresh off safari, and the sliding doors offer total privacy. On the A350-1000s serving Johannesburg and Cape Town, you’ll find Qatar’s latest QSuite version, complete with memory foam mattresses and massage functions. First Class passengers get a personal chef, private check-in, and access to Qatar’s luxury lounges.
What makes Qatar shine for African travelers is its smart scheduling. Afternoon flights from Doha reach Africa just as the workday begins, and return flights leave in the evening, pretty great for overnight rest before landing refreshed.
The Privilege Club loyalty program is packed with value for African travel. You can top up Qmiles by transferring from major credit cards, and redemptions like Europe to Africa in Business Class for 60,000 miles are hard to beat. Elite members enjoy generous baggage perks (perfect for safari gear), and Gold status unlocks entry to the Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha, complete with spa services and even a swimming pool.
- Read next: Gorgeous Places in the Middle East
6. 🇰🇪 Kenya Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBI)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Premiere World)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (joint with Air France-KLM)
- ☕ Perks: Unrivaled East Africa network, safari-friendly service, regional expertise
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Kenya Airways’ early morning departures perfectly time your arrival for safari games drives.
Kenya Airways is the go-to airline for East Africa. Based in Nairobi, they’ve mastered the art of safari logistics, flying to over 55 African cities, including remote airstrips other airlines skip. Their Boeing 787 Dreamliners handle the long hauls, while regional flights cover everywhere from Kilimanjaro to Kigali to Dar es Salaam with ease.
Premier World Business Class was clearly designed by people who understand African travel. The lie-flat seats are more than just comfortable—they’re the kind of rest you need after a 12-hour game drive. Flight crews are safari-smart too. They’ll skip wine service if you’re on malaria meds and gently wake you before landing if you’re out cold. Amenity kits even include insect repellent wipes and hydrating masks—perfect after a dusty ride through the Serengeti.
What makes them stand out? Local flair. You’ll smell fresh Kenyan coffee during boarding, get passion fruit juice with your meal, and enjoy nyama choma (grilled meat) on longer routes. Their crew knows regional visa rules, safari schedules, and how to make sure everything runs smoothly across borders.
The Flying Blue program, shared with Air France and KLM, is great for points-savvy travelers. Earn miles doing your grocery run in Nairobi, use them for upgrades on short hops, or bank them for a First Class seat to Paris. Elite status means skipping the long immigration lines in Nairobi and enjoying the Simba Lounge, where the runway views and Kenyan buffet set the tone for a great journey.
7. 🇳🇱 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Comfort, Business, First (rare)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (joint with Air France)
- ☕ Perks: Reliable Amsterdam connections, historic African routes, partnership benefits
- 🧠 Pro Tip: The “Light” Economy fares to Africa include a free checked bag, making KLM’s lowest fares a surprisingly complete package for safari-bound travelers.
The world’s oldest operating airline quietly holds one of aviation’s most extensive African networks. KLM connects Amsterdam to over 15 African destinations including Nairobi, Accra, Lagos, Johannesburg, and Cape Town through their fleet of Boeing 777s and 787s.
What KLM lacks in flashy amenities they make up for with rock-solid reliability and genuinely warm service. They offer modernized cabins with decent legroom and up-to-date entertainment systems. Business Class offers comfortable lie-flat beds, while the Economy Comfort option delivers extra legroom at reasonable prices perfect for taller travelers on long African routes.
Amsterdam Schiphol shines as a connecting hub with logical single-terminal design. Transfers rarely exceed 40 minutes gate-to-gate thanks to clear signage and efficient layout. The African gates section offers good dining options and shops for last-minute safari essentials. KLM’s lounges provide hot food, proper coffee, and shower facilities for premium passengers.
Flying Blue miles work wonderfully with monthly Promo Rewards offering up to 50% off award tickets to select African destinations. Cash fares from the US typically run $700-1,000 roundtrip in Economy and $2,200-3,500 in Business. Meanwhile, from Europe, expect to pay $550-900 in Economy and $1,700-2,800 in Business. Book 331 days in advance for the “Early Bird” pricing, which often saves 15-20% off standard rates.
8. 🇫🇷 Air France
- 🏠 Hub: Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (La Première on select routes)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue (joint with KLM)
- ☕ Perks: Francophone Africa specialist, culinary excellence, style factor
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Air France’s West Africa routes often offer better fares than the competition for French-speaking destinations
Air France dominates the skies over Francophone Africa, flying to 32 destinations from the Paris Charles de Gaulle hub. Cities like Dakar, Abidjan, and Casablanca are mainstays, with Boeing 777s and Airbus A350-900s on flagship routes, and 787s handling shorter hauls—all with a touch of French elegance.
On select African routes, La Première Business Class delivers high-end Parisian luxury. Designed by Philippe Starck, these suites come with Dior amenity kits, Michelin-starred meals, and serious seat comfort. Premium Economy also stands out with wide recliners, upgraded meal trays, larger entertainment screens, and a quieter cabin feel.
Air France doesn’t hold back on culinary detail. Expect French cheeses, real coffee service, and complimentary wine pairings. You also won’t get bored thanks to the entertainment system that features Francophone African films, language learning content, and curated local selections. The Premium Voyageur experience adds noise-canceling headphones, priority boarding, and welcome drinks.
The Flying Blue program is especially valuable for West African travel. Platinum members enjoy lounge access at top-tier Air France lounges across Africa, often complete with gourmet buffets and wine cellars. Monthly Promo Awards can cut mileage costs by up to 50%, and with SkyTeam partners like South African Airways, you’ll have no trouble filling in the rest of the continent.
9. 🇹🇷 Turkish Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: Istanbul Airport (IST)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Miles&Smiles
- ☕ Perks: Most destinations in Africa (64!), bridge between Africa and Asia, Chef dining
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Turkish Airlines’ free Istanbul stopover on round-trip tickets for a mini city break
Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline, and Africa is front and center in that network. With 64 destinations across the continent, they connect nearly every corner of Africa from their hub at Istanbul Airport. Their modern fleet of Boeing 777s, 787s, and Airbus A350s makes Istanbul an ideal jumping-off point between Africa, Asia, and Europe.
In Business Class, expect lie-flat seats with massage features, Bose headphones, and menus created by onboard chefs. Cabin interiors even nod to history, with Ottoman-inspired design elements that reflect long-standing cultural ties with North Africa. Premium Economy offers wider seats, generous recline, and upgraded meals that elevate the long-haul experience.
Food is a standout across all cabins. Flying chefs craft dishes that blend Turkish mezze with regional specialties, like tagine en route to Morocco or injera heading to Ethiopia. Even Economy passengers enjoy full hot meals, amenity kits, and entertainment systems stocked with African content. Catering by DO&CO consistently ranks among the world’s best.
The Miles&Smiles program makes exploring Africa more accessible. You can redeem miles on Star Alliance partners like Ethiopian Airlines, or save with unique regional carriers like FlyEgypt. Elite members get access to the CIP Lounge in Istanbul, which is complete with showers, nap rooms, and custom meals made to order.
- Read next: Stunning Places to Visit in Turkey
- You may also like: Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe
- For more reading: Jaw-Dropping Destinations in Asia
- Keep reading: Breathtaking Places to Visit in Istanbul
10. 🇦🇪 Etihad Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
- 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Business (Business Studio), First (Residence on A380)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest
- ☕ Perks: Boutique approach to African routes, luxury positioning, wellness focus
- 🧠 Pro Tip: Etihad’s “Wellness” onboard program helps combat safari fatigue with guided meditation
Etihad offers a more refined, boutique-style experience for travelers heading to Africa. From Abu Dhabi, the airline serves around 10 handpicked destinations including Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Seychelles, with a modern fleet that includes Boeing 787-9s and a select number of A380s.
When available, The Residence is unlike anything else in commercial aviation. Think three rooms, a personal butler, and an onboard chef. Basically a flying private suite. Business Studio, the standout product on most long-haul routes, provides spacious apartment-style seating with direct aisle access, mood lighting, and features designed around wellness and rest. The thoughtful cabin layout supports long-haul comfort without unnecessary flash.
The wellness theme shows up throughout the experience. In Economy, passengers enjoy chef-curated meals, noise-canceling headphones, and subtle extras like hydration boosters and yoga kits created with health experts. Parents will also appreciate the Flying Nannies, trained crew members who assist with childcare on longer flights.
The Etihad Guest program offers strong flexibility, especially with the Cash + Miles feature that helps when award seats are scarce during peak travel seasons. Elite members enjoy priority perks, lounge access, and upgrade opportunities across Africa and the Middle East. It’s a high-touch experience from start to finish, ideal for travelers looking for comfort, care, and a little luxury en route to Africa.
