I won’t lie – my first trip to Africa changed everything I thought I knew about travel. After landing in Rwanda last year (with a surprisingly cheap $700 round-trip ticket from NYC), I found myself watching sunrise over misty green hills in Kigali while sipping locally roasted coffee. The continent is massive, diverse, and way more accessible than most people think.
These are the best places in Africa that combine incredible experiences with realistic flight prices. Just last month, I paid an $850 roundtrip to explore Cape Town, where I spent mornings watching waves crash at Camps Bay and afternoons sampling wine in Stellenbosch. Forget what you’ve heard about expensive African flights—I’m sharing actual deals I’ve found, plus exactly when to book them. Trust me, these fares are real, and they’re spectacular.
#1 tip to find cheap flights to Africa
Looking for cheap flights to Africa? Before diving into all the top cities and airports to fly to Africa, I want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.
For the past 5 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’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $623 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, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Africa flights in 2025.
Affordable Travel Destinations to Africa Today
Looking for affordable travel destinations to Africa today? Visit Morocco for bustling souks and stunning desert landscapes, Egypt for ancient pyramids and the Nile River, Tunisia for Mediterranean beaches and historic medinas, and Senegal for vibrant culture and scenic coastlines. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, these destinations offer budget-friendly escapes to Africa.
1. Casablanca, Morocco ($580–$720 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 7-10 hours with direct flights from major U.S. hubs
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Royal Air Maroc, Air France, TAP Air Portugal (best deals on flights with 1 stop in Europe)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Growing airline competition ✈️, tourism promotion efforts 🏨, favorable exchange rates 💱, shoulder season deals 🗓️
- 🔥 Perfect for: Architecture fans 🕌, foodies 🍽️, beach lovers 🏖️, film buffs 🎬
Casablanca is Morocco‘s bustling coastal city that gives you way more than just the famous movie references. This dynamic port city combines French colonial architecture, traditional markets, and Atlantic beaches all at prices that won’t wreck your budget.
Hassan II Mosque is a must-see that literally towers over the city with the world’s tallest minaret, while the Old Medina gives you those classic Moroccan market vibes where you can score everything from leather goods to street food without the tourist markup of Marrakech. The mix of Moroccan and French design throughout the city means your Instagram feed will pop without the filters.
Hit this city in spring or fall when the weather’s perfect and tourist crowds thin out. Royal Air Maroc drops flight deals whenever they’re pushing new routes, so set those price alerts.
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. Cairo, Egypt ($600–$750 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 12-14 hours with direct flights from major U.S. hubs
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Egyptair, Emirates, Turkish Airlines (best deals on flights with 1 stop in Europe or Middle East)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Currency devaluation 📉, tourism recovery incentives 🏨, flight route competition ✈️, package deals 📦
- 🔥 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, pyramid chasers 🔺, bazaar shoppers 🛍️, Nile explorers 🚢
Cairo is basically an open-air museum where ancient wonders meet chaotic city life and your dollar stretches ridiculously far. This massive metropolis delivers bucket-list experiences at prices that’ll make you wonder why more people aren’t booking flights right now.
The Pyramids are obviously why you’re here, and they’re actually right on the edge of the city where you can snap that perfect shot without hundreds of tourists in your way if you go early morning. Khan el-Khalili bazaar is sensory overload in the best way, where you’ll find everything from spices to silver jewelry while practicing your haggling skills.
October to April gives you perfect weather without the brutal summer heat. Look for flash sales on Egyptair or connecting flights on Turkish Airlines which regularly drops fares under $700 roundtrip.
3. Tunis, Tunisia ($590–$730 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 10-13 hours with direct flights from major U.S. hubs
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines (best deals on flights with 1 stop in Europe)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Underrated destination status 📍, excellent exchange rates 💱, tourism recovery deals 🏝️, European flight competition 🛩️
- 🔥 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, history enthusiasts 🏛️, food explorers 🍽️, Star Wars fans 🚀
Tunis is North Africa’s best-kept secret that delivers major Mediterranean vibes without emptying your wallet. This coastal capital packs ancient ruins, pristine beaches, and bustling markets all within easy reach.
Sidi Bou Said is that perfect blue and white village you keep seeing on social media, and it’s only 20 minutes from downtown by train. The Medina is where you’ll score handmade ceramics and textiles without vendors practically tackling you like in other countries. Carthage is right next door with massive Roman ruins you can climb all over without fighting other tourists for photos.
Score perfect Mediterranean weather in months like April or September. Turkish Airlines regularly runs fare sales connecting through Istanbul, often dropping prices below $650 roundtrip.
4. Dakar, Senegal ($590–$780 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 8-10 hours with direct flights from major U.S. hubs
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Delta, Air France, TAP Air Portugal (best deals on flights with 1 stop in Europe)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Expanding flight routes ✈️, tourism development efforts 🏨, favorable exchange rates 💱, off-peak deals 📆
- 🔥 Perfect for: Beach chasers 🏖️, music lovers 🎵, art enthusiasts 🎨, food adventurers 🍽️
Dakar is West Africa’s coastal capital that delivers beaches, culture, and nightlife without tourist trap prices. This city juts out into the Atlantic with vibes that mix French, Islamic, and traditional West African influences.
Île de Gorée is a quick ferry trip for those colorful colonial buildings all over Instagram, while Ngor Island gives you pristine beaches and surf spots just minutes from downtown. The massive African Renaissance Monument is actually taller than the Statue of Liberty and gives you sick views of the entire city.
Travel between November and May to dodge the rainy season and score perfect beach weather. Watch for midweek sales on TAP Portugal when they drop fares below $650.
5. Lagos, Nigeria ($640–$800 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 11-13 hours with direct flights from major U.S. hubs
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Delta, United, Ethiopian Airlines (best deals on flights with 1 stop in Europe or Ethiopia)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Business travel competition ✈️, increasing flight capacity 🛫, diaspora visitor market 👨👩👧👦, shoulder season deals 📅
- 🔥 Perfect for: Nightlife seekers 🎵, art enthusiasts 🎨, food lovers 🍽️, urban adventurers 🏙️
Lagos is basically Africa’s NYC on steroids — chaotic, creative, and completely addictive. This mega-city is where Afrobeats was born and where you’ll find the continent’s hottest art and food scenes blowing up right now.
Victoria Island is packed with beachfront clubs where you might spot artists hanging out on weekends, while Lekki is where all the cool art galleries and concept stores are popping up faster than anyone can keep track. Hit up Tarkwa Bay for that hidden beach escape (accessible only by boat = automatic cool points), or dive into the crazy energy of Lekki Market where your haggling skills will be put to the test.
Visit during dry season (October to March) unless you enjoy walking around in a permanent sweat shower. Ethiopian Airlines randomly drop fares below $700 if you’re cool with a stopover in Addis.
- Read Next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Nigeria
6. Accra, Ghana ($625–$770 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 9-11 hours with direct flights from major U.S. hubs
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Delta, United, Brussels Airlines (best deals on flights with 1 stop in Europe)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Increasing direct flights ✈️, diaspora tourism 👪, favorable exchange rates 💱, new airline competition 🛫
- 🔥 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, history explorers 🏰, food adventurers 🍽️, cultural immersion seekers 🥁
Accra is basically Africa 101 for first-timers: amazing beaches, friendly locals, and way easier to navigate than most African capitals. This coastal city gives you all the culture without the stress.
Labadi Beach turns into a weekend party with live music and grilled fish served right on the sand, while Jamestowngives you those gritty-but-gorgeous fishing village vibes with colorful boats and colonial ruins. The massive Makola Market is sensory overload in the best way. Grab some kente cloth as the ultimate souvenir that’s actually worth bringing home.
Hit Accra between October and April when the weather’s perfect and you’re not sweating through your clothes. Delta runs direct flights and sometimes drops crazy deals under $700 if you book 2-3 months out.
- Read Next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Ghana
7. Cape Town, South Africa ($720–$900 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 17-21 hours with direct flights from major U.S. hubs
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Delta, United, Ethiopian Airlines (best deals on flights with 1 stop in Europe or Africa)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Favorable exchange rates 💱, tourism push 🏨, shoulder season deals 📅, increasing competition ✈️
- 🔥 Perfect for: Nature lovers 🏔️, wine enthusiasts 🍷, beach hoppers 🏖️, adventure seekers 🧗♂️
Cape Town is basically where ridiculous natural beauty meets awesome urban vibes at prices that make you wonder why it’s not packed with tourists. This coastal gem at the tip of Africa gives you mountains, beaches, and wineries all within 30 minutes of downtown.
Table Mountain is the obvious must-do with views that’ll blow up your Instagram, while Camps Bay offers white sand beaches with mountain backdrops that barely look real. Bo-Kaap is that neighborhood with all the colorful houses you’ve seen online, and Boulders Beach lets you hang with actual wild penguins without Antarctica prices.
March to May or September to November hit the sweet spot with perfect weather and way fewer tourists. Hunt for deals on Ethiopian Airlines which sometimes drops fares under $800 with a quick stop in Addis Ababa.
- Read Next: Beautiful Places to Visit in South Africa
8. Nairobi, Kenya ($670–$850 roundtrip)
- ✈️ Flight Time from U.S.: 15-19 hours with direct flights from major U.S. hubs
- 🛫 Best Airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Kenya Airways (best deals on flights with 1 stop in Middle East)
- 💸 Why It’s Cheap: Safari gateway status 🦁, increasing air routes ✈️, off-peak discounts 📊, package tour competition 🧳
- 🔥 Perfect for: Wildlife enthusiasts 🦏, coffee lovers ☕, urban adventurers 🏙️, cultural explorers 🎭
Nairobi is East Africa’s buzzing capital that puts you right next to some of the world’s best safaris without the premium price tag. This high-altitude city gives you big-city energy with wildlife literally on its doorstep.
Nairobi National Park is where you can spot lions and giraffes with skyscrapers in the background, a combo that exists nowhere else on earth. David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust lets you hang with baby elephants during their daily mud baths, while Giraffe Centre gets you face-to-face with these gentle giants who might even plant a kiss on you if you hold a treat between your lips.
Watch for deals on Qatar Airways which regularly drops fares under $750 with a stopover in Doha. January to March or June to September offer perfect weather without the rainy season mud.
- Read Next: Beautiful Places to Visit in Kenya
