FAQs on Flights In and Around Africa

Yes, Go2Africa can organise all your flights into and around Africa. Please bear in mind that we only sell flights in conjunction with our holiday packages – we do not sell flights as stand-alone bookings.

If you are flying on British Airways, Lufthansa or KLM from London, Frankfurt (seasonal) or Amsterdam you can fly direct to Cape Town.

There are no direct flights from the USA to Cape Town; you will need to fly via Johannesburg. The same applies to flights from Perth and Sydney in Australia. Unfortunately there are no direct flights from Canada to South Africa – all flights go via Europe or the USA.

Most flights from other African countries fly to Johannesburg except for limited flights from Mauritius and Namibia that fly direct to Cape Town.

Yes, we can notify the airline of your meal preference on your behalf. All meal requests have to be made at least 72 hours prior to departure, although it should be noted that nothing is guaranteed.

Yes, we can notify the airline of your needs – such as wheelchair assistance – on your behalf. You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire.

Yes, we can make a request to the airline on your behalf and this will be catered to if possible. It is important to remember that airlines do not guarantee seating and that emergency exit seats are only allocated on the day of departure at the airport. Some airlines only permit advanced seating by means of a pre-payment which can be done online.

Go2Africa uses U-Bag (a worldwide shipper) to manage any excess luggage. Their services include collection and delivery to your next destination, whether home or your next hotel. No airline ticket is required if you send goods without travelling yourself; you can track and trace your shipment online; and your baggage is shrink-wrapped for added security at no extra charge.

You can contact them on info@u-bag.com or 086 111 8224 (within South Africa). Please quote Go2Africa for preferential rates.

Their offices are located at:

Johannesburg: 14 Willow Street, Rhodesfield, Kempton Park – open Mondays to Fridays 08h00 to 18h00 and Saturday 08h30 to 13h00.

Cape Town International Airport (International Departure Hall) – open Mondays to Fridays 08h30 to 22h00 and weekends 13h30 to 22h00.

Airlines allocate only a small number of seats for air mile tickets on each flight so it helps to be flexible with your travel dates. However, you will still be liable for the airport taxes which usually comprise a large proportion of the overall ticket price, so even with air miles your ticket will not be completely free.

We recommend that you book the best possible fare available to suit your holiday itinerary and then redeem your miles on other merchandise available to you – car rental, accommodation and so on. You will need to arrange your own flight arrangements with the Frequent Flyer programme concerned.

All airlines require you to purchase a minimum air fare in order to upgrade to Business Class with your air miles. This minimum fare is usually much higher than the cheapest Economy Class fare or seat sale specials you might have initially been offered. This means that you can easily pay three or four times more for your ticket than you expected in order to redeem these miles.

However, once you have purchased this ticket, your upgrade is not guaranteed as airlines only allocate a certain number of seats per flight for upgrading.

No, if you have booked your flights through Go2Africa our flight department will do this on your behalf. However, some confirmations come through after office hours so it is always advisable to have your concierge check with weekend or public holiday departures.

Yes. Go2Africa uses www.bagport.co.za for both airports.

Johannesburg’s luggage storage depot is located in Terminal A. The number of the airport desk is +27 11 390 2317; the number of the storage facility is +27 11 390 2689.

Cape Town storage facilities are located on the ground floor at parking area level 2. The contact number is +27 72 384 2954.

Charter camp transfer flights are a convenient and efficient way to travel between safari camps and lodges in remote areas of Africa. Here’s how camp charter transfer flights typically work:

• Short Flights: Charter camp transfer flights are typically short and operated by small aircraft, such as light aircraft or helicopters. These flights allow you to move between different safari destinations quickly and comfortably, including national parks, private reserves, and remote wilderness areas.
• Customised Schedule: Charter flights offer flexibility in terms of departure times and routes. They can be tailored to suit your specific itinerary, allowing you to maximise your time on safari. Flight schedules are often coordinated by your safari operator or lodge, ensuring smooth transitions between locations.
• Scenic Aerial Views: One of the highlights of charter camp transfer flights is the opportunity to enjoy stunning aerial views of Africa’s landscapes, including vast savannahs, winding rivers, and diverse wildlife. Keep your camera ready as you might spot wildlife in the air during your flight.
• Luggage Restrictions: Due to the limited space in small aircraft, there are usually luggage restrictions for charter camp transfer flights. It’s important to pack lightly and follow the weight and size guidelines provided by your safari operator. Soft-sided bags are recommended as they are easier to store in the aircraft compartments.
• Safety and Comfort: Charter camp transfer flights prioritise safety and comfort. The aircraft used for these flights are well-maintained, and the pilots are experienced in flying in remote areas. The small size of the aircraft allows for a more intimate and personalised travel experience.

At Go2Africa, we work closely with reputable safari operators and aviation partners to ensure that your camp charter transfer flights are well-coordinated and seamlessly integrated into your overall safari itinerary. If you have any specific questions about charter camp transfer flights or need assistance with your travel arrangements, our African Safari Experts are here to help.

You can pay for all flights booked through Go2Africa by using our secure online payment system.

On confirmation, we will include a copy of your electronic ticket in your itinerary and documentation, all of which will be e-mailed to you.

You can also access your electronic ticket on-line using a reference number that we will provide.

The name on your ticket must always match the name on your passport so if you want to travel under your married surname, then you will have to have a passport which matches your married surname. Airlines no longer accept a marriage certificate as proof of the name change. If you are unable to obtain a new passport before you travel, you will have to travel under your maiden surname.

There is a miscellaneous entry that is shown on your e-ticket, and this is an internal entry made by our flights department. This allows them to still access your booking throughout your trip and a little while after, should we need to make any changes or amendments on your behalf.

Weight restrictions on charter flights vary between operators but passengers are usually restricted to a single, soft-sided bag weighing a maximum of 15kg.

Check with your Go2Africa African Safari Expert to confirm the weight restrictions on your particular charter flight.

Schedule changes are changes to flight times made by the airline. Go2Africa will inform you of any changes to your flights booked through us, and will ensure that your itinerary and transfers all connect accordingly.

Weight restrictions vary between airlines and points of departure but here are some approximate figures for your check in luggage – ensure you double check before you fly.

If you’re flying to Africa from Europe, Asia or Australia then you’ll need to keep your luggage weight (excluding hand luggage) under 20kg for Economy Class, 30kg for Business Class and 40kg for First Class.

If you’re flying from the USA, you are allowed one piece of luggage weighing no more than 23kg or two pieces (each weighing under 23kg) if travelling Business Class.

Remember that when travelling in Africa your luggage should weigh no more than 20kg in Economy and 30kg in Business Class.

When travelling with children in Africa, it’s important to have the necessary documentation to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. At Go2Africa, we understand that family travel requires careful preparation, so here’s a breakdown of the documentation you’ll need:

• Passports: Each child must have their own passport, regardless of age. Make sure that their passports are valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Africa. It’s also a good idea to make copies of the passports and keep them separate from the originals for backup purposes.
• Birth Certificates: Some African countries require proof of parentage when travelling with children. Carry unabridged birth certificates for all children, which contain the names of both parents. Some countries may also require additional documentation, such as consent letters from non-travelling parents or legal guardians.
• Visas: Check the visa requirements for each country you plan to visit with your children. Some countries may require children to have their own visas, while others include them on their parent’s or guardian’s visa. It’s crucial to research and understand the visa regulations to ensure compliance.
• Consent Letters: If you are travelling with a child and both parents are not accompanying them, it’s advisable to carry a consent letter from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian. This letter should include information about the child, the travelling parent(s) or guardian, and consent for the child to travel internationally.

At Go2Africa, we will advise you of the latest requirements and regulations for travelling with children in Africa, as they can vary by country. We are here to provide personalised assistance and help you navigate the documentation process.

All extra payments and taxes are calculated beforehand and included in your ticket price. However, there are certain government levies that can only be paid in cash at the airport – please check with your African Safari Expert.

Thanks to alliances between the major airlines, it is now possible to fly from almost anywhere in the world to Nairobi (Kenya) as well as Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar (all Tanzania). The airlines with the most regular flight schedules to these destinations are British Airways, KLM, Kenya Airways and Emirates.

British Airways flies direct from London to Nairobi.

Kenya Airways flies direct from London and Amsterdam to Nairobi, and direct from London to Mombasa.

KLM flies direct from Amsterdam to Nairobi and Kilimanjaro.

There are no direct flights to East Africa from the USA, Canada or Australia. American flights go via Europe, Dubai or Johannesburg, Canadian flights via the USA or Europe, while flights from Australia usually fly to East Africa via the Far East or Middle East.

Online check-in is only available 24 hours before your flight. If you have booked your flight through us, you will not have access to ‘manage my booking’. You can contact our team of Africa Travel Experts at any time to discuss any concerns or queries you may have about your flights.

Yes, but lost luggage must be reported immediately to the relevant airline and a reference number obtained. We will need the reference number to follow up on your behalf.