Africa is a continent filled with diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable adventures. From the vibrant streets of Lagos to the serene beaches of Zanzibar and the wildlife-filled plains of the Serengeti, Africa offers something for every traveller. If you’re based in the UK and planning a trip to this dynamic continent, securing cheap flights to Africa can make a significant difference to your overall travel budget.
At Outlook Travel UK, we are committed to helping you find the most affordable and convenient flight options from the UK to Africa. In this guide, we explore the best tips, routes, and tools to find cheap flights and make your journey as cost-effective as possible.
Why Travel to Africa?
Africa is home to 54 countries, each offering unique experiences. Whether you want to witness the Pyramids of Egypt, explore South Africa’s Garden Route, go on a safari in Kenya, or relax on the beaches of Mauritius, the options are endless.
For business travellers, Africa also presents a growing economy with opportunities in cities like Nairobi, Accra, Johannesburg, and Cairo. Affordable flights from the UK to these hubs allow both leisure and business travellers to explore the continent without stretching their finances.
Popular African Destinations from the UK
Before diving into how to secure the best flight deals, let’s look at some of the most popular destinations in Africa for UK travellers:
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Lagos, Nigeria – A bustling metropolis known for its nightlife, business opportunities, and cultural events.
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Cape Town, South Africa – Famous for Table Mountain, vineyards, and beautiful beaches.
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Cairo, Egypt – Perfect for those interested in history and ancient wonders.
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Accra, Ghana – A cultural hub known for its music, food, and welcoming atmosphere.
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Marrakech, Morocco – Ideal for quick getaways filled with shopping, architecture, and cuisine.
At Outlook Travel UK, we work with a vast network of flight partners to offer competitive rates on tickets to these and many more African cities.
When to Book for the Best Prices
Timing is everything when it comes to getting the cheapest flights. Here are a few strategies:
1. Book in Advance
Most airlines release tickets 11 months in advance, and prices tend to be lowest about 6-8 weeks before departure. Booking early gives you access to lower fares and a wider range of flight times.
2. Fly During the Off-Season
Avoid peak travel months such as July, August, and December when prices are typically higher. Instead, aim for shoulder seasons like March-May or September-November. These months often offer better deals and fewer crowds.
3. Be Flexible with Dates
Use flexible date search tools to compare prices across multiple days or weeks. Flying mid-week, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can often result in significant savings.
Outlook Travel UK offers a user-friendly platform where you can compare dates and fares quickly, helping you choose the most affordable options.
Choosing the Right Airport
London Heathrow and London Gatwick are the primary departure points for long-haul flights to Africa. However, budget-friendly options can also be found from Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow. Similarly, arriving in secondary airports in Africa—like Entebbe (Uganda) or Banjul (The Gambia)—can reduce your overall costs.
With Outlook Travel UK, you can search multiple airports simultaneously to determine which routes offer the best value for your journey.
Best Airlines for Cheap Flights to Africa
Several international and African carriers provide excellent service at competitive rates. These include:
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Turkish Airlines – Known for competitive pricing and excellent transit services via Istanbul.
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Ethiopian Airlines – Offers extensive connectivity across Africa with a central hub in Addis Ababa.
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Qatar Airways – Consistently ranks high for service and connects Africa via Doha.
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EgyptAir – Offers direct routes to major African cities with cost-effective options.
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KLM & Air France – Both offer regular promotions for Africa-bound flights with layovers in Amsterdam or Paris.
At Outlook Travel UK, we leverage partnerships with these airlines to provide exclusive discounts and promotions not found elsewhere.
Additional Tips for Saving on Flights to Africa
1. Use Price Alerts
Sign up for email alerts to get notified when flight prices drop for your preferred route. Outlook Travel UK offers this service to keep our customers informed about the latest deals.
2. Consider One-Way or Multi-City Tickets
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets or choosing multi-city routes can be cheaper than round-trip fares. Our booking engine allows you to explore these options easily.
3. Travel Light
Many budget carriers offer lower base fares but charge extra for luggage. If you can travel with just a carry-on, you can significantly cut costs.
4. Check for Student and Group Discounts
If you’re a student or travelling in a group, Outlook Travel UK can help you access special rates and group booking discounts.
Why Book with Outlook Travel UK?
Outlook Travel UK is your trusted partner for affordable, hassle-free travel to Africa. Here’s why customers choose us:
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Extensive Network: Access to over 250 airline partners and over 170,000 travel deals, including hotels and car rentals.
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Customer-Focused Service: Our travel experts are dedicated to finding you the best deal based on your preferences and budget.
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Tailored Travel Options: Whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or family purposes, we offer customised packages to meet your needs.
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Secure and Reliable: We are a registered UK travel provider, ensuring your booking is safe and protected.
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Price Match Promise: Found a better deal elsewhere? Let us know. We’ll try to beat it or match it.
Planning Beyond Flights
In addition to cheap flights, Outlook Travel UK also offers complete travel planning services. Need airport transfers, hotel bookings, or travel insurance? We’ve got you covered. Our all-in-one platform ensures that every part of your African adventure is smooth, affordable, and enjoyable.
We also provide travel advisory updates, visa assistance, and health requirements for UK citizens travelling to Africa. Our goal is to ensure you’re well-prepared before you even leave home.
Conclusion
Securing cheap flights to Africa from the UK is possible with the right strategy and support. By booking early, staying flexible, and working with a trusted agency like Outlook Travel UK, you can save money without compromising on comfort or convenience.
Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, let Outlook Travel UK help you discover the beauty and diversity of Africa—without breaking the bank.