It’s true – Africa is a world away from the United States. That doesn’t however mean that getting there is a challenge. Flying from the US to Africa has never been easier or quicker. Here’s our pick of non-stop flights to Africa – your dream safari is now just a single flight away.
EWR TO CPT, UNITED
First on our list of non-stop flights to Africa is United’s direct flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Cape Town. This flight is due to take off for the first time on December 15, 2019. It means that travelers will be able to fly directly from New Jersey to the Cape of Good Hope without the need for a layover anywhere. Being launched in time to deliver holidaymakers to Cape Town’s beaches for the summer season, this flight lets travelers exchange the eastern seaboard of the United States for vistas of Table Mountain, and the incredible flavors of the Cape Winelands and the Mother City’s many restaurants. This will be United’s sixth-longest route.
JFK TO NBO, KENYA AIRWAYS
Kenya Airways is one of Africa’s best-known airlines, and this is perhaps their flagship route. The Kenyan capital, Nairobi, is the central hub for East African safari experiences – from here, light aircraft charter flights can deliver you to any of the key national parks and reserves in Kenya, including the iconic Masai Mara and Amboseli. Nairobi is also the ideal starting point for gorilla trekking adventures in Rwanda, or exploring Uganda, the “pearl of Africa”. Nairobi is of course a fascinating destination in itself – a thriving, cosmopolitan city with a unique energy, it is in many ways East Africa’s answer to the Big Apple.
ATL TO JNB, DELTA
This Delta flight – from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International links two cities that have played major roles in their nation’s histories. It permits direct travel (with a brief refueling stop in Accra, Ghana) between the “city in a forest” and the South African metropolis believed to be the world’s largest manmade woodland. Just as importantly, it provides a wonderfully rapid way to begin safari itineraries in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia or Zimbabwe. Jo’burg is the most important regional hub and a great starting point for your southern African adventures, whichever country they may be in.
JFK/BOS/IAD/PHL/DFW/MIA/ORD/IAH/LAX/ATL TO DOH, QATAR AIRWAYS
A modern fleet, exemplary service, and the value-add potential of a stay in one of the Middle East’s most interesting cities have made flying to Africa via Doha a justifiably popular option. Qatar Airways offers connecting flights to both Entebbe and Kigali (in Uganda and Rwanda respectively), making this the perfect way to access these central African destinations. The airline’s extensive route portfolio offers direct flights to Doha from ten major US cities: New York, Boston, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Dallas, Miami, Orlando, Houston, Los Angeles and Atlanta. Wherever you live in the States, it’s now much easier to reach destinations like Murchison Falls and Volcanoes National Park.
MIA/JFK TO CMN, ROYAL AIR MAROC
This Royal Air Maroc flight from two key eastern USA hubs to Casablanca is the shortest direct flight from the USA to anywhere in Africa. In fact, the overnight routing means that it’s possible to have dinner in the US and then start the next day with breakfast in Morocco. Flying into Casablanca puts you front and centre to enjoy the architectural and culinary delights of Morocco – watching the classic movie of the same name on the flight over is optional of course, but will help get you in the mood for your holiday (as well as give you some great lines to use on your trip).
ORD/IAD TO ADD, ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport is East Africa’s “other” major international airport, and can be reached directly on this Ethiopian Airlines flight from either Orlando or Washington DC. This is the most “inland” flight from the US to Africa and is wonderfully convenient if you’re heading further into East Africa for a classic safari adventure. From Addis Ababa (bonus fact: the city name means “new flower”), you can easily connect to either Nairobi in Kenya or Kilimanjaro in Tanzania – the closest airport to Africa’s highest mountain.
JFK/DC TO JNB, SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS
These SAA direct flights connect New York and Washington DC with South Africa’s commercial centre and most vibrant urban space. Johannesburg is increasingly featuring on South African itineraries thanks to its fusion of fashion, food, music and gritty urban glamor. It’s also the very best regional hub for reaching all the best safari destinations and attractions within the “Rainbow Nation” and neighboring countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. In other words, you can reach South Luangwa or Kafue, Hwange or Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Chobe, and the Namib Desert. If that doesn’t whet your travel appetite, nothing will!
IAD/JFK TO CAI, EGYPT AIR
A very modern way to reach the wonders of ancient Egypt. From the intriguing city of Cairo, with its ancient university, labyrinthine souks and hundreds of minarets to the impressive Pyramids of Giza, these direct flights on Egypt Air from Washington DC and New York don’t just cross the Atlantic; they take you some 7 000 years back in time to the land of the pharaohs and the Sphinx. This non-stop flight to Africa also brings Egypt’s Red Sea resorts within reach for a different kind of experience in the sand. All in all, this is a very civilized way to visit an ancient civilization.
MCO/JFK/IAD/IAH/DFW/LAX/EWR/SFO/SEA/BOS TO DXB, EMIRATES
Last on our list of non-stop flights to Africa is the award-winning Emirates airline. Dubai has become the Middle East’s most important hub for flights to just about anywhere in the world, including Africa and Indian Ocean islands including Seychelles. Dubai’s myriad attractions, outstanding shopping and easy visitor visa scheme make this a must-add destination for any African itinerary, whether to ramp up the excitement at the start of your trip, or to ease your way back into city life after spending time in the bush or on the beach. Dubai also has excellent connections to the best destinations in the region, including Oman and Jordan.
Looking to book your non-stop flight to Africa? Contact the Alluring Africa team for help.