Flights to Cape Town: Flights from UK to South Africa

Flights to Cape Town from which airports in the UK?

Business and leisure travelers from the UK looking to fly into Cape Town International will need to head to London first.
Presently, flights are available to Africa's third-largest airport from London Heathrow only. So travelling to Cape Town head to London by train or car first.

However, plans are in place to begin services from London Stansted, while the expected boom in demand for airline tickets to be brought about by the 2010 World Cup, which will be held in South Africa, looks set to expand on the routes available between the two countries.

Airlines flying to Cape Town from the UK

Both national carriers, namely South African Airways and British Airways, operate regular services between Cape Town and London.

These services are complemented by those offered by Virgin Atlantic, with this competition helping to keep airline ticket prices relatively affordable, with flight offers in particular for travellers with flexible plans.

RedAir is currently awaiting approval from the CAA to begin flights from London Stansted and Barcelona to Cape Town, with the carrier confident of beginning operations in December 2008.

Where is Cape Town in South Africa?

South Africa's second most-populous city, Cape Town serves as the capital of the Western Cape province and hugs the Atlantic shore, thereby benefiting from one of the world's most impressive natural harbours.

This geography gives Cape Town a typically Mediterranean climate, making it popular with tourists, while the fact that it is also the legislative capital of the country makes it a busy destination for business and diplomatic travellers.

Where would you have to fly over?

For those travellers not taking advantage of cheaper routes, such as flying to Amsterdam first, flights between the UK and Cape Town take an average of 11 hours.

Direct flights head straight over Spain and then almost dissect the African continent, while the fact that South Africa is just two hours ahead of the UK means any jet lag should be minimal.

Places of interest in and around Cape Town

It is easy to see why Cape Town remains one of the most popular destinations in South Africa for UK tourists.

The natural harbour setting boasts some stunning landmarks, not least Table Mountain and Cape Point, both of which can be explored, either by hiking or by taking a breathtaking cable car ride over the water.

Likewise, Cape Town also boasts some stunning beaches and excellent surfing conditions as well as some of the continent's finest resorts and hotels.

Other notable attractions include Robben Island, the former penal colony Nelson Mandela called home for many years and which can be reached by ferry, and the shopping paradise of the Victoria and Albert Waterfront.

Just outside of the city, the vineyards of the Cape Winelands can be easily reached, while the waters which were once feared by European sailors now offer some of the world's finest whale watching opportunities.