Gateway Airports of Africa

Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta International Airport

As East Africa’s busiest aviation hub, Nairobi serves as the main entry point for travellers heading to Kenya’s top attractions, including the Masai Mara. It also provides excellent access to Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Most visitors connect from Jomo Kenyatta to nearby Wilson Airport for short-haul regional and charter flights.

Dar es Salaam – Julius Nyerere International Airport

Tanzania’s primary airport sits along the coastline, making it ideal for travellers going to Zanzibar, Pemba Island, or the Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous). For northern highlights like Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti, passengers typically connect from Dar es Salaam to either Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.

Cape Town International Airport

This airport is the gateway to South Africa’s iconic Cape region: Cape Town, the Whale Coast, and the Cape Winelands. It also provides convenient access to the Garden Route, the Eastern Cape, and neighbouring Namibia.

Johannesburg – O.R. Tambo International Airport

Africa’s largest and most important flight hub, O.R. Tambo links travellers to destinations across Southern, South, and East Africa, including the Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls, Botswana, and Mozambique’s coastline. From here, you’ll connect to domestic or regional flights.

Other Key Gateways

Smaller but essential airports include:

• Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek, Namibia) – ideal for Etosha and the Namib Desert

• Maputo International Airport (Mozambique) – gateway to the Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos

You can explore more about flying into:
Botswana • Kenya • Malawi • Mauritius • Mozambique • Namibia • Rwanda • Seychelles • South Africa • Tanzania • Uganda • Zambia • Zimbabwe

Flying Around Africa

After arriving at a gateway airport, most travellers continue onward to their lodge, island, or safari destination. Flying within Africa may involve a mix of transport options — and many offer unforgettable views, like soaring over the Okavango Delta or the turquoise Indian Ocean.

For regional and domestic travel, only reputable, internationally accredited airlines (IATA members) are used. Low-cost carriers are avoided due to unpredictable schedules.

Remote areas and bush airstrips are typically accessed via scheduled or private charter flights using small aircraft (usually 4–6 seats). Helicopter transfers, while less common, are available in select destinations such as the Seychelles or the Okavango Delta.

On arrival at your final airstrip or airport, ground transfers complete your journey — whether by private vehicle, shared shuttle, 4×4, or rental car.

Learn more about flights to popular destinations:
Bazaruto Archipelago • Cape Town • Cape Winelands • Chobe National Park • Garden Route • Kruger National Park • Masai Mara • Ngorongoro Crater • Okavango Delta • Serengeti • Sun City • Victoria Falls • Zanzibar