South African Airways direct, daily service from New York and Washington DC to Johannesburg, South Africa is, by far, the most popular route for Americans traveling to southern Africa. Not only is it the quickest routing it is typically the best value.

Ultimate Africa has access to South African Airways lowest fares starting at US $1,075 in economy and US $6,380 in Premier Class.

We are happy to handle all air ticket arrangements for Ultimate Africa client’s purchasing pre-packaged or tailor-made / custom tours through our office. We do not handle air ticket bookings by themselves or for travelers who have made their safari arrangements elsewhere.

There are two classes of service aboard the Airbus A340–600 aircraft: 291 economy seats and 42 Premier seats (a combination of business and first class at business class prices).

Economy class: The coach seats have a 33-inch pitch, each with personal on demand audio-video, telephone, and a choice of two main courses accompanied by fine South African wines. Blankets and pillows help you to sleep during the night.

Flight times:

Washington DC (IAD – Johannesburg (JNB), 15 hours non stop
Johannesburg (JNB) – Washington DC (IAD) 18 hours with a refueling stop in Dakar

New York (JFK) – Johannesburg (JNB), 17.5 hours with a refueling stop in Dakar
Johannesburg (JNB) – New York (JFK), 18 hours with a refueling stop in Dakar

Insiders tip: If you are on a South African Airways flight that stops in Dakar, Senegal (West Africa) be prepared for turbulence. This is a common experience which the pilots are expecting and are trained to handle.

Insiders tip: Flights between the USA to Africa are long. Economy class ticket holders who want to refresh and de-stress while en route in southern Africa should look for Rennie’s Premier Lounges. International terminal lounges, located in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Windhoek, include showers as well as internet access, fax, TV, refreshments, reading materials and other complimentary facilities. All Lounges have smoking and non-smoking areas. The cost is on a per use basis (approximately US $30 per person for a 4 hour period) and may be paid by credit card.