7 Secret Tips to Find Cheap Flights to Africa from UK
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7 Secret Tips to Find Cheap Flights to Africa from UK (2026 Guide)
Planning a trip to Africa? Ticket costs are going up, but there’s no need to break the bank. Whether you are heading to Lagos, Nairobi, or Cape Town, there are a number of clever tricks that could save you hundreds of pounds.
Here at Good Flights we analyze thousands of routes every day. We have unlocked the secrets of where and how to find our best shots. Before you do, visit our cheap flights to Africa from the UK page, where you can find the latest deals, and keep reading for our top 7 tricks on how to save money in 2026.
When is the Best Time to Buy Tickets?
Don’t book too early, and definitely don’t book late.
- Too Early (10+ months): Expensive (Airlines release high base rates).
- Too Late (< 1 month): Very Expensive (Desperation tax).
- Just Right (3-6 months): Cheapest.
Best Days to Fly (Weekly Cheatsheet)
Day of Week | Price Level | Traffic |
Monday | Moderate | High (Business travel) |
Tuesday | Cheapest | Low |
Wednesday | Cheapest | Low |
Thursday | Moderate | Moderate |
Friday | Expensive | Very High |
Saturday | Expensive | High |
Sunday | Very Expensive | Very High |
Search for flights on a Tuesday afternoon for the best chances of finding a deal on Good Flights.
Direct vs. Indirect: Is the Stopover Worth It?
Nonstops save time, but they cost your wallet. Here is an example of a typical fare comparison (London–Lagos or Johannesburg): UK–AFRICA. Return Fares Start From:
Airline Type | Example Airlines | Avg. Price | Time Taken |
Direct | £800 – £1,200 | 6-10 Hours | |
1-Stop (Europe) | £600 – £900 | 12-15 Hours | |
1-Stop (Mid-East/Africa) | £450 – £750 | 14-18 Hours |
If you can handle a 3-hour layover in Istanbul or Addis Ababa, you can save nearly £400 per person.
Don't Just Rely on Heathrow (LHR)
London Heathrow has the highest airport taxes in the world. Look at these alternatives:
- Gatwick (LGW): Often cheaper for TUI/EasyJet routes to North Africa.
- Manchester (MAN): Great for Ethiopian & Turkish Airlines.
Use Private Browsing Mode
Airlines track your cookies. If you check the price 5 times, it might go up. Always use Private/Incognito mode when searching to see the real price.
Seasonality Guide: Cheapest Months to Fly
When you fly matters more than which airline you fly.
Season | Months | Price Trend |
Low Season (Best Value) | Feb, Mar, Nov | Lowest Prices |
Shoulder Season | May, June, Oct | Average Prices |
Peak Season (Avoid) | Dec, Jul, Aug | Highest Prices |
If you must travel in December, try to depart before December 10th to avoid the Christmas spike
Watch Out for the Baggage Trap
A cheap ticket isn’t cheap if you have to pay £150 for suitcases. Always compare the Total Cost.
- British Airways/Virgin: Often include 1x 23kg (check specific fare).
- Ethiopian/Qatar: Often include 2x 23kg (Generous allowance).
- European Airlines (Lufthansa/Air France): Cheapest tickets often have 0kg baggage.
Recommendation: Always check the “Baggage Included” filter on Good Flights to see the real price.