Planning a Last-Minute Trip to Africa.
If a spur-of-the-moment safari is calling, South Africa is one of the easiest long-haul escapes to arrange from the UK. Direct flights from London reach Johannesburg in around 11 hours, UK passport holders travel visa-free for stays up to 90 days, and there's barely any jet lag to contend with. If you've had to put safari plans on hold and you're ready to go, we'll help you pull a last-minute trip together.
A last-minute safari could be exactly the cure for the British winter blues — swap the cold and drizzle for fresh African air and the Big 5. Throwing a trip together in a few days takes quick, expert planning, but that's where we come in: with years of experience and a steady stream of UK guests, we can arrange your Kruger safari fast.
- Find out who is flying
From the UK, the simplest option is a direct London → Johannesburg flight, which takes around 11 hours with carriers such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. When you book, check whether you'd like to land in Johannesburg (we'll transfer you on to the park) or add a short connecting flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International at Nelspruit. Booking early for a last-minute trip usually gives you the best choice of times and fares.
- Book your safari
Safari companies throughout South Africa are rejoicing at the news of the lifting of the travel ban and believe us, we are all so excited to welcome you back to the Kruger. The park has been tourist free for the past two years, and now is a great time to visit the beautiful green park.
Once your flights are booked, choose a safari company that can take care of everything on the ground. Look for an all-inclusive operator that covers accommodation, meals, guiding, transfers and conservation fees — it removes almost all the planning and is especially reassuring on a first trip to Africa from the UK.
- Read up on South Africa’s COVID situation
Each country has its own restrictions and its own situation going on, so when you are planning your trip, read up about what you can expect in terms of the various regulations that are currently in effect. This way, you will be mentally prepared and you will also be able to put other plans in place to ensure your comfort and your safety throughout the trip.
We here at Kurt Safari can’t wait for the safari industry to be back in full swing, and we can’t wait to guide you around our favourite place in the world. We hope to see you soon!
