How Long Does It Take to Fly to Africa?
Quick Answer
10–18 hours from the US depending on your destination. Morocco is closest at 7–8 hours nonstop, while South Africa takes 15–18 hours. East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) takes 14–17 hours.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
Flying to Africa from the United States takes 10–18 hours of total flight time, depending on your destination and routing. North Africa (Morocco, Egypt) is the closest at 7–10 hours nonstop, while southern Africa (South Africa, Zimbabwe) takes 15–18 hours with at least one stop. East African destinations like Kenya and Tanzania fall in between at 14–17 hours.
Flight Times by African Destination
| Destination | From New York | From Los Angeles | Common Routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casablanca, Morocco (CMN) | 7 hr 30 min | 12–14 hr (1 stop) | Nonstop (Royal Air Maroc) |
| Cairo, Egypt (CAI) | 10 hr 30 min | 14–16 hr (1 stop) | Nonstop (EgyptAir) |
| Accra, Ghana (ACC) | 10 hr 30 min | 14–16 hr (1 stop) | Nonstop (United, Delta) |
| Lagos, Nigeria (LOS) | 10 hr 45 min | 15–17 hr (1 stop) | Nonstop (United, Delta) |
| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ADD) | 13 hr 00 min | 16–18 hr (1 stop) | Nonstop (Ethiopian Airlines) |
| Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) | 14 hr 30 min | 18–20 hr (1–2 stops) | Via ADD, DOH, or DXB |
| Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (DAR) | 15–17 hr | 19–22 hr (1–2 stops) | Via ADD, AMS, or DOH |
| Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB) | 15 hr 30 min | 18–22 hr (1 stop) | Nonstop (Delta from ATL) |
| Cape Town, South Africa (CPT) | 17–18 hr | 20–24 hr (1–2 stops) | Via JNB, DOH, or DXB |
Airlines with Nonstop US-to-Africa Flights
Delta Air Lines operates the only nonstop from Atlanta to Johannesburg (about 16 hours) and seasonal nonstops to Accra and Lagos.
United Airlines flies nonstop from Newark (EWR) to Accra, Lagos, and Johannesburg.
Ethiopian Airlines offers nonstops from Washington Dulles (IAD) and Newark to Addis Ababa, which serves as a major hub for connecting to destinations across the continent.
EgyptAir flies nonstop from JFK to Cairo.
Royal Air Maroc offers nonstops from JFK, Washington, and Miami to Casablanca, connecting to dozens of African cities.
Popular Connection Points
Since nonstop options are limited, many travelers connect through:
- Addis Ababa (ADD) — Ethiopian Airlines' hub connects to 60+ African cities
- Casablanca (CMN) — Royal Air Maroc connects to West and Central Africa
- Dubai (DXB) / Doha (DOH) — Emirates and Qatar Airways serve most of Africa via the Middle East
- Amsterdam (AMS) — KLM has extensive African routes through Schiphol
- Paris (CDG) — Air France connects to Francophone Africa
- London (LHR) — British Airways and Kenya Airways serve East and Southern Africa
Factors That Affect Flight Time
Your destination matters most. Africa spans over 5,000 miles north to south. Flying to Morocco is comparable to flying to London, while South Africa is one of the longest flights from the US.
Routing and connections can add 3–8 hours. A one-stop itinerary through a Middle Eastern hub adds significant distance but sometimes offers better schedules and prices.
Departure city makes a difference. East Coast cities have the shortest flights. Atlanta is the best gateway for Southern Africa, while New York and Washington offer the most options overall.
Tips for Booking Flights to Africa
- Ethiopian Airlines often offers the best fares for East African destinations and connects to the most cities on the continent
- Book 3–4 months ahead for the best prices, especially during high season (June–September for safari, December–January for South Africa)
- Consider a Middle Eastern stopover — both Emirates and Qatar Airways allow free stopovers in Dubai or Doha
- Check visa requirements early — many African countries require visas, and some can be obtained on arrival while others need advance processing
- Budget for yellow fever vaccination if traveling to West, Central, or East Africa — proof of vaccination is required for entry to many countries