Egypt from
Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
Cairo is a long flight north, so most South Africans give Egypt nine or ten days. Here is how to plan it from JNB, CPT or DUR.
South Africa to Egypt
at a glance.
| Flights | Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) has non-stop flights to Cairo on some days of the week, taking roughly 8 to 9 hours. From Cape Town and Durban you usually connect through Johannesburg or a hub such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi or a Gulf airport. |
|---|---|
| Time difference | None in winter: South Africa and Egypt are both UTC+2. During Egyptian summer time, Egypt is one hour ahead. |
| Visa | Check what applies to South African passports on the official e-Visa portal before you book. |
| Money | Rand is not easy to exchange in Egypt. Bring US dollars or euros, or use your card at ATMs. |
| Plugs | Egypt uses European two-pin plugs (types C and F). Bring an adaptor. |
| Best months | October to April. South African school holidays in April and September/October suit Egypt well. |
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change. Confirm the current requirements on the official Egypt e-Visa portal or with the Egyptian embassy before you book flights.
What to think about
before you book.
From Johannesburg, Cairo is a long flight but a straightforward one, and the time difference is small, so jet lag is rarely an issue. From Cape Town and Durban, allow a full day for the journey with a connection.
Because of the distance, we usually suggest at least nine days on the ground. That gives you Cairo, a Nile cruise and a few days on the Red Sea without rushing. The December holidays fall in Egypt's peak season, so book early; the April and September school holidays are excellent and a little quieter.
Planning from Cape Town and Durban
If you are connecting through Johannesburg, try to keep at least two to three hours between flights, more if you are on separate tickets. We plan a light first day in Cairo either way.
Popular with travellers
from South Africa.
Ancient Egypt, Open Water
Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, then three days on the Red Sea at Hurghada.
See the plan →
Egypt, In Depth
Three full days in Cairo, Aswan and Abu Simbel, a four-night Nile cruise to Luxor, then two days on the Red Sea.
See the plan →
Nile Honeymoon, Red Sea Finish
Cairo, Aswan, a three-night Nile cruise and a dawn balloon flight over Luxor, then two nights in a quiet Red Sea hotel.
See the plan →Questions we
hear often.
Is there a direct flight from South Africa to Egypt?
Yes, from Johannesburg on some days of the week. There are no non-stop flights from Cape Town or Durban; you connect through Johannesburg or another hub.
How long should a South African trip to Egypt be?
Nine to twelve days works best, because of the travel time. Six or seven days is possible for Cairo and Luxor only.
What currency should we bring?
US dollars or euros are easiest to exchange. Rand is rarely accepted. Cards work in hotels and larger shops.
Do you book our flights?
We focus on the Egypt part of the trip, but we will tell you which flight times suit the plan and adjust the first and last days to match.
Tell us when
you can travel.
We will plan the first and last days around flights from South Africa and send a full quote for the Egypt part of your trip.