Gates to East Africa: Kenya and Tanzania
When we think of a classic safari, most of us imagine the endless plains of the Masai Mara or the Serengeti. The best starting points to reach these are Nairobi (NBO), the capital of Kenya, and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) in Tanzania.
From Budapest, the most comfortable routes typically require a single layover. Turkish Airlines with a layover in Istanbul (IST) is an excellent choice, as it often offers tickets at favorable prices to both destinations, and the connection times are also optimal. Gulf-based airlines such as Qatar Airways via Doha (DOH) or Emirates via Dubai (DXB) are also popular. These flights offer a high level of comfort and excellent onboard services, which matter a lot on a longer journey. Among European airlines, the Air France-KLM pair with a layover in Paris (CDG) or Amsterdam (AMS) can also be a good alternative. You can easily compare these options in the unifly.hu search engine to find the most suitable time and price for you.
South Africa, the Diverse Giant
South Africa offers a very different kind of safari experience. To explore the world-famous Kruger National Park, the best destination is Johannesburg (JNB). This airport is one of Africa's busiest hubs, with excellent connections to surrounding safari lodges and smaller, domestic airports.
Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates also offer the most comfortable, one-stopover flights to Johannesburg. In addition, Lufthansa with a layover in Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC) can also be a great option. Many people decide to combine their trip with a visit to Cape Town (CPT). Although Cape Town is further from the major national parks, smaller, malaria-free game reserves can also be found in the area, making it a perfect choice for a combination of a shorter safari and a city visit. It is easy to reach neighboring countries such as Botswana or Zimbabwe from both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The Insiders' Choice: Namibia and Botswana
If you crave something truly special and want to get off the beaten path, Namibia and Botswana promise unforgettable adventures. Namibia's red sand dunes and starry skies offer a unique experience. The easiest way to reach the capital, Windhoek (WDH), is with Eurowings Discover, part of the Lufthansa Group, which flies directly from Frankfurt. With a departure from Budapest, this represents an extremely comfortable, single European layover route.
Botswana, home to the Okavango Delta, is the stronghold of luxury safaris. The most important airport here is Maun (MUB). There are typically no direct intercontinental flights here, so the most common route involves a layover in Johannesburg (JNB) or Cape Town (CPT). You can reach the gateway to the delta by connecting to an aircraft of a South African airline, such as Airlink. This requires a little more organization, but the view will be worth it.
A Few Extra Tips for the Perfect Trip
When planning African safari trips, it is worth keeping a few things in mind. It is advisable to book airline tickets 3-6 months before your trip, especially if you are traveling during the high season. Be flexible with your dates! With the +/- 3 day option in the unifly.hu search engine, you can often find much better prices. Always check the baggage allowance before traveling! This is especially important if you are taking a domestic, small aircraft flight, as these often have weight restrictions and only allow soft-sided bags. Are you ready for the adventure? With the unifly.hu search engine, you can find the perfect flight to the magical world of Africa in seconds.