HambaNow · South African destination guides
Flights to Nairobi from South Africa
South African passport holders do not need a visa for an ordinary short tourist visit to Nairobi. South African passport exemption from Kenya eTA. Visits not exceeding 90 days under the published exemption
Nairobi combines a major African city with wildlife and forest escapes close by. South African passport holders are on Kenya’s published eTA exemption list for short visits.
Published by HambaNow, a division of Paradise Road Travel. Editorial update: .
Visa requirements for South Africans
Visa-exempt short visit: South African passport exemption from Kenya eTA. Visits not exceeding 90 days under the published exemption
Kenya’s current official General Information page lists South Africa among nationalities exempt from eTA for stays not exceeding 90 days. Check that exemption and your travel purpose before departure; do not submit or pay for an eTA simply because an older generic page says every visitor needs one. Other passports, longer visits and immigration purposes can require a different process.
Fee: No eTA application fee for a traveller who qualifies for the South African exemption
Passport / identification: At least six months validity with a blank page, and current entry-document checks.
Carry accommodation, onward/return travel and any purpose-specific documents. Check health requirements for your routing. The exemption is not an automatic guarantee of admission.
Official application / requirements · Kenya Directorate of Immigration — eTA General Information · checked 12 October 2026
Routes from South Africa
Dated public references, not live availability. Check every leg and operating date.
Nonstop flights
| From | Airline | Route | Schedule | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg · OR Tambo (JNB) |   Airlink · Kenya Airways | JNB → Nairobi (NBO) | October 2026 published timetable: 22 flights/week across the listed services. Check operating days for your dates. | Timetable reference · checked 12 October 2026 |
| Cape Town (CPT) | Kenya Airways | CPT → Nairobi (NBO) | October 2026 published timetable: 2 flights/week across the listed services. Check operating days for your dates. | Timetable reference · checked 12 October 2026 |
Connecting flights
| From | Airline | Route | Schedule | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Town & Durban · connecting alternatives (CPT,DUR) | Domestic feeder + Airlink / Kenya Airways | Via Johannesburg (JNB) → Nairobi (NBO); compare with any listed nonstop from your airport. | Date-dependent connections, not a promised through-fare. Check every stop, ticket and transit requirement. | Timetable reference · checked 12 October 2026 |
| Regional South African departures (REGIONAL,HLA,PLZ,GRJ,ELS,BFN,MQP,HDS,SZK,KIM,UTN,UTT,PZB,PTG,RCB,MGH,SIS) |    Airlink / CemAir / FlySafair / SAA as available, then the international carrier | Via an available JNB or CPT feeder; international hubs may add another stop. Examples include Gqeberha, George, East London and Mbombela. | Date-dependent connections, not a promised through-fare. Check every stop, ticket and transit requirement. | Timetable reference · checked 12 October 2026 |
When to go and when to book
January–February and June–October are generally drier periods. March–May brings the long rains; late October–December can bring shorter rains.
Shoulder season: Early June and October with rain checks. Busy periods: Main safari season and festive dates.
- There is no universal cheapest booking day or guaranteed cheapest month. Start monitoring when your trip dates and travel documents are clear.
- Start comparing several months before a long-haul trip. Allow additional time for visa appointments, peak school holidays and family groups.
- Compare nearby dates and every suitable departure airport. Early June and October with rain checks can be useful periods to test against peak dates, not a promise of cheaper flights.
- Compare the total for all travellers, including baggage, seat selection, transfers and connection risk. Separate tickets can require baggage recheck and additional entry permission.
Monthly weather and holiday planning, not measured fares:
- Jan: Warm, drier period
- Feb: Drier-weather candidate
- Mar: Long rains may begin
- Apr: Long rains; flexible plans
- May: Wet-season caution
- Jun: Drier season begins
- Jul: Popular dry-season trips
- Aug: Safari and holiday demand
- Sep: Drier outdoor days
- Oct: Rain transition possible
- Nov: Short rains possible
- Dec: Festive dates; showers
National Geographic Nairobi travel guidance · checked 12 October 2026
Family travel
Keep a Nairobi National Park outing separate from a long arrival day. Use a reputable guide and check attraction age and safety guidance.
Before you go
- South Africa is listed as eTA-exempt for stays not exceeding 90 days. Recheck the official exemption list instead of paying an unofficial application service.
- NBO is Jomo Kenyatta International. Wilson Airport (WIL) is a different airport used by many safari flights; allow road transfer time.
- Some Kenya Airways Cape Town itineraries include an intermediate stop even though limited nonstop services are also listed. Check the individual flight.
Frequently asked questions
Do South Africans need a visa for Nairobi?
South African passport holders do not need a visa for an ordinary short tourist visit to Nairobi. South African passport exemption from Kenya eTA. Visits not exceeding 90 days under the published exemption
Are there nonstop flights to Nairobi from South Africa?
Yes, some nonstop options appear in our dated sources. Check the nonstop table for airports, airlines and schedules, then confirm in live results.
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
January–February and June–October are generally drier periods. March–May brings the long rains; late October–December can bring shorter rains.
When should I book flights to Nairobi?
Start comparing several months before a long-haul trip. Allow additional time for visa appointments, peak school holidays and family groups.
What should I know before I travel to Nairobi?
South Africa is listed as eTA-exempt for stays not exceeding 90 days. Recheck the official exemption list instead of paying an unofficial application service. NBO is Jomo Kenyatta International. Wilson Airport (WIL) is a different airport used by many safari flights; allow road transfer time. Some Kenya Airways Cape Town itineraries include an intermediate stop even though limited nonstop services are also listed. Check the individual flight.
Why visit Nairobi
A safari beside a skyline
Explore Nairobi National Park with a guide and experience open wildlife habitat within reach of the city.
A closer look at giraffes
Visit the Giraffe Centre and learn about conservation while following the centre’s animal-interaction rules.
Take a forest break
Spend a quieter morning on Karura Forest’s paths, with time for walking and a picnic.