Once you arrive in Africa, it’s easy to explore the continent on a budget. Unfortunately, traveling from the United States can be costly, but there are ways to minimize expenses. From avoiding peak travel times to planning several months ahead, savvy travelers can save significantly on airfares, allowing for more spending on adventures once you reach your destination. Although these tips are mainly for travelers flying to Africa from the U.S., they apply to booking inexpensive flights from nearly any location.

Choose Your Dates Carefully

If you have flexibility in your travel dates, consider planning your trip during the off-season to save money. Avoid scheduling your visit around holidays like Christmas or during school vacation periods. For trips to southern hemisphere countries such as South Africa, be mindful of two “summer” seasons: July/August, when Americans and Europeans travel, and the South African summer in December/January. Additionally, if visiting Muslim-majority countries like Egypt or Tunisia, flight prices can increase significantly during Ramadan.

Selecting your travel dates involves choosing not just the best month but also the best day of the week. A 2015 report by travel tech company Expedia revealed that long-haul flights departing on Thursdays and returning on Mondays can cost about 20% less than those flying out on Fridays and returning on Saturdays. Generally, Fridays are the priciest day to book flights, so experiment with your dates – even a change of a day or two can significantly affect the price.

Book in Advance

After selecting your travel dates, it’s crucial to book your flights as soon as possible. Routes from the United States to Africa are somewhat limited, leading to quick sell-outs of cheaper seats. Waiting until the last minute usually results in higher prices. Flights typically become available up to 11 months prior to departure, giving ample opportunity to secure the best deals. However, if airlines see an unsold inventory after a few months, they may reduce prices to fill seats. You will need to weigh whether you’re willing to wait for a possible price drop.

Use a Flight Comparison Website

A top strategy for saving money is to book flights independently, eliminating the commission fees often associated with travel agents. Utilizing flight comparison websites, such as Skyscanner, enables you to review all available airlines for your selected route and find the best fare, including any promotions. Many of these platforms allow for price alerts to help monitor fare changes, and some provide options for searching flexible dates to identify the most economical travel times.

If you’re under the age of 26, consider checking prices with the student travel agency STA Travel, as they frequently offer exclusive deals for young travelers, which may not be listed on comparison sites.

Fly Indirect via Europe or the Middle East

While direct flights from the United States to Africa are convenient, they may not be the most economical choice. Therefore, be prepared for at least one layover – more if your destination is particularly remote or you’re departing from the west coast. The most budget-friendly flights commonly transit through a former colonial hub. For instance, flights to South Africa might connect through London; those to Namibia typically go through Frankfurt, and many West African destinations are best accessed via Paris.

Several economical airlines serving Africa, such as Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways, offer indirect flights. While traditional routes from the U.S. to Africa often include European stops, airlines like Emirates now provide affordable options with Dubai as a destination for layovers. Using a flight comparison website allows filtering by the number of stops, aiding your search for the best options.

Think About the Bigger Picture

Choosing the best value flight often involves more than simply selecting the cheapest fare available. Airlines may lure customers with attractive initial pricing, only to reveal extra fees for checked luggage, credit card payments, or in-flight meals during the booking process. Always verify what is included in your fare, and adjust your selections accordingly. Additionally, be wary of unexpected charges in your final total, such as fees for text alerts, seat selection, or baggage insurance.

Also, consider the cost of your layovers. For example, a flight with a two-hour layover in Johannesburg might be $100 more than one with a 10-hour layover in London; however, the latter could incur higher overall expenses due to meals and possible lodging in London. Depending on your nationality, a transit visa could also add to costs, so opt for layover options in countries where transit visas are not required.

Book Everything at Once

Lastly, while it might be tempting to book each leg of your journey separately to avoid paying everything up front, doing so increases the risk of complications if you miss a connecting flight due to delays. Airlines typically do not re-book passengers onto later flights for free if flights are not booked under a single ticket, potentially leaving you responsible for purchasing an entirely new ticket.