Fly to African destinations from Cardiff Airport
Welsh travellers looking for an adventurous holiday destination can start their journey at Cardiff Airport (CWL). Wales’ largest airport offers flights to many exciting international destinations, as well as convenient connections.
Passenger numbers through Cardiff Airport are now recovering following a steep decline during COVID-19. Not only is Cardiff airport a great choice for those heading to popular European beach destinations such as Spain and Greece, but it is also the gateway to countries across Africa. Find out below which countries in Africa you can travel to from Wales.
Kenya
If you’re considering going on a safari, look no further than Cardiff Airport. Cardiff offers flights with excellent connections to one of the best safari destinations in the world, Kenya.
You can take a flight from Cardiff to Nairobi, the starting point for many Kenyan safaris. From Nairobi, you can reach several national parks home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Nairobi National Park is just 9km from the city centre where you can see lions, leopards, hippos, giraffes, wildebeest and more in their natural habitat. There are many other national parks accessible from Nairobi for an unforgettable safari experience.
As well as Nairobi, you can also fly to Mombasa from Cardiff, one or more stops are required. Travellers in Mombasa can enjoy white sandy beaches and clear waters. It’s a beautiful location perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature.
If you are considering travelling to Kenya in the near future, bear in mind that the Kenya visa on arrival was discontinued. UK passport holders now need to apply for a Kenya eVisa before departure.
Tanzania
Another African destination accessible from Cardiff Airport is Dar Es Salaam, the largest city and capital of Tanzania. It is also the biggest city in East Africa and one of the major ports in the region.
Tanzania is one of the best destinations for a wildlife adventure in Africa with fantastic safari opportunities. The Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara are just a few of the areas where you can see lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinos and other animals up close.
Other places to visit in Tanzania include:
Lake Victoria — This lake provides great opportunities for bird watching as well as other outdoor activities like boating, fishing and water sports like jet skiing and snorkelling
Ngorongoro Crater — This volcanic caldera is home to thousands of animals including lions, elephants and zebras who live in its grassy plains.
Ghana
Depending on the time of year, you can also find routes from Cardiff Airport to Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Accra is a lively and colourful place. It has a lot to offer tourists, including access to the beautiful beaches of Cape Coast.
The National Museum of Ghana in Accra is an important visitor attraction. Whilst in Accra, you can also enjoy the diverse cuisine from spicy Senegalese jollof rice to Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
The city has many festivals throughout the year, including the National Festival of Arts & Culture (FESTAC) held every July/August and the Annual Ghana Movie Awards (AGMA). Accra has a vibrant nightlife with many nightclubs and bars offering live music or DJ entertainment throughout the week.
Lagos
Another choice for Welsh air passengers is Lagos, Nigeria. It’s the country’s largest city, with a population of more than 15 million. Lagos is also one of Africa’s largest metropolitan areas.
Lagos is known for its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and music scene. The city has many historic buildings that date back to its colonial past, including churches and government buildings.
South Africa
The final African destination from Cardiff Airport is South Africa. Indirect flights from the Welsh capital go to Cape Town and Johannesburg.
South Africa is a land of contrasts and contradictions, it is one of the most visited countries in Africa. South Africa is renowned for its stunning scenery, which includes some of the world’s most spectacular beaches and coastal forests. But it also has some of the most beautiful mountains in Africa, including the mighty Table Mountain.
South Africa has many national parks and reserves, where you can see lions, elephants and other animals roaming free in their natural habitat.
In addition to its natural attractions, South Africa offers visitors a wide variety of things to do and see – from shopping in big cities such as Johannesburg or Cape Town to many historic sites as well as archaeological wonders.
Check Cardiff Airport website to find out the current flight schedules. You can also find out more about airport services and other important passenger information.
While many countries around the world are now easing COVID-19 entry restrictions, it is still important to be informed about the current rules and requirements for your chosen destination.