How to Book Affordable Flights Within Africa from Nigeria 

For many Nigerians, traveling within Africa can often feel costlier than journeys to Europe, the Middle East, or the United States. This is partly because there are few direct flights between African countries, airlines have high operational costs, and regional connections are weak. However, with smart planning, savvy bookings, and local travel tips, you can find affordable flights within Africa from Nigeria. 

Whether you’re off to Kenya for a safari, Ghana for its culture, South Africa for business, or Morocco for history, this guide provides practical strategies for Nigerians to secure budget-friendly flights within Africa. 

Do Nigerians Need Visas to Travel Around Africa? 

Before booking a flight, it’s important to check the visa requirements. While ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) allows Nigerians to travel without a visa to 15 West African countries, you will need visas for many countries outside of West Africa. 

Visa-free travel for Nigerians (within Africa): 

Ghana, Benin, Togo, Senegal, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Cape Verde, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Chad. 

Visa on arrival or e-visa for Nigerians: 

Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Seychelles, Ethiopia. 

Visa required before travel: 

South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia. 

Knowing visa requirements early can prevent last-minute surprises that may invalidate your affordable ticket. 

Why Flights Within Africa Are Expensive 

Understanding the reasons for high ticket prices can help you find better options. Contributing factors include: 

1. Limited direct flights. Many routes require layovers in Europe or the Middle East.  
2. High fuel costs and airport fees.
3. Fewer budget airlines compared to Europe or Asia.  
4. Weak partnerships among airlines within Africa. 

For instance, a flight from Lagos to Johannesburg may cost over ₦1,600,000, while a flight from Lagos to London could be cheaper. However, with effective strategies, Nigerians can significantly reduce costs. 

Tips for Booking Affordable Flights Within Africa  

1. Book Early, but Not Too Early

Flights tend to be cheapest six to eight weeks before departure. Booking too late bumps up prices, and booking too early might mean missing discounts. 

2. Use African Airlines

Local airlines usually offer lower fares than European or Middle Eastern carriers for African routes. Consider: 

• Ethiopian Airlines connects Nigeria with East, North, and Southern Africa.
• Kenya Airways is great for East and Southern Africa.
• RwandAir is budget-friendly, linking Nigeria with Kigali and beyond.
• Air Côte d’Ivoire connects West and Central Africa.
• ASKY Airlines based in Togo and covers many African cities.
• EgyptAir links Nigeria with North and East Africa. 

These airlines often provide cheaper regional flights than Emirates, Turkish Airlines, or Qatar Airways. 

3. Use Flight Comparison Platforms

Look for fares on: 

• Skyscanner (check for the cheapest days in a month).
• Google Flights (view route maps).
• Travelstart Nigeria (local deals in naira).
• Wakanow (sometimes offers discounts for Nigerians). 

Always compare prices across multiple sites before making a booking. 

4. Fly from the Right Nigerian Airport

Nigeria’s main international airports are: 

• Lagos (LOS) is the most connections available.
• Abuja (ABV) is good for flights to East Africa.
• Port Harcourt (PHC) offers some Central African routes.
• Kano (KAN) has flights to North Africa and the Middle East. 

For example, a flight from Lagos to Nairobi could cost ₦500,000, but flying from Abuja to Nairobi on Ethiopian Airlines might only be ₦350,000. 

5. Be Flexible with Dates

Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper than those on weekends. It’s best to avoid major holidays like Christmas, Easter, or Eid, when prices rise sharply. 

6. Consider Stopovers

Sometimes, flights with stopovers are less expensive. For instance: 

• Lagos → Addis Ababa → Johannesburg can be cheaper than Lagos → Johannesburg direct. 
• Abuja → Kigali → Nairobi may cost less than Abuja → Nairobi direct. 

If you can be flexible, stopovers can help save money. 

7. Sign Up for Airline Deals

Follow African airlines on social media and sign up for their newsletters. They often announce flash sales and share discount codes. 

8. Use Frequent Flyer Programs

Join loyalty programs such as ShebaMiles from Ethiopian Airlines, Flying Blue from Kenya Airways, or Dream Miles from RwandAir. Even occasional travelers can enjoy upgrades or discounted airfare. 

9. Consider Budget Airlines

Though limited in number, there are a few options available: 

• Fastjet (Tanzania/Zimbabwe routes).
• FlySafair (domestic flights in South Africa, occasionally regional).
• Jambojet (domestic and East Africa routes in Kenya).  

These airlines often allow Nigerians to combine flights and save money. 

10. Use Travel Agents in Nigeria

Sometimes, Nigerian travel agents can negotiate group rates that are cheaper than online prices. Check with agencies in Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt before booking online. 

Popular Affordable Routes for Nigerians  

Here are some estimated round-trip costs (economy class, mid-season, booked in advance): 

1. Lagos → Accra (Ghana) – ₦300,000–₦600,000.
2. Lagos → Abidjan (Ivory Coast) – ₦810,000–₦1,700,000.
3. Lagos → Dakar (Senegal) – ₦900,000–₦1,800,000.
4. Abuja → Nairobi (Kenya) – ₦900,000–₦1,800,000.
5. Lagos → Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) – ₦790,000–₦900,000.
6. Lagos → Johannesburg (South Africa) – ₦1,500,000–₦1,900,000. 

Prices may vary, but smart booking can keep costs down. 

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For 

1. Baggage Fees: Some budget airlines charge additional fees for checked baggage. Always check the baggage policy.
2. Airport Taxes: Some African airports impose high exit fees that may not be included in your ticket price.
3. Currency Exchange: Try to pay in naira if possible. Paying in USD might end up costing more due to exchange rates. 

Travel Insurance and Health Requirements 

When flying within Africa, Nigerians should: 

1. Get travel insurance that covers cancellations and medical emergencies.
2. Carry a Yellow Fever vaccination card since it’s mandatory in many African countries.
3. Check for any COVID-19 or health entry requirements, as some nations still require proof of vaccination. 

Real Travel Hacks from Nigerians 

1. Travel by Land, Fly Locally: For nearby countries like Ghana, Benin, or Togo, travel by bus or land, then fly from Accra, Cotonou, or Lomé to save money. Flights from Cotonou (Benin) are often cheaper than from Lagos.
2. Mix Airlines: Instead of booking a round trip on one airline, sometimes booking separate one-way flights with different airlines can be cheaper.
3. Night Flights: Red-eye flights are usually less expensive, although they might be less comfortable.
4. Student Discounts: Certain airlines like EgyptAir and Ethiopian Airlines offer student fares, which can benefit Nigerian students studying abroad. 

Example: How to Book an Affordable Flight from Nigeria to Kenya 

• Step 1: Check visa rules – Nigeria qualifies for an eVisa (about $50).
• Step 2: Compare flights – Skyscanner indicates that Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis) is cheaper than Kenya Airways direct.
• Step 3: Choose Abuja as your departure airport (₦900,000 compared to ₦1,200,000 from Lagos).
• Step 4: Book at least six weeks in advance.
• Step 5: Use a naira card on Travelstart to avoid foreign transaction fees. 

Total savings: ₦200,000–₦300,000. 

Why Flying Within Africa Matters for Nigerians 

Affordable travel within Africa allows Nigerians to: 

• Explore tourism beyond Europe and Asia.
• Expand business and trade opportunities.
• Strengthen cultural connections across the continent.
• Access better education and healthcare options in nearby countries. 

With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and efforts to establish the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), flights within Africa should become less expensive in the future. Until then, smart booking remains the best strategy. 

Traveling within Africa from Nigeria doesn’t have to be a financial burden. With thoughtful planning, flexibility, and the right resources, Nigerians can find affordable tickets to nearly any African destination. The key strategies involve booking early, using African airlines, being flexible with travel dates and routes, and utilizing local tips like flying from nearby airports. 

From Lagos to Nairobi, Abuja to Johannesburg, or Kano to Cairo, discovering Africa can be budget-friendly. Don’t let high flight prices stop you from exploring the beauty of your own continent.  

If you’re a Nigerian traveler ready to explore Africa, start keeping an eye on flight deals, stay flexible, and seize the opportunities as they arise because adventure is just a booking away.