Africa is a diverse and remarkable continent blessed with truly spectacular scenery, wildlife, and rich cultures. Tourists come in and leave with elegant tales of adventure and mind-blowing experiences. Whether it’s climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, witnessing the Great Migration in Kenya or standing at the base of the great pyramids in Egypt, Africa is sure to give you a whole new appreciation of the beautiful world we live in. If you’re planning to visit these African countries from the Philippines, here are the best routes and arrival information to aid your planning.
EGYPT
Famous for its ancient monuments, notably the pyramids and the Sphinx, Egypt is located northeast of Africa and is one of the most popular tourist attractions with iconic sites like the Giza Necropolis and the Pyramids of Giza.
Route Direction
Manila >> Bahrain >> Cairo
Manila >>Jeddah >> Cairo
Manila >> Muscat >> Cairo
Cairo International Airport
Located in Heliopolis to the Northeast of Cairo around 15 km from the business area, Cairo international airport is the busiest airport in Egypt and serves as the primary hub for the majority of the airlines in Egypt.
Journey Duration – 13 to 15 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 44,000 or USD 850
Arrival Information
Cairo airport shuttle buses, taxis, and limousine services are available upon arrival, the limousine service is the most convenient and pick up points are in front of terminals. Price ranges from $3 to $30 depending on the destination.
Shuttles are comfortable, prompt and direct from or to the airport according to your preference and they can be pre-booked before arrival. Prices range from $3 to $15 depending on destination. Taxi services are usually known to target tourists in the hall and they usually do not have a meter and price is negotiated before traveling. Prices range from $3 to $25 depending on the destination.
MORROCO
Overlooking the Mediterranean sea to the north and the Atlantic ocean to the west, Morocco is well developed with a strong tourist industry focused on its coast, culture, and history with Marrakesh and Casablanca as the most popular tourist visits.
Route Direction
Manila >> London Heathrow >> Casablanca
Manila >> Istanbul >> Casablanca
Manila >> Doha >> Casablanca
Mohammed V International Airport
Hub for Air Arabia Maroc, Royal air mass and Royal air Maroc express. Mohammed V international airport is one of the busiest airports in Morocco and it is located in Nouaceur province.
Journey Duration – 19 to 23 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 64,000 or USD 1230
Arrival Information
Trains depart to and from Casablanca airport to downtown every hour between 6.00 am to 10 pm, 7 days a week. Fares for single second class tickets cost around $3.00 while first-class single ticket cost +50%. Buses are also operated which takes you within 45 minutes downtown. Single ticket fare is around $2. Taxis can be found at the ground level outside arrival halls and they get to downtown Casablanca within 45 minutes. Car rental options are offered at both terminals. You can book before your arrival. Prices range from $9 – $24 depending on the class and final destination.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa doesn’t need any lengthy introduction. Its picturesque natural landscape and game reserves, along with its diverse cultural heritage and stunning beaches are famous around the world.
Route Direction
Manila >> Singapore >> Johannesburg
Manila >> Jeddah >> Johannesburg
Manila >> Hong Kong >> Addis Ababa >> Johannesburg
OR Tambo International Airport
OR Tambo international airport is Africa’s biggest airport for regional and intercontinental flights.
Journey Duration – 16 to 18 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 37,000 or USD 711
Arrival Information
OR Tambo shuttle services offer affordable shuttle services that extend to cover routes from the airport to major cities like Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria, and other surrounding areas. Shuttle rates range from $32 to $65 depending on your final destination. There are food shops open 24/7 as well as other stores that you can purchase other travel or stay necessities.
ETHIOPIA
A beautiful country blessed with amazing wildlife and lush highlands. Its rich history and cultural identity are among Africa’s most fascinating.
Route Destination
Manila >> Bangkok >> Addis Ababa
Manila >> Hong Kong >> Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport
Located east of the capital of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Bole international airport is the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines and offers routes to destinations all over the world.
Journey Duration – 15 to 18 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 59,000 or USD 1135
Arrival Information
Boarding a taxi is the most convenient way to get to and from Addis Ababa Bole airport. There are no other local transportation options to and from the airport aside from taxis, unless you already have accommodation with a hotel that offers shuttle services. The price for a taxi ride from the airport to downtown Addis Ababa is around $11. Prices for foreigners are usually quoted a lot higher than those for locals and are normally quoted in US dollars. The airport itself has lounges and rest zones, as well as free WIFI services.
KENYA
One of Africa’s exceptional destinations for safari and beach holidays with luxurious facilities that are bound to give you a special treat whenever you visit.
Route Destination
Manila >> Bangkok >> Nairobi
Manila >> Dubai >> Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Located on the south coast of Nairobi’s central business district, Jomo international airport has scheduled flights to destinations in over 50 countries.
Journey Duration – 15 to 18 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 36,000 or USD 700
Arrival Information
Request an Uber or get a taxi if you want to get around the city. Buses are available too, but they may not be as convenient. Of course, if you’re here on a safari tour and have booked with a local tour operator, then they’ll probably already have transportation options ready for you.
TANZANIA
Home to some of Africa’s most famous national parks that boast of diversity in wildlife, including the big 5 and the Great Migration. The country is also famous for its natural landmarks like the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro rising above the Serengeti.
Route Destination
Manila >> Dubai >> Dar es Salaam
Manila >> Doha >> Dar es Salaam
Julius Nyerere International Airport
Located about 12 km southwest of the city centre, Julius Nyerere International airport has flights to destinations in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Journey Duration – 18 to 22 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 52,000 or USD 1000
Arrival Information
Free WiFi is available at the Airport as well as local currency changers. The taxi fare from Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere international airport to the center of the city is approximately $18. This is the most direct form of transportation within the capital city. Local tour operators also arrange for inter-city logistics, especially if it’s part of your itinerary. You can find bus stops within 1km of the airport terminals and use them or ride like the locals in shared shuttle minivans called “ daladalas”.
ZIMBABWE
Known for its warm, golden, and beautiful sunset, Zimbabwe boasts several tourist attractions located in almost every region of the country.
Route Destination
Manila >> Bangkok >> Nairobi >> Harare
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport
Robert Gabriel Mugabe international airport is the largest airport in the country and serves as the base for Air Zimbabwe.
Journey Destination – 19 to 21 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 57,000 or USD 1100
Arrival Information
Airport taxis and shuttle prices range from $40 to $95 depending on the number of passengers and class of taxi or shuttle. There is also a lounge that you can enter through a lounge membership program, regardless of what class of service you are flying. Food and drinks, duty-free shops, WIFI and currency exchange services are all available on arrival.
UGANDA
Boasting a stunning array of dense misty forests, snow-peaked mountains, glassy and sprawling savannahs, Uganda is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa today.
Route Destinations
Manila >> Dubai >> Entebbe
Manila >> Hong Kong >> Addis Ababa >> Entebbe
Manila >> Bangkok >> Nairobi >> Entebbe
Entebbe International Airport
Uganda’s international airport is near Entebbe on the shores of Lake Victoria, approximately 40 Km by road Southwest of the central business district of Kampala.
Journey Duration – 17 to 22 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 54,000 or USD 1040
Arrival Information
Free WiFi is available in the transit concourse and visitors can also take advantage of currency exchange facilities, designated smoking sections, and even shower areas. While there are airport shuttles and private taxis available, you could also request an Uber for getting around the city. Prices tend to change so just make sure to have enough cash on you which you can convert to the local currency on your arrival.
RWANDA
Lying just south of the equator in the heart of Africa, Rwanda is known as the land of a thousand hills. It boasts stunning scenery, ample primate life, and warm friendly people.
Route Destination
Manila >> Dubai >> Kigali
Manila >> Doha >> Kigali
Kigali International Airport
This is the primary airport serving the country and it is the main gateway for all other regional destinations in the country. It is located in the capital city of Kigali.
Journey Duration – 17 to 20 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 62,000 or USD 1200
Arrival Information
WiFi is free in the waiting area at the airport and economy class passengers can pay to enter an airport lounge for added comfort while waiting. Taxis are available 24/7 and rates cost around $3 for the first kilometer traveled, additional charges may apply. Shuttles and buses, on the other hand, cost around $1.50 and are available at all major terminals.
NIGERIA
Home to a bevy of natural attractions like rainforests, waterfalls, savannahs, and beaches, Nigeria is the largest country in West Africa and one of the leaders in technological innovations.
Route Destination
Manila >> Dubai >> Lagos
Manila >> Doha >> Lagos
Manila >> Hong Kong >> Addis Ababa >> Lagos
Murtala Muhammed International Airport
The nation’s busiest airport is located in Lagos, the commercial capital, with both international and cargo terminals open 24 hours, while domestic terminals open 16 hours a day
Journey Duration – 16 to 19 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 65,000 or USD 1250
Arrival Information
Upon arrival, you’ll find a few food places and mini-markets, though none are open 24 hours. WiFi is usually available in the airport lounges. While private taxis and airport shuttles are available on arrival, you can also choose to request an Uber. Taxi fares are often negotiable and are dependent on where you’re going.
GHANA
This is a country well known for its fascinating historical heritage and rich cultural variety. In terms of tourism, it is home to tropical beaches and interesting wildlife in its national parks.
Route Destination
Manila >> Dubai >> Accra
Manila >> Hong Kong >> Addis Ababa >> Accra
Kotoka International Airport
This International airport is in the capital city of Accra and has the capacity for large aircraft like the Airbus A380. it serves as a base for regional and domestic operations.
Journey Duration – 20 to 24 Hours
Average Cost – From PHP 75,000 or USD 1450
Arrival Information
Food concessions are available at varying schedules while there are also select shower rooms to help you feel refreshed after your flight. Private taxis and airport shuttles are available upon arrival, but visitors can also choose to request an Uber. You will usually find money changers at the airport to convert your foreign currency.
Travel Tips
Keep in mind that all costs constantly change and are based on your final destination. After looking up the average cost in Skyscanner, it is also important to look at the actual price on the website of the airline provider. Now that you have some background information about these amazing destinations, here are some travel tips to consider to make your journey to Africa a smoother experience:
- Bring USD as the Philippine peso would normally not be accepted. Download a currency exchange app to stay updated, but keep in mind that it may not always be a reliable source of exchange rates.
- Buy a local sim card if you plan on staying for several days as you may not always find wifi everywhere. You will usually find shops selling this within the airport or just a few kilometers outside.
- Take note of the proper clothing requirements of the country so you don’t look too out of place.
- Use Maps Me, Google Maps or any other map app to your advantage
- Download a local language translator to make communication easier.
- Make sure you have the complete name, contact number and address of your first destination so your logistics can go off smoothly.
- Research the latest safety information about where you’re going and practice due diligence at all times.
The world as we know it today is a global village and as a result, people who used to be ignorant of what Africa had to offer in terms of tourism have now come to realize that there is so much for you to see and experience. So what are you waiting for? Grab your baggage and hit the road. Africa awaits you.
