Flying to Addis Ababa
Pay in instalments with PayJustNow, Float or Happy Pay. Totals include every fee.
Johannesburg (JNB)
about 5 hours 30 minutes · Non-stop or one stop
R 2 768 ×3
R 8 305 all in
Search+1
Per-payment figures are the all-in total divided by 3 and rounded. The number of payments and the schedule differ by partner — Happy Pay splits over 2 — and your own plan depends on that partner's approval. You see it in full before you confirm. Fares are the lowest seen for a sample date about six weeks out, not a quote; airline pricing moves constantly.
Best time to fly
Weather, crowds and fares move together in Addis Ababa. These are the trade-offs.
October to February
The dry season — clear, mild days and cold nights. The best window, and it covers Ethiopian Christmas in January.
March to May
Short rains, warmer, with the countryside greening.
June to September
The main rainy season. Heavy afternoon rain, though the highlands are spectacularly green.
Before you go
Altitude
At 2,350 m, expect to feel it for a day or two. Take the first day gently.
Different calendar
Ethiopia uses its own calendar, running roughly seven to eight years behind, and a twelve-hour clock starting at dawn. Confirm times carefully when booking locally.
Malaria
Addis itself is too high for malaria, but lower-lying regions are not. Take medical advice for your full itinerary.
Check advisories
Conditions vary by region within Ethiopia. Check your government's current travel advice before booking onward travel.
About Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa sits at around 2,350 m, which makes it one of the highest capitals in the world and considerably cooler than its latitude suggests. It is the seat of the African Union and a genuine hub for the continent.
The National Museum holds Lucy, the Ethnological Museum is excellent, and the Merkato is among Africa's largest markets. The historic north — Lalibela, Gondar, Axum — is a short domestic flight away.
Getting in from the airport
Bole International (ADD) is about 6 km from the city centre. Hotels run transfers and most will collect you; ride-hailing operates in the city.
Entry requirements for South African passport holders
Ethiopia operates an electronic visa system applied for online before travel, and has offered visa-on-arrival at Addis Ababa for some nationalities. Confirm the current requirement with the Ethiopian embassy or your airline before you fly.
Entry rules change. Confirm the current requirements with the destination's embassy or consulate before you travel — this page is a guide, not an authority.
Flying to Addis Ababa, answered
Still unsure about something? Talk to our team.
Also worth a look
Flexible payment. Fully secured.
Pay with names you already trust, on a platform built to keep your booking and details safe.
IATA-accredited
A recognised travel agent
SSL-secured checkout
Encrypted end to end
POPIA compliant
Your data stays protected
Instant approval
A decision in seconds
Last reviewed by Fly n Pay Later editorial team.