Direct (nonstop) flights from Nairobi to Cape Town

1 airline flys nonstop from Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) to Cape Town International (CPT). It's 2,540 miles (4,087 km), about 5h 45m in the air. Operated by Kenya Airways.

NBO
Jomo Kenyatta International
🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya
CPT
Cape Town International
🇿🇦 Cape Town, South Africa
Flight Time
5h 45m
Distance
2,540 mi
4,087 km
CO₂/pax
388 kg
−69 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Kenya Airways
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by Kenya Airways Kenya Airways

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Kenya Airways KQ Kenya Airways
Route
NBO → CPT
Flight Time
5h 45m
Distance
2,540 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Nairobi to Cape Town with one stop · direct emits 388 kg CO₂ per passenger

NBO HRE (Harare) CPT
Leg 1: 3h (1,207 mi) Leg 2: 3h 15m (1,348 mi) Total: ~6h 15m 🍃 457 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → HRE
3h · 1,207 mi
View NBO to HRE flights →
Leg 2
HRE → CPT
3h 15m · 1,348 mi
View HRE to CPT flights →
NBO VFA (Victoria Falls) CPT
Leg 1: 3h 15m (1,377 mi) Leg 2: 3h 10m (1,181 mi) Total: ~6h 25m 🍃 458 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → VFA
3h 15m · 1,377 mi
View NBO to VFA flights →
Leg 2
VFA → CPT
3h 10m · 1,181 mi
View VFA to CPT flights →
NBO LVI (Livingstone) CPT
Leg 1: 3h 15m (1,362 mi) Leg 2: 3h 10m (1,198 mi) Total: ~6h 25m 🍃 457 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → LVI
3h 15m · 1,362 mi
View NBO to LVI flights →
Leg 2
LVI → CPT
3h 10m · 1,198 mi
View LVI to CPT flights →
NBO JNB (Johannesburg) CPT
Leg 1: 4h 15m (1,801 mi) Leg 2: 2h 15m (790 mi) Total: ~6h 30m 🍃 475 kg CO₂ (+22% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → JNB
4h 15m · 1,801 mi
View NBO to JNB flights →
Leg 2
JNB → CPT
2h 15m · 790 mi
View JNB to CPT flights →
NBO NBJ (Luanda) CPT
Leg 1: 3h 58m (1,698 mi) Leg 2: 4h (1,745 mi) Total: ~7h 58m 🍃 607 kg CO₂ (+56% vs. direct)
Leg 1
NBO → NBJ
3h 58m · 1,698 mi
View NBO to NBJ flights →
Leg 2
NBJ → CPT
4h · 1,745 mi
View NBJ to CPT flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Nairobi to Cape Town?

A nonstop flight from Nairobi (NBO) to Cape Town (CPT) takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes. The distance is 2,540 miles (4,087 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Nairobi to Cape Town?

Just Kenya Airways.

Is there a nonstop flight from Nairobi to Cape Town?

Yes. 1 airline: Kenya Airways.

How far is Nairobi from Cape Town?

The flight distance from Nairobi to Cape Town is 2,540 miles (4,087 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What is the time difference between Nairobi and Cape Town?

Cape Town is 1 hour behind Nairobi. (Africa/Nairobi vs Africa/Johannesburg.)

What type of aircraft flies from Nairobi to Cape Town?

At 5h 45m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from Kenya to South Africa?

Depends on your passport. Check with the South Africa embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Nairobi to Cape Town?

Roughly 388 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,940 km.

Is the return flight from Cape Town to Nairobi also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Nairobi to Cape Town?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.