Charter / Guide
How much does a private jet charter cost in South Africa?
Indicative South African charter prices range from R50,000–R65,000 per flight hour for a Pilatus PC-12 to R190,000 or more per flight hour for a Legacy 650. These are aircraft rates, not seat prices; your journey is quoted individually for your route, dates and passenger requirements.
Indicative prices by aircraft
Private charter prices in South African rand
- Single turboprop (Pilatus PC-12) up to 8 passengers
- from approx. R50,000 – R65,000 per flight hour
- Twin turboprop (King Air 200) up to 8 passengers
- from approx. R60,000 – R75,000 per flight hour
- Light jet (Learjet 45) up to 8 passengers
- from approx. R80,000 – R105,000 per flight hour
- Midsize jet (Citation Latitude, Hawker 900XP) 8–9 passengers
- from approx. R110,000 – R150,000 per flight hour
- Super-midsize jet (Challenger 350) up to 9 passengers
- from approx. R150,000 – R190,000 per flight hour
- Large jet (Legacy 650) up to 13 passengers
- from approx. R190,000 per flight hour
Indicative 2026 market rates in South African rand. Your quote depends on aircraft availability, routing and dates — request a quote for an exact figure.
For lodge transfers, compare our safari fly-in charter options, including the King Air 200 and Pilatus PC-12.
Popular route examples
- Johannesburg – Cape Town (return, light jet)
- from approx. R300,000
- Johannesburg – Durban (return, light jet)
- from approx. R200,000
- Johannesburg – Maputo (return, turboprop)
- from approx. R140,000
- Johannesburg – Kruger / Sabi Sands (return, turboprop)
- from approx. R100,000
- Johannesburg – Kinshasa (one way, midsize jet)
- from approx. R470,000
- Johannesburg – Lagos (one way, long-range jet)
- from approx. R970,000
Return examples assume a same-day or next-day return. One-way prices may include repositioning the aircraft.
What affects your quote
Aircraft size and type
Larger, faster aircraft cost more per hour but carry more passengers and fly further non-stop. We match the aircraft to your route so you never pay for more aircraft than you need.
Route and flight time
Charter is priced mainly on flight hours, plus positioning if the aircraft must fly in to collect you. Direct routings keep costs down.
One way or return
A same-day return is often the best value. One-way flights can include the cost of returning the aircraft to base — ask us about empty-leg options when your dates are flexible.
Airport choices
Lanseria is usually quicker and more cost-effective for private departures from Johannesburg than OR Tambo. Smaller airfields can reduce fees further.
Permits and handling
Cross-border flights into the DRC, Nigeria, Ghana and elsewhere need overflight and landing permits, which we arrange and include in your quote.
Catering and extras
Tailored catering, bar service, an in-cabin host and ground transfers can all be added — quoted upfront, never a surprise.
Common questions
Is it cheaper to charter a turboprop than a jet?
On shorter routes, yes. A King Air 200 or PC-12 costs noticeably less per hour than a jet and can land at short or gravel airstrips jets cannot use — ideal for safari lodges and project sites. Over longer distances a jet's speed often makes up the difference.
Can I book just one seat on a private charter?
Private charter means the whole aircraft is yours. The price stays the same whether two or eight passengers fly, so filling the seats brings the per-person cost down sharply.
What is an empty leg?
When an aircraft flies empty to collect passengers or return home, that sector can be sold at a substantial discount. Tell us your dates and route and we will flag matching empty legs.
How far in advance should I book?
Domestic flights can often be arranged within hours. Cross-border flights need permits — allow at least 48 hours for most African destinations, and more for West Africa.
Are there hidden costs?
No. Your quote covers the aircraft, crew, fuel, landing and handling fees, and any permits. Catering and special requests are itemised before you confirm.
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