Direct (nonstop) flights from Cape Town to Nairobi

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

CPT
Cape Town International
🇿🇦 Cape Town, South Africa
NBO
Jomo Kenyatta International
🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya
Flight Time
5h 45m
Distance
2,540 mi
4,087 km
CO₂/pax
388 kg
−70 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Kenya Airways
Time Diff
+1h
Operated by Kenya Airways Kenya Airways

Route data last updated: May 21, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

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

Alternative Routes

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

CPT VFA (Victoria Falls) NBO
Leg 1: 2h 50m (1,181 mi) Leg 2: 3h 10m (1,377 mi) Total: ~6h 🍃 458 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → VFA
2h 50m · 1,181 mi
View CPT to VFA flights →
Leg 2
VFA → NBO
3h 10m · 1,377 mi
View VFA to NBO flights →
CPT HRE (Harare) NBO
Leg 1: 3h 10m (1,348 mi) Leg 2: 2h 50m (1,207 mi) Total: ~6h 🍃 457 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → HRE
3h 10m · 1,348 mi
View CPT to HRE flights →
Leg 2
HRE → NBO
2h 50m · 1,207 mi
View HRE to NBO flights →
CPT JNB (Johannesburg) NBO
Leg 1: 2h (790 mi) Leg 2: 4h 5m (1,801 mi) Total: ~6h 5m 🍃 475 kg CO₂ (+22% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → JNB
2h · 790 mi
View CPT to JNB flights →
Leg 2
JNB → NBO
4h 5m · 1,801 mi
View JNB to NBO flights →
CPT LVI (Livingstone) NBO
Leg 1: 2h 50m (1,198 mi) Leg 2: 3h 15m (1,362 mi) Total: ~6h 5m 🍃 457 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → LVI
2h 50m · 1,198 mi
View CPT to LVI flights →
Leg 2
LVI → NBO
3h 15m · 1,362 mi
View LVI to NBO flights →
CPT DAR (Dar Es Salaam) NBO
Leg 1: 5h 15m (2,282 mi) Leg 2: 1h 20m (413 mi) Total: ~6h 35m 🍃 487 kg CO₂ (+26% vs. direct)
Leg 1
CPT → DAR
5h 15m · 2,282 mi
View CPT to DAR flights →
Leg 2
DAR → NBO
1h 20m · 413 mi
View DAR to NBO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Which airlines fly nonstop from Cape Town to Nairobi?

Just Kenya Airways.

Is there a nonstop flight from Cape Town to Nairobi?

Yes. 1 airline: Kenya Airways.

How far is Cape Town from Nairobi?

The flight distance from Cape Town to Nairobi 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 Cape Town and Nairobi?

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

What type of aircraft flies from Cape Town to Nairobi?

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 South Africa to Kenya?

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

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

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

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

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 Cape Town International for this flight?

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