Route cheat‑sheet

• Airports: Durban (DUR) → Nelspruit (Mbombela) (MQP)
• Typical duration: usually 1-stop via Johannesburg; limited/seasonal nonstops
• Airlines: commonly Airlink with connections; check for direct services in peak periods
• Booking window: Domestic sweet spot is 2–6 weeks; peak holidays need longer
• Cheapest days: Tuesday–Thursday; first/last flights can be value or premium depending on demand

When to fly & how to save on this specific route

For Durban to Nelspruit (Mbombela), price pressure comes from school holidays, long weekends and local events at the destination. If your dates are fixed, secure fares early and choose departures that dodge the heaviest traffic. If you’re flexible, compare early‑morning vs late‑evening legs and consider secondary airports where listed (DUR).

Airline & fare‑brand tactics (plain English)

• Light/Saver: cabin bag only; good for overnight trips if you travel light.
• Standard/Flex: adds checked baggage and friendlier change rules—often cheaper than adding extras later.
• Seat selection: families should pre‑seat; tall travellers consider exit/extra‑legroom rows.

Local travel insight — Nelspruit (Mbombela)

• Kruger gateway: plan daylight arrivals for safer road transfers into the park.
• Summer thunderstorms inland—leave buffer for connections in Johannesburg.

Ground transport & arrival logistics

• At MQP, pre-arranged lodges often collect guests; otherwise use accredited shuttles or car hire.
• Avoid tight same-day connections to early-morning game drives—sleep near the park gate.

Weather & seasonal notes (what changes your plan)

Summer brings heat, afternoon storms or coastal winds depending on region; winter mornings can be crisp with occasional fog. Build small buffers for weather‑related delays, and prefer earlier flights when same‑day connections matter.

Baggage clarity

• Cabin allowance: size and weight are policed—pack under‑seat items smartly.
• Checked bags: included on Standard/Flex; verify kilograms on checkout.
• Sports/photography gear: some items require pre‑approval—add during booking if possible.

On‑the‑day checklist

• Arrive ~90 minutes before departure; print/phone boarding pass ready.
• Security: liquids, laptops, belts—prepare for quick screening.
• Backup plan: install the airline app for disruption alerts and same‑day seat maps.