So You Wanna Ditch Deep Dish for Durban? How Long Does it REALLY Take to Fly to Africa?
Let's face it, Chicago is pretty darn awesome. Deep dish pizza, that windy city charm, and enough museums to make your head spin (literally, if you visit the Museum of Surgical Instruments). But sometimes, even the best city needs a break. Maybe you're craving a safari adventure, or perhaps those beaches in Mozambique are calling your name. Whatever your reason, you've set your sights on Africa, the land of lions, lemurs, and landscapes that'll knock your socks off (assuming you haven't been hypnotized by a mongoose by that point).
But here's the thing: Africa's a big place. BIG. Bigger than your average pepperoni. So, how long does it really take to get there from Chicago? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to unravel the mystery of The Great Chicago-to-Africa Time Warp.
Direct Flights: Not Your Mama's Taxi Ride
Unless you happen to be piloting a private jet fueled by optimism and a serious case of wanderlust, chances are you'll be hopping on a commercial airline. The good news? There are some pretty sweet direct flights from Chicago to various parts of Africa. We're talking Johannesburg, Lagos, even Casablanca (although that last one might make Rick Blaine shed a tear... or two). The flight time itself can range from 18 to 22 hours, depending on your destination. Basically, it's enough time to:
- Watch every single episode of that show you keep meaning to catch up on (but never will).
- Become a pro at airplane origami (because, let's be honest, those tiny peanuts just don't cut it).
- Perfect your in-flight dance moves (because turbulence is basically a free disco, am I right?).
But wait, there's more! Don't forget to factor in layovers and airport shenanigans. Those can add a few extra hours to your journey, so be prepared to become best friends with your impatience.
The Scenic Route: Stops, Snacks, and Maybe a Camel Ride?
Maybe you're not in a rush. Maybe you crave adventure even before you touch down in Africa. If that's the case, then consider flights with layovers in Europe or the Middle East. Sure, it'll take longer (think 25 hours or more), but hey, new city, new experiences, right? Plus, who knows, you might score some amazing baklava at the Istanbul airport or snag a killer deal on a Moroccan rug.
Just remember, layovers can be a gamble. Sometimes, they're a breeze. Other times, you end up sprinting through the terminal like Usain Bolt on a sugar rush, frantically searching for your next gate while questioning all your life choices.
Pro Tip: Pack some patience pills and download a few entertaining podcasts for those inevitable delays.
The Bottom Line: Patience is a Virtue (Especially When Flying to Africa)
So, how long does it take to fly to Africa from Chicago? The answer, my friend, is it depends. Buckle up for a journey that could be as swift as a cheetah or as slow as a sloth on a Sunday afternoon. But hey, that's half the fun, right? Consider it all part of the African adventure!
