There are relatively few international flights directly into Botswana and it is often easier to fly into Johannesburg in neighbouring South Africa and catch a connecting flight in to Maun, which is the gateway to Botswana’s premier wildlife areas. From here, a network of international scheduled charter flights will take you to your safari destination. Unlike private charters, these small planes carry a number of passengers headed for a specific region and may touch down at a number of bush airstrips along the way.
Because of the among of effort involved in getting to Botswana and the number of destinations worth visiting, it is recommended that visitors set aside ten days to two weeks for their Botswana safari.
Flights
Scheduled Flights: Frequent flights link Johannesburg (South Africa) to Gaborone, Maun and Kasane (Botswaan) – the gateways to the national parks and wildlife areas.
Shuttle/Charter Flights: Shuttle/charter flights are the only way of reaching the majority of camps in the Chobe, Moremi, Central Kalahari and delta areas. Scheduled light aircraft flights depart from Maun and Kasane and handle all inter-camp transfers in this area.
Transfers
Self-Drive: Although Gaborone, Maun and Francistown are accessible by 2-wheel drive cars, travel into Moremi, Chobe and the Central Kalahari can only be undertaken by 4-wheel drive. Self-drive travellers have access to most of the Moremi, Savute and Chobe lodges, but lodges in the Okavango Delta itself are only accessible by light aircraft.
Guided Safaris: A large variety of guided safaris are available. Please see our &Beyond Expeditions, detailing a great diversity of guided camping, personalised and lodge-accommodated safaris.
Trains and Coaches: We do not recommend these modes of transport for travel within Botswana.
What to remember when travelling around Botswana
Botswana is not a recommended self-drive destination unless you are prepared for serious 4×4 driving and check weather conditions carefully, as these impact on the road conditions.
Although Gaborone, Maun and Francistown are accessible by 2-wheel drive cars, travel into Moremi, Chobe and the Central Kalahari can only be undertaken by 4-wheel drive.
Read more here to see what else you need to know about Botswana, including what to pack.
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