available in How to Get There
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
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To start your safaris is an important part of the safari planning process. There are not many direct international flights into the main airport at Gaborone. Most people fly first to the regional hub of Johannesburg and then get a connection to Babeone, Kasane or Maun. It’s advisable to acquire the services of a tour operator who can give advise on all the transportation arrangements for the trip. To get you up to speed on all the ways on how to get to Botswana, we have put together the below travel information.
Requirements For Entering Botswana
- A passport with at least six-month validity and a return ticket.
- A visa for citizens of certain countries.
- Children that are under 18 years of age must have a certified copy of their unabridged birth certificate and a valid passport.
- Children travelling with one parent or no parents must have an affidavit from the missing parent/s that gives their consent for travel.
- In case a person is travelling by road, they need to carry all the current and valid vehicle documents and essential permits.
Apart from the main airports, the majority of land entry posts are located along the borders with South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia. The Zambia border post is the Kazungula Ferry, across the Zambezi River.
Travel To Botswana By Air
The vast majority of travellers arrive in Botswana by plane at either of the three main airports of Gaborone, Kasane or Maun (the gateway to the Okavango.) Once in Botswana, the easiest way to access the remote safari areas is by light aircraft from one of the hubs to the small concession bush strips. Hopping between the camps is a fantastic way to get around, and you also get to see national parks from the air.
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, also known as Gaborone Airport, is the main airport in Botswana. It is located 15 km from Gaborone. Even though Gaborone is the main Botswana international airport, travellers choose to travel to either Maun or Kasane airport. Maun airport is located in the town of Maun and is the ideal choice for tourists interested in going on Botswana safaris. Kasane airport, on the other hand, is only a few km away from the famous Chobe National Park and a short hop to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
Flights To Botswana From Connecting Airports
Tourists can catch flights to Botswana from either Johannesburg International Airport or Cape Town Airport. Most prefer the former due to flight availability to all three airports in Botswana. Cape Town Airport only flies to Gaborone and Maun.
✔ Johannesburg International Airport
Flights To Gaborone Airport, Botswana
- Air Botswana
- Airlink
- South African Express.
Flights To Maun and Kasane Airport in Botswana
- Air Botswana
- Airlink
✔ Cape Town International Airport
Flights To Gaborone Airport, Botswana
- Air Botswana
Flights To Maun Airport in Botswana
- Airlink
Travel To Botswana By Roads
The following table gives us information about the opening and closing timings of each of the existing border posts. The timings might change depending on circumstance, verify these before making plans.
Botswana Border Posts With Opening And Closing Timings
Hours Open | South Africa | Zimbabwe | Namibia |
---|---|---|---|
6:00-18:00 | Matsiloje Maitengwe | Muhembo | |
6:00-19:00 | Silkwane | ||
6:00-20:00 | Tlokweng Gate Ramotswa | Kazungula Road | |
6:00-22:00 | Pioneer Gate | ||
7:00-16:00 | Ramatlabama Pont Drift Phitshane Molopo Bray | ||
7:00-18:00 | Mamuno Ngoma Bridge |
||
7:00-20:00 | Ramokgwebana | Impalila Island | |
8:00-16:00 | Platjan Zanzibar Martin’s Drift Parr’s Halt | Pandamatenga | |
8:00-18:00 | Makopong McCarthy’s Rust Middleputs |
Recommended Reading: Top Botswana Safari Lodges and Camps