🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Botswana
✈️ Flying to Botswana
Main Airports
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) - Botswana's main international gateway, 15 km north of Gaborone city centre. Modern terminal, immigration efficient, connections to Johannesburg and regional hubs.
Other Key Airports:
- Maun Airport (MUB) - Gateway to the Okavango Delta. Most safari-bound travelers fly here. Small but busy with light charter traffic.
- Kasane Airport (BBK) - Located near Chobe National Park. Flights from Johannesburg via Air Botswana. Also receives charter traffic.
- Francistown Airport (FRW) - Serves northern Botswana. Domestic connections only.
💡 Insider Tip
Most international travelers connect through Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International). Book a direct connection to Maun or Kasane—it saves a road journey and is often cheaper than flying to Gaborone then transferring by land. For the Okavango Delta, fly to Maun and take a light charter aircraft into the camps.
🚆 From Gaborone Airport to City Centre
Taxi (Most Practical)
Official taxis wait outside arrivals at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. Journey to city centre: 20-30 minutes. Cost: BWP 100-150 (approximately $7-10 USD). Always agree the fare before departing—meters are not standard practice.
Shuttle Bus
Some hotels offer airport shuttle services. Confirm when booking. Budget 30-40 minutes for the ride depending on traffic.
Car Hire
Major international rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Budget) operate at the airport. Having your own vehicle is practical for Gaborone, as public transport is limited. Essential for self-drive safaris to Chobe or Makgadikgadi.
🚌 Other Ways In
By Road from South Africa — Most common overland entry. The Tlokweng Gate border post (15 km east of Gaborone) handles the majority of road traffic from Johannesburg. Drive time from Joburg: approximately 3.5 hours. Tar roads throughout. Driving is on the left-hand side.
By Road from Zimbabwe — Cross at Kazungula or Plumtree. The Kazungula crossing (near Kasane) is popular for travelers combining Chobe with Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls to Kasane: approximately 80 km.
By Road from Namibia — Several border crossings in the west including Mamuno and Trans-Kalahari Highway. Road from Windhoek to Gaborone: approximately 1,400 km. Popular overland route for self-drive travelers exploring southern Africa.
By Bus — Direct buses from Johannesburg (Park Station) to Gaborone run daily. Journey time: approximately 5 hours. Cross-border services also connect to Zimbabwe and Zambia. Book ahead during holidays.
No Passenger Rail — Botswana Railways operates cargo services only. There is no passenger train service. All intercity travel is by road or air.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Botswana offers visa-free entry to many nationalities. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, most EU countries, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. South African passport holders enter visa-free.
Requirements change—always verify your specific passport's requirements before booking. Some nationalities require a visa on arrival or must apply in advance. Carry proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
Check visa requirements for Botswana →🚗 Getting Around Botswana
Domestic Flights (Air Botswana)
Air Botswana operates domestic routes connecting Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, and Francistown. Flying saves enormous time given the distances. Gaborone to Maun by road: 8-9 hours. By air: 1 hour. Book via airbotswana.co.bw
Light Charter Aircraft
Essential for reaching remote Delta camps. Charter operators fly from Maun to private airstrips in the Okavango. Weight restrictions apply: 15 kg luggage in soft bags, no hard suitcases. This is non-negotiable on small Cessna aircraft.
Self-Drive (Recommended)
Botswana has well-maintained tar roads between cities. A 2WD vehicle is fine on main routes. For national parks and the Okavango area, a 4WD is essential—tracks are rough and some cross sandy riverbeds. Drive on the left.
⚠️ Wildlife on Roads
Botswana has no fences separating roads from national parks in many areas. Elephants, baboons, and other wildlife cross roads regularly—especially at night. Drive slowly after dark and never between dusk and dawn in rural areas if possible.
🚌 Local Transportation in Gaborone
Public transport in Gaborone runs via combi minibuses on fixed routes. Cheap but crowded and routes can be confusing for visitors. For most travelers, taxis or car hire are more practical.
Taxis
- Negotiate the fare upfront—there are no meters
- Typical city journey: BWP 50-100 ($3-7 USD)
- Available from taxi ranks at main shopping malls
- Hotel reception can arrange reliable taxis
Gaborone roads are in good condition. Traffic is light by African capital standards. Parking is available at all major shopping centres.
🚙 Renting a Car
Highly recommended for exploring Botswana beyond city limits. Essential for self-drive safaris to Chobe, Makgadikgadi, or Central Kalahari.
Things to Know
- Drive on the left-hand side of the road
- Valid international driver's license required alongside home country license
- 4WD essential for national parks—standard cars damage easily on park tracks
- Always carry vehicle registration papers when crossing borders
- Fuel stations are sparse between towns—fill up whenever possible
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in towns, 120 km/h on highways
⚠️ Kalahari Driving
If self-driving through the Kalahari or remote areas, carry extra fuel, water (at least 10 litres per person), and a full-size spare tyre. Mobile coverage disappears quickly outside towns. Inform someone of your route and expected arrival time.
🚗 Compare Rental Cars in Botswana
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Fly to Maun directly: Saves expensive and time-consuming overland transfer from Gaborone
- Book flights early: Air Botswana's peak season (June-October) fills fast and prices rise significantly
- Self-drive vs. guided: Self-drive safaris in Chobe and Makgadikgadi cost significantly less than fully-guided camps
- Travel shoulder season: May and November offer good wildlife with lower rates than peak June-October
- Car hire outside airports: City-centre depots often cheaper than airport pick-up