Leopard in Moremi | Safari Lifestyles

Botswana

Home to the famed Okavango Delta

Botswana safari guide

Companies: 348 operators
Tour packages: 264 tours
Parks: 9 parks
Currency exchange
Capital: Gaborone
Population: 2 million
Total area:600,370 km² (231,804 miles²)
Languages: English, Setswana
Airports: Gaborone (GBE)

Recommended vaccinations


MMR

Voltage and plug type

Type M (220V)


Highlights

  • Plug type M is the most prevalent plug available
  • This is the same type used in South Africa and Namibia
  • Type G (UK plug) can be found, but rarely

About Botswana

Botswana offers some spectacular safari experiences at any time of the year. Northern Botswana is home to the famed Okavango Delta and Okavango Pan Handle. The Delta area consists of a network of water channels and allows for some very relaxing safari journeys. Botswana is one African country where water safaris are de rigeur. Due to the large amount of water, safaris are often best experienced from a wooden canoe. The canoes move silently through the water and allow one to gain close proximity to a host of land- and water-based animals. Chobe National Park is also located in northern Botswana and is a very popular tourist destination partly due to its close proximity to Victoria Falls. Guests can easily visit the falls one day and go on safari in Chobe the next day.

Botswana has a long history of safaris and safari tourism and, as a result, offers some of the highest quality safari and safari lodging in all of Africa. It is also one of the most expensive countries in which to safari as accommodation and operations tend to be of the highest standard. Botswana is often the destination for first-time safari goers as it is safe, clean and has an excellent tourism infrastructure.

Aptly named, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a national park located in central Botswana and is part of the famous Kalahari Desert. At 52,000 km² (20,000 mi²), it is the third-largest national… read more

Located in northern Botswana and established in 1967, Chobe National Park offers a stunning array of wildlife. At 10,566 km² (4080 mi²), Chobe is Africa’s 13th largest national park and the t… read more

Located on the border of South Africa and Botswana in the southern part of the Kalahari Desert, wildlife conserve Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park comprises South Africa’s Kalahari Gemsbok National Park an… read more

The Botswana government has given some of the land in the Okavango Delta to outfitters who can then manage the land and offer private safaris. Kwando Concession Kwando Concession is operated by Kwando … read more

Situated in the center of the savanna of north eastern Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Pan is one of the largest salt flats in the world. The pan is the remnant of Lake Makgadikgadi, an ancient lake 80,000 km&sup… read more

Mashatu Game Reserve is part of the Tuli Block in Botswana, where the Shashe and Limpopo Rivers flow together. The riverine forests and marshland give way to savannah, rocky outcrops and red sand. Leopards, … read more

Moremi Game Reserve lies on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta in the north of Botswana. It is celebrated both for its abundant wildlife and stunning landscape, and counts amongst the world’s best … read more

Nxai Pan National Park is part of the Makgadikgadi salt flats in north eastern Botswana. Makgadikgadi was an ancient lake which dried up 10,000 years ago, leaving only areas of dry salty clay crust intersper… read more

The Okavango: The river which never finds the sea The Okavango Delta, unlike so much of the surrounding Kalahari Desert which covers most of Botswana, is a vast interconnected web of 15,540 km² … read more

There presently is no non-stop or direct service between North America and Botswana. However, Air Botswana, has international air services into Botswana (Gaborone, Kasane, Maun and Francistown) from Harare (Zimbabwe) and Johannesburg, South Africa.

Air Botswana has three daily flights between Gaborone and Johannesburg and daily flights from Johannesburg direct to Maun.

South African Airways has two daily flights between Johannesburg and Gaborone.

South African Express has five flights daily between Johannesburg and Gaborone, on weekdays.

Air Namibia flies Windhoek to Maun every day of the week, except Tuesday and Thursday.

Kenya Airways flies Nairobi to Gaborone.

Air charter services are also available.

The following airlines travel to Botswana


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Botswana's national carrier. Air Botswana, Botswana's national carrier is the flagship and pride of Botswana. Today, Air Botswana enjoys a wide and acclaimed reputation quite disproportionate to its modest size as a model, quality airline. Currently, Air Botswana operates and maintains a fleet of BAE 146 as well as ATR42-500 and ATR72-500 advanced turbo propeller aircrafts which operate daily domestic and regional scheduled flights. Visit website

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The French flag carrier. Air France, stylized as AIRFRANCE, is the French flag carrier headquartered in Tremblay-en-France,. It is a subsidiary of the Air France-KLM Group and a founding member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. As of 2013 Air France serves 36 destinations in France and operates worldwide scheduled passenger and cargo services to 168 destinations in 93 countries (including Overseas departments and territories of France. Visit website

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National airline of Namibia. Air Namibia (Pty) Limited is a proprietary limited company incorporated in accordance with the Company’s Act. Air Namibia is the national airline of the Republic of Namibia, with the Government of Namibia as its sole Shareholder. The company’s business operations primarily involve provision of air transport services for passengers and cargo. Through its subsidiary company, Air Namibia Ground Handling (Pty) Limited, it provides ground handling services for passengers and aircraft at Windhoek’s Hosea Kutako International Airport. The airline is positioned as a niche carrier serving domestic points within Namibia, the immediate regional markets of South Africa, Zimbabwe, Angola, Zambia and Botswana. The airline also serves the entire European network through Frankfurt. Visit website

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At Air Shakawe we offer a range of flights to suit every traveller’s need. Based at Maun International Airport, we operate daily flights over the Okavango Delta as well as to lodge transfers between the various lodges in Botswana. With regular flights between Limpopo Valley, Maun and Kasane we make it possible for travellers to connect to their next destination in the quickest possible way. We strive to provide every passenger with the best possible service, to have fun and experience Botswana from the air with breathtaking views of the Okavango Delta. Scenic flights over the Okavango Delta are one of the most popular activities there is to offer while passing through Maun. Whether you are the avid overland traveller with a limited budget or require an exclusive private flight, we can arrange it all. Safety is a top priority, our crew is trained by highly experienced pilots and undergo flight tests every 6 months. Contact Air Shakawe for your next personal or business trip, and be assured of an exclusive, convenient and safe journey. Visit website

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Airlink is a privately-owned, BBBEE Level 4 business and regional airline serving a comprehensive network of smaller destinations throughout Southern Africa. We are now operating independently under our own unique 4Z flight code offering more freedom, more choices and more travel opportunities. Visit website

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At Classic Jet Charters We own our aircraft and are an FAA certified aircraft charter operator. We also have one of the largest selections of local private jets and charter aircraft from the most valued private jet carriers with the most FAA operators nationwide. Classic Jet Charters strives to provide multiple private aircraft options for each of your charter flights with the highest levels of safety, convenience and competitive pricing. At the local level and nationwide Classic Jet Charters guarantees charter aircraft availability at a great price. Because we own our aircraft and have a network of preferred aircraft charter vendors nationwide we are available to quote any flight at the lowest price. Visit website

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Based in Kampala, operates scheduled and charter services across eastern and central Africa. Eagle Air is a Private Ltd Company specialising in the provision of Charter and Schedule Air services both within Uganda and around the East & Central Africa Region. Eagle Air was incorporated as an air operator in June 1994. Visit website

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Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopian) is the flag carrier of Ethiopia. During the past seventy plus years, Ethiopian has become one of the continent's leading carriers, unrivalled in Africa for efficiency and operational success, turning profits for almost all the years of its existence. Operating at the forefront of technology, the airline has also become one of Ethiopia's major industries and a veritable institution in Africa. It commands a lion's share of the pan African network including the daily and double daily east-west flight across the continent. Ethiopian currently serves 100 international and 21 domestic destinations operating the newest and youngest fleet. Visit website

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The second largest airline of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has in just ten years established itself as the world’s leading airline. “Etihad” is the Arabic word for “union”. Etihad Airways was established by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003. It commenced operations in November 2003 and has developed into one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of commercial aviation. Visit website

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Flying Mission Services is based in Botswana and provides flight and maintenance services throughout Southern Africa. Charter Flights – FMS offers on-demand charter flights from Gaborone and Maun to points throughout Southern Africa. Many of these flights are flown from our secondary base in Maun to safari camps in the Okavango Delta. Air Ambulance Service – FMS holds the exclusive contract with the Botswana Ministry of Health to provide emergency air ambulance service to hospitals throughout the country. Maintenance & Other Aviation Services – FMS operates a fully licensed aircraft repair facility and has recently opened an aircraft maintenance training program. Visit website

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Botswana-based Helicopter Horizons is an experiential helicopter company, specializing in helicopter experiences for every traveler to the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans, and the Kalahari Desert. From scenic and photography flights to private transfers, helicopter safaris, and various helicopter experiences such as village & Tsodilo Hills tours. Our team of over 10 pilots from around the world are highly experienced and extremely passionate about sharing their love of the region with each and every guest on board. Experiencing the incredible lagoons, crystal clear channels, and islands of the Okavango Delta is best from above, where you get to see the full expanse of this indescribable region. Explore Your World! Visit website

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Established in 1968, Kalahari Air Services is Botswana’s most experienced commercial maintenance and air charter service provider. With our dedicated fleet and crew, we offer safe, reliable and efficient private charters throughout Southern Africa. A flexible and dynamic company, we offer a wide range of aircraft services to meet your needs. Please see our services page for further details on all our services, such as medical rescue, freight and aircraft acquisition, and sales. Visit website

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Kavango Air was established in 2005 by Mark Smith who has been operating aircraft in northern Botswana since 1990. Kavango Air strives to keep safety its first priority, punctuality it’s second and also keeping the flight enjoyable at the same time. Based in Maun (Botswana) on the edge of the Okavango Delta, it is ideally positioned for quick scenic flights over the delta, as well as camp transfers to the numerous lodges and camps in the delta and surrounding areas. Kavango Air does air charters to almost anywhere in Southern Africa, and also does medical evacuations. The crew receives extensive training in bush flying techniques, and the pilots have to adhere to the high safety standards instilled by the company. Visit website

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MACK AIR is a fixed-wing charter company operating from Maun International Airport in northern Botswana. Based in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango, our destinations are throughout Botswana and neighbouring countries reaching as far as Johannesburg, Victoria Falls, Vilanculos and Windhoek. Visit website

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Majestic Air provides a highly efficient service to travelers who wish to avoid the tedium of travel on South Africa's congested roads and in railways. Majestic Air is owned by David Maree who, as a businessman and commercial pilot, has used aircraft for business travel within South Africa and neighbouring countries. He has personal experience of the practical and cost-effective benefits of the use of aircraft as an alternative to travel by car and train. Majestic Air is operated by Multimedia Entertainment Group Air (PTY) Ltd) trading as MEGA Air as Air Charter & schedule Company in South Africa. The Company was established in the year 2004. Their aircrafts are capable of operating to smaller or rural airports where scheduled services are not able to. Visit website

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Major Blue Air is always ready to take you where you need to go. Based in Maun, Botswana – right on the edge of the Okavango Delta - Major Blue Air invites you to experience the awe-inspiring views that can only be seen by air. Whether you are looking for a scenic flight over the vast reaches of the Delta or to charter one of our top of the range aircraft to get you to where you need to be, Major Blue Air will provide you with outstanding service and a flight that you will never forget. Constantly expanding our flight range, it is our pleasure to take you anywhere in southern Africa, and further if desired! Regardless of the distance or duration of the flight, we are dedicated to providing you with Excellence in Aviation. Major Blue Air Hangar is situated at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone. Visit website

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Moremi Air Services (Pty) Ltd, is an air charter company based from Maun in Botswana. The company has been operating since 1997 and has been under new management from June 2003. With have a fleet of 8 different aircraft suited to regional and international flying – both single and twin-engine, as well as turbine aircraft. We operate from Botswana and into Zambia, South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Visit website

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Regional services in South Africa. Choose Airlink to connect you to 35 destinations in 9 African countries. With more than 21 years of of customer focused experience along with the widest network and choice of flights, you get where you want to be, when you want to be there. Visit website

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Domestic airlines in South Africa. SA Express is a domestic and regional, passenger and cargo carrier established on 24 April 1994. SA Express has since become one of the fastest growing regional airlines in Africa. As a regional airline with route networks covering major local and regional cities, SA Express plays a significant role in the country’s hospitality, travel and tourism industry and is vital contributor to the country’s socio-economic development. The airline’s head office is based at Airways Park in Johannesburg. SA Express has a growing fleet of aircraft and implements self-technical maintenance for all its fleet types at OR Tambo International Airport. An integrated, sustainable regional airline connecting secondary and main airports. Visit website

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Wilderness Air is proud to be the air partner of Wilderness Safaris, a responsible ecotourism and conservation company with private access to the finest wilderness and wildlife areas of southern Africa. Wilderness Air began operating in 1991, with one aircraft based in Botswana servicing two camps in the Okavango Delta. Today, Wilderness Air is also based in Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, operating over 35 aircraft and employing over 50 pilots. Throughout its time, it has maintained its excellent reputation for safety and guest service. We operate a varied fleet of light aircraft, chosen for their ability to transport visitors comfortably to remote wilderness destinations with dirt airstrips. Each aircraft type has been selected based on its ability to transport different numbers of passengers, over different ranges. Our fleet operates on a daily circuit within the regions. Wilderness Air is privileged to fly into some of the most pristine wilderness areas in the world. We believe that flying is an integral part of each guest's travel experience and that our pilots' passion and professionalism can make a genuine contribution to journeys that change lives. Visit website

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Botswana map