Getting Around Botswana
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use combi minibuses or taxis in Gaborone and Francistown. Rural: Rent a 4x4 car for Okavango Delta and Kalahari safaris. Remote: Domestic flights or guided tours. For convenience, book airport transfers from Gaborone to your lodge.
Train Travel
Botswana Railways
Limited passenger services connecting Gaborone to Francistown and beyond, with infrequent but scenic routes through the bush.
Cost: Gaborone to Francistown BWP 50-100, journeys 6-8 hours on overnight trains.
Tickets: Buy at stations or through Botswana Railways office, cash preferred, book in advance for peak season.
Peak Times: Services run 2-3 times weekly, avoid rainy season (Nov-Mar) for delays.
Rail Passes
No dedicated rail passes available due to limited network, but multi-journey tickets offer minor discounts for frequent routes.
Best For: Budget travel between major towns, combining with buses for full coverage.
Where to Buy: Main stations in Gaborone or Francistown, or contact railways directly for reservations.
Freight-Passenger Hybrids
Occasional mixed services link to Namibia and Zimbabwe borders for cross-border travel.
Booking: Reserve early via stations, limited seats, no high-speed options available.
Main Stations: Gaborone Station central hub, with connections to Lobatse and border points.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for self-drive safaris in national parks. Compare rental prices from BWP 500-800/day for 4x4 at Gaborone Airport and Maun.
Requirements: Valid international license, credit card, minimum age 23, 4x4 mandatory for off-road.
Insurance: Full coverage essential for gravel roads, includes puncture and towing in remote areas.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 60 km/h urban, 120 km/h highways, 40 km/h in parks.
Tolls: Minimal, some border roads have fees (BWP 10-20), no vignettes required.
Priority: Yield to wildlife always, roundabouts common, no right-on-red turns.
Parking: Free in most areas, secure parking at lodges BWP 20-50/night in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations sparse outside cities at BWP 10-12/liter for petrol, BWP 9-11 for diesel.
Apps: Use Maps.me or Google Maps offline, GPS essential for dirt roads.
Traffic: Light overall, but watch for animals on A1 highway and potholes in rainy season.
Urban Transport
Gaborone Taxis & Combis
Informal minibus taxis (combis) and metered taxis cover the city, single ride BWP 5-15, day pass not available.
Validation: Negotiate fares upfront for taxis, combis pay on board, no formal tickets.
Apps: Limited, use local taxi apps like Bolt in Gaborone for safer rides.
Bike Rentals
Bike hires available in Maun and Gaborone for BWP 50-100/day, with paths in urban parks.
Routes: Flat terrain suits cycling in cities, guided tours in Chobe for eco-adventures.
Tours: Rent from lodges for short safaris, helmets and locks provided.
Buses & Local Services
Intercity buses by companies like Kgaretlho and local shuttles operate from bus ranks in major towns.
Tickets: BWP 10-20 per ride, buy from drivers or stations, cash only.
Remote Links: Shuttles to Okavango from Maun BWP 100-200, book ahead for safaris.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near airports in Maun for safaris, central Gaborone for urban access.
- Booking Timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for dry season (May-Oct) and peak wildlife viewing.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates for safari itineraries, weather can impact access.
- Amenities: Check for generators (power outages common), malaria nets, and park proximity.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for wildlife sightings and service reliability.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Good 4G in cities like Gaborone, spotty 3G in rural parks, no 5G yet.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from BWP 50 for 1GB, ideal for remote areas.
Activation: Install before arrival, activate on landing, works in most lodges.
Local SIM Cards
Mascom, Orange, and BTC offer prepaid SIMs from BWP 50-100 with nationwide coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, shops, or provider stores with passport for registration.
Data Plans: 3GB for BWP 80, 10GB for BWP 150, bundles valid 30 days.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi in hotels and lodges, limited in remote camps with satellite connections.
Public Hotspots: Airports and malls in Gaborone offer free access.
Speed: 5-20 Mbps in urban areas, slower (1-5 Mbps) in bush for basic use.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central Africa Time (CAT), UTC+2, no daylight saving observed.
- Airport Transfers: Gaborone Airport 15km from city, taxi BWP 150 (20 min), or book private transfer for BWP 200-300.
- Luggage Storage: Available at airports (BWP 50-100/day) and bus stations in major towns.
- Accessibility: 4x4 required for parks, lodges often have ramps but rough terrain limits wheelchair access.
- Pet Travel: Not recommended due to wildlife, check lodge policies for small pets.
- Bike Transport: Bikes can be strapped to vehicles, no public transport options for cycles.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Botswana
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) is the main gateway. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Sir Seretse Khama (GBE): Primary international hub, 15km from Gaborone with taxi connections.
Maun Airport (MUB): Key for Okavango Delta, 5km from town, shuttle BWP 100 (10 min).
Kasane Airport (BBK): Gateway to Chobe, small airport with regional flights to Victoria Falls.
Booking Tips
Book 2-4 months in advance for dry season (May-Oct) to save 20-40% on fares.
Flexible Dates: Mid-week flights (Tue-Thu) often cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Fly into Johannesburg or Windhoek and bus/train to Botswana for savings.
Budget Airlines
Air Botswana, Fastjet, and regional carriers like Lift serve domestic and southern Africa routes.
Important: Include baggage and park transfers in cost comparisons for remote flights.
Check-in: Online 24 hours prior, small airports have limited facilities.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Available in cities, fees BWP 20-30, use Barclays or Stanbic to minimize charges.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted at lodges, cash preferred in rural areas.
- Contactless Payment: Emerging in Gaborone, limited elsewhere, carry cash backup.
- Cash: Essential for combis, markets, and tips, keep BWP 200-500 in small notes.
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants, BWP 20-50 for guides and drivers in safaris.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport kiosks with high fees.