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Getting Around by Air
Major areas of the country are linked by air. There are airports in Francistown, Ghanzi, Jwaneny, Kasane, Maun, Pont Drift and Selebi-Phikwe. Many visitors use charter companies based in Maun to fly to the various lodges in Botswana. These include Delta Air (website: www.okavango.bw/air.html), Mack Air, Moremi Air Services (website: www.moremiair.com), Northern Air, Sefofane (website: www.sefofane.com), Wildlife Helicopters and Kalahari Air Services (website: www.kalahariair.co.bw).
Getting Around by Rail
The main Botswana Railway (BR) line runs daily between Francistown-Gaborone-Lobatse. In Botswana, children under seven travel free and children aged seven to 11 pay half fare. Buy tickets at the station.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the left. Botswana has good tarmac roads on major routes; generally roads range from bitumised to either gravel or sand tracks. Visitors should be careful as many drivers ignore safety rules. Reserve fuel and at least 20l of water, plus emergency supplies, should always be carried on longer journeys, and visitors are advised to make careful enquiries before setting out. Wildlife and stray livestock may pose a hazard.
Bus: There are bus services between Gaborone and Francistown, and from Francistown to Nata and Maun. Buses from Francistown to Maun run every day (journey time - about 6 hours).
Taxi: There is a taxi service in all major towns, and it is generally safe. Prices should, however, be agreed before embarking on a journey.
Car hire: Services are available in Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun. 4-wheel drive vehicles are necessary in many areas.
Regulations: Seat belts must be worn. There is a speed limit of 120kph (75mph) outside built-up areas, and about 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is not legally required, but is recommended for stays of up to six months, but a European licence valid for six months after arrival will also usually suffice; thereafter, a Botswana driving licence must be obtained, which will be issued without a test if a valid UK licence is produced.
Bus: There are bus services between Gaborone and Francistown, and from Francistown to Nata and Maun. Buses from Francistown to Maun run every day (journey time - about 6 hours).
Taxi: There is a taxi service in all major towns, and it is generally safe. Prices should, however, be agreed before embarking on a journey.
Car hire: Services are available in Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun. 4-wheel drive vehicles are necessary in many areas.
Regulations: Seat belts must be worn. There is a speed limit of 120kph (75mph) outside built-up areas, and about 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas.
Documentation: An International Driving Permit is not legally required, but is recommended for stays of up to six months, but a European licence valid for six months after arrival will also usually suffice; thereafter, a Botswana driving licence must be obtained, which will be issued without a test if a valid UK licence is produced.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Public transport within towns consists of share-taxis or minibus services operating at controlled flat fares. Exclusive use of taxis is sometimes available at a higher charge although fares should always be agreed before setting off.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times from Gaborone (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Botswana.
| Air | Road | Rail | |
| Francistown | 0.50 | 5.00 | 6.35 |
| Kasane | 2.50 | 13.30 | - |
| Tshabong | 2.00 | 15.00 | - |
| Ghanzi | 1.25 | 11.00 | - |
