Flights to Botswana: Airports, Airlines and Planning Tips

Most visitors reach Botswana through Johannesburg, then Gaborone, Maun or Kasane. This guide covers airports, airlines and a checklist.

Last updated:

Last checked: November 2026

Which Airport Do You Fly Into for Botswana?

Most international visitors fly into Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone, or into Maun International Airport (MUB) for the Okavango Delta and Kasane Airport (BBK) for Chobe. Few flights reach Botswana directly from outside the region, so most intercontinental visitors connect through Johannesburg. Check the Botswana travel guide for background before you book.

Botswana’s Main Airports

AirportWhereUsed for
Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE)North of GaboroneMain gateway and Air Botswana’s home base
Maun International (MUB)MaunOkavango Delta access
Kasane (BBK)KasaneChobe National Park and Victoria Falls access
Francistown (FRW)FrancistownNorthern Botswana

Ask your hotel or camp for exact transfer details, because distances from town vary slightly by source.

Airlines Flying to Botswana

Air Botswana is the national carrier, and it flies between Gaborone and Johannesburg, among other routes. Other regional carriers also serve Botswana, according to travel guides. Long-haul airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa and Air France fly to Johannesburg, where you connect onward. Routes change, so confirm on the airline’s own site.

The flight from Johannesburg to Gaborone takes about one hour.

From the Airport to Your Destination

  • Gaborone: taxis, car rental and hotel transfers connect the airport with the city center.
  • Maun: your hotel or camp usually arranges transfers to town or to the airstrip.
  • Kasane: lodges and hotels usually arrange transfers, and the town is close to the airport.

Book transfers ahead, and keep your camp’s phone number handy. Many operators advise against driving at night, because animals can be on the road. For onward trips inside the country, see our guide to getting around Botswana.

Arriving by Land

You can enter Botswana by land from several neighbors. The Kazungula Bridge links Botswana and Zambia near Victoria Falls, and Intercape runs a bus service between Johannesburg, Pretoria and Gaborone. Each border has its own entry rules. See our Botswana visa guide for the Botswana side, and check the rules for the neighboring country.

Time Zone

Botswana uses Central Africa Time (UTC+2) and doesn’t change its clocks. The time difference with many countries changes twice a year when they switch theirs.

Booking Tips

  • Book your camps first, then your flights, since camp availability is the limit.
  • Leave a long buffer between onward small-aircraft flights and your international departure.
  • Choose a flexible fare for travel in the rainy season, when weather can affect schedules.
  • Check baggage rules for every flight on your ticket.
  • Read your insurance terms for medical evacuation and trip delay.

Before You Fly: Checklist

  1. Check your visa status on the official portal, evisa.gov.bw.
  2. Check that your passport is valid for at least six months, with blank pages.
  3. Check whether your route requires a yellow fever certificate.
  4. Read the US and UK advice for Botswana.
  5. Confirm your camp transfers and baggage limits in writing.
  6. Print your visa, bookings and insurance details.

Which Route Should You Choose?

  • Choose Johannesburg plus Maun if the Okavango Delta is your first stop.
  • Choose Johannesburg plus Kasane if you want Chobe and Victoria Falls first.
  • Choose Gaborone if you need the capital, or you’re connecting with an Air Botswana flight.

Plan how the legs fit together with our Botswana itineraries, and choose the right season with our best time to visit Botswana guide.

Three Quick Answers

  • Main airport: Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE), north of Gaborone.
  • National airline: Air Botswana.
  • Time zone: UTC+2, with no daylight saving time.

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Flights to Botswana FAQs

Are there direct flights to Botswana from Europe or the US?

Generally no. Travel guides note that there are few or no direct flights from most parts of the world, and most visitors connect through Johannesburg. Check current schedules, since routes change.

Which airport is best for the Okavango Delta?

Maun International Airport is the usual gateway. From there, your camp arranges the onward transfer. Many visitors spend a night in Maun before and after the camp stay.

Can I fly into Kasane and visit Victoria Falls?

Yes. Kasane is close to Victoria Falls, and you can cross by road. Check visa and border rules for Zimbabwe or Zambia first.

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