Transportation in Botswana

# Transportation in Botswana Botswana's transportation landscape is unique to its safari-focused tourism and vast distances. The country relies heavily on **domestic flights** for connecting major tourist destinations like Maun (gateway to the Okavango Delta), Kasane (near Chobe National Park), and the capital Gaborone. Road travel is the other primary option, with **self-drive 4x4 rentals** being popular among independent travelers, though road conditions vary significantly—paved highways connect major towns, while many safari areas require serious off-road vehicles. Public buses and combis (minibuses) operate between towns but are infrequent and generally not practical for tourists on tight schedules. First-time visitors should know that Botswana is **not a budget destination** for ground transportation. The country's tourism model emphasizes low-volume, high-value travel, which means organized safari transfers and charter flights are common but premium-priced. If you're planning a self-drive safari, book your 4x4 well in advance and ensure you're comfortable with remote driving—fuel stations can be 200+ kilometers apart in some regions. Most lodges in the Okavango Delta and other remote areas are only accessible by light aircraft. **Airport transfer tip:** From Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, pre-arranged hotel transfers or rental cars are your most reliable options. For Maun Airport, most safari operators include transfers to lodges as part of their packages. Check current transfer options and prices through booking platforms, as availability varies seasonally and taxi services may not always be readily available at smaller airports.

Book domestic flights well in advance as Botswana has limited flight frequency between cities

Carry your passport when traveling as you may encounter police checkpoints on major routes

Self-drive requires a 4x4 vehicle for most national parks and remote areas - standard cars are insufficient

Fuel stations can be sparse outside major towns - fill up whenever possible and carry extra fuel for remote areas