International & Charter Flights
... how to get to, and around Botswana
International flights
Most arrivals into Botswana are via International flights. Botswana has two safari “Hubs” and these are both where you are most likely to enter and exit the country.
Maun International Airport
This is main hub and the starting point for the majority of our safaris. When you land you are immediately escorted to your Charter Flight and to your first lodge, or you are met by a representative of your Mobile Tented Safari and driven in to the bush and your first campsite.
Most flights in to Maun come from Johannesburg in South Africa, and the two main carriers for the international flights into Maun are:
SA Airlink – Airlink.com
CemAir – Cemair.com
Air Botswana – Airbotswana.co.bw
Recently, Ethiopian Airlines has introduced very good global travel fromm many world destination to Maun, Botswana via Addis Ababa ethiopianairlines.com
In order for you to arrive in time for your safari, both airlines list scheduled direct flights from Johannesburg to Maun which arrive at approximately 13:15… these are the flights to book.
Both airlines are very reliable and you can easily book your flights with them online.
Kasane International Airport
This is our second hub and is used more often to exit Botswana after a safari, or as a transfer point to and from Vic Falls in either Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Only SA Airlink operates the route from Johannesburg to Kasane return, and if entering Botswana into Kasane you should still look for flights which arrive at approximately 13:30 for the start of your safari.
It should be noted that currently only SA Airlink flies direct from Johannesburg to Kasane return, so this is your better choice for a carrier. Air Botswana is a bit hit and miss with this.
Accessing your lodges
95% of all lodges here in Botswana are only reachable by light aircraft… its a well oiled industry, and one which works seasmlessly.
When you arrive into Botswana, you will be met by your representative as soon as you exit customs and escorted to your light aircraft. The flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Okavango Delta’s waterways, winding rivers, and wildlife below.
Landing on a remote airstrip, often just a cleared stretch of bush, you are met by your lodge’s guide. From there, the journey continues by open 4×4 vehicle or sometimes by boat, immersing you immediately in the wilderness and setting the tone for the safari experience ahead.
Often talked about as a taxi service…. Maun airport is one of the busiest in Africa with many light aircraft buzzing over the Okavango Delta, ferrying their clients from camp to camp.
There are few charter companies to choose from, all of which are stringently regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority to provide very safe and timely transportation for all our clients.
The charter aircraft are specifically designed to fly in to our unique bush airstrips. They are of varying sizes, from the Cessna 206, which is a 5 passenger carrying aircraft up to the bigger Cessna 208, or "caravan", which can carry up to 12 passengers.
Luggage restrictions
Do look here for the type of baggage restrictions you may face
BIG Tip...!
The biggest tip we can give you is to ALWAYS take your camera on board the aircraft with you… and have it ready at all times… After all, when else are you going to be flying over the Okavango Delta or Central Kalahari.
You can take some stunning photos sometimes flying low or just catching the curvature of the earth with the Delta below you…
Here are the typical aircraft used
Cessna Caravan
The Grand Caravan EX is an exceptional utility aircraft and the natural choice for flights into remote areas, deserts and National Parks of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Cessna Airvan
The GA-8 Airvan is engineered specifically for unpaved landing strips in remote areas and upholds excellent safety standards. It’s versatile enough to perform both freight and passenger services, as well as surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Mack Air utilises the GA-8 Airvan for scenic flights (six passengers) and charter flights (five passengers and luggage).
Cessna 206
The Cessna 206 Stationair is a highly versatile aircraft with shortfield capabilities. Its sleek cabin seats four, with foldable or removable seats for customisable space, making every mission adaptable and unique.
Cessna 210
A trusted workhorse that has been granted the gift of speed, agility, and strength, the Cessna 210 Centurion is a high-performance hauler that promises a light, comfortable flying experience. It is the equivalent of a Cessna Stationair with increased aerodynamic characteristics and its interior means there is no compromise on passenger comfort.