Botswana may feel far away, but the journey there is surprisingly simple. Most travelers fly via Johannesburg, the largest hub in Africa. Once you step off the plane, you can feel that you’re closer to the bush: the air is dry, the light is warm, and everywhere you hear South African accents welcoming you to Africa. From Johannesburg, you can fly to Maun or Kasane in less than two hours: two gateways to the wilderness. For us, the arrival in Maun is always a special moment. As soon as you walk out of the terminal, you feel that the safari in Botswana is closer than ever.

Are there direct flights from Europe to Botswana?

No, there are no direct flights from Europe to Botswana. But that is not a disadvantage; on the contrary. The transfer via Johannesburg is smooth, and your luggage is usually just redirected to Maun or Kasane. KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, Swiss, British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways all fly daily to Johannesburg, ensuring you always have good connections.

Is transferring in Johannesburg to Botswana complicated?

Not at all, but it is important to know how it works. After landing, follow the signs International Transfers. You go through a short security check and will naturally arrive at the gate for your flight to Maun or Kasane. The terminals are clear and well signposted. Additionally, there are many porters available who can show you the way and take your suitcase there for a small tip.

How do I fly within Botswana to my lodge?

As soon as you’ve arrived in Maun or Kasane, the most beautiful part of your journey begins: the small airplane. The first time we stepped into a Cessna Caravan, we were sold immediately. Why? Well, you’re sitting close to the pilot, the windows are large, and as soon as you take off, you see the landscape unfolding below you. The Okavango Delta sparkles like a mosaic of water and islands. And sometimes you see elephants as gray dots walking below you.

More and more travelers today also choose helicopters: they fly even lower, can land in more places, and give you a feeling that you become part of the landscape. We still get goosebumps with every helicopter landing right in the middle of an island full of palm trees.

However: domestic transfers in Botswana are part of the overall experience. It’s not just transport. They take you to airstrips in the middle of the wilderness, where you’re greeted by your guide, usually with a nice cold drink.
All this helpful info before you book a safari in Botswana is great, of course, but as Botswana Specialist, we prefer to tell you about it personally. That’s why we are happy to visit you, invite you to our place, or plan a digital meeting. Shall we have a chat about it? 

Are there recommended airlines within Africa?

In Africa, Airlink is by far our favorite. Airlink flies reliably, on time, and with modern aircraft directly to Maun, Kasane, Victoria Falls, Windhoek, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The transfers are short, the service is friendly, and the baggage regulations are safari-proof, just the way we like it here at Botswana Specialist. When we fly within Africa, we almost always choose Airlink. It feels efficient and relaxed, exactly what you want before heading into the bush.

Can I also travel via Victoria Falls?

Absolutely, the trip to Victoria Falls is becoming increasingly popular. For travelers starting (or ending) in Chobe National Park, it is delightful to first fly to Victoria Falls Airport (Zimbabwe).
The drive from the border to Kasane often takes just 1 hour: you begin at one of the Seven Wonders of the World and end up among the largest concentrations of elephants in the world.

Is Ethiopian Airlines from Brussels a good option?

Yes, for many of our guests, it is sometimes even the best option. Ethiopian Airlines flies from Brussels (BRU) with excellent fares to Johannesburg and offers surprisingly good connections to Windhoek, Victoria Falls, and Lusaka. The service is good, the transfer in Addis Ababa is efficient, and the flight times are often favorable. You read it: this can definitely be a recommendation.

Can I also fly to Botswana via Cape Town?

Yes, and this is a true recommendation if you want to combine your safari with a city trip. Cape Town is hip and trendy. Many travelers find Cape Town a nice, soft landing into Africa with great restaurants, a friendly atmosphere, and of course, Table Mountain in the distance. And from there, it’s easy to fly with Airlink to Maun or Victoria Falls.

How does the transfer in Johannesburg to Botswana work exactly?

Johannesburg remains the largest hub for Botswana. Fortunately, the transfer is simple: you follow the signs International Transfers, go through a short security check, and you’re at your gate for the flight to Maun or Kasane. We are happy to take care of that for you, making sure you’re immediately at the airport, safe, comfortable, and hassle-free.

Sometimes you may need a short overnight stay in Johannesburg when you fly on to Maun or Kasane. That is no problem at all. We arrange that for you, usually at the InterContinental or City Lodge. Both are right next to the airport.

Our personal tips for traveling to Botswana

We can give you many tips when it comes to a safari in Botswana. On one hand, because we organize many trips in Botswana. On the other hand, because we have been in love with this country since day one. Anyway, here are a few personal tips for you:

• Always choose Airlink within Africa, it’s fast, reliable, and safari-friendly.
• Take possible overnight stays in Johannesburg into account, we arrange that effortlessly.
• Consider the route via Victoria Falls for a spectacular start or end to your trip.
• Check flights from Brussels with Ethiopian Airlines, great prices and nice connections.

The first step towards Botswana is the beginning of your safari. And as soon as you land in Maun, Kasane or on the sand strip of your lodge in Botswana, it feels like you are stepping straight into Africa.

Can international flights to Botswana be booked for me too?

Yes, that is certainly possible. We work with a dedicated ticket partner, specializing in African routes and combination trips. We book the flights at no extra cost; it is a service product for us. However, it’s good to know that the rates through our ticket partner may sometimes differ from the prices shown online. What is most important to us: you will always receive the right, good and logical connections that fit perfectly with your safari, without hassle or research.