How to Travel Around Botswana

Botswana is one of the most dynamic holiday hotspots in Africa and it will be necessary to travel to various locations around the country and within various towns to enjoy sightseeing and other activities. Those who are heading to Botswana for a holiday will find that there are several ways to get around the country. From flying on domestic airlines and travelling via bus like most locals, here's how to get from Point A to B during a trip to Botswana.

1. Secure Strategic Bases

Although Botswana is well-connected via public transport options, travellers should secure hotels that are within close range of the major attractions in each town. A guestroom at Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, for example, may give one easy access to some of the top things to do in Gaborone, so being conscious of location is necessary when booking accommodation. Those who are unable to secure a conveniently located hotel should at least try to find a rest that is near public transport hubs such as train stations and bus stops as this will make travelling around any city a far less stressful experience.

2. Fly Around

While it may not be the most cost-effective way to get around, domestic airlines in Botswana do offer flights to various corners of the country. Air Botswana, the national carrier of the country, connects visitors with major travel hotspots such as Kasane and Gaborone and even South African cities including Johannesburg. Small charter planes are also used to travel around the country and these 6-12 person planes use runways in various parts of the bush. Flights are usually arranged a few days in advance so there is no set schedule but these smaller planes do offer more affordable rides and cover more inland destinations than Air Botswana and other major carriers.

3. Bus It

The bus networks in Botswana are reliable and perhaps the most affordable means of travel available to tourists and locals alike. The main drawback of using buses is that they tend to be crowded, quite noisy and not entirely comfortable due to the basic and worn seats on board. Buses in Botswana are also divided into two categories and include minibuses, which are smaller and regular buses. The minibuses tend to travel faster but make fewer stops while the larger ones are slower and stop at various bus stops along the way.

4. Driving Options

One should not attempt to drive in Botswana unless one is in possession of an international driving license. Renting a car is not difficult in the country and the main highways and byways are tarred and relatively well-maintained. Make sure that you don't exceed the speed limit as the local police are known to employ radar traps to catch speeding drivers. It is best to choose a 4WD if you intend to drive in Botswana as the rougher road conditions outside major towns call for a sturdy vehicle.

5. Hitchhiking

While it may seem to be an unsafe practice when travelling abroad, hitchhiking is actually a relatively safe and hassle-free way to get around. Not only does it offer tourists the chance to interact with local people but also understand their way of life and culture. Female solo travellers should not attempt to hitchhike unless they have a travel partner or a guide. Local drivers tend to avoid taking on hitchhikers who are shabbily dressed or unkempt. Keep a bottle of water and some snacks on your rucksack when hitchhiking as it may not be possible to stop to eat.

6. Train Travel

Although there is a railway line that links Gaborone, Lobatse, Francistown and other neighbouring cities with South Africa, it is not a practical transport option to explore the interior of the country.