Lois Larson
Botswana has several airports, including three main airports that have been rebuilt in recent years: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Kasane International Airport, and Maun Airport. Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, named after the first president of Botswana, is located 15 kilometres north of downtown Gaborone and is the country's main international airport. Kasane International Airport is a great little airport less than a mile from the Pangolin Chobe Hotel. Maun Airport, which sees a high volume of traffic during peak safari season, offers flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Main Airports | 3 |
| Main International Airport | Sir Seretse Khama International Airport |
| Location of Main International Airport | 15 kilometres north of downtown Gaborone |
| Airport Codes | IATA: GBE, ICAO: FBSK |
| Named After | Sir Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana |
| Year of Opening | 1984 |
| Other Airports | Kasane International Airport, Maun Airport, Gaborone International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
- Botswana's main international airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
- Kasane International Airport is a great little airport less than a mile from the Pangolin Chobe Hotel
- Maun Airport sees more take-offs and landings during peak safari season than a major European airport hub
- Botswana's airports have been rebuilt and are now spacious, clean and comfortable
- Botswana's airports can be slow with immigration and passport control
Botswana's main international airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
The airport has seen several notable incidents over the years. In 1999, an Air Botswana pilot, Captain Chris Phatswe, took off without authorisation and threatened to crash into other aircraft. Despite attempts to persuade him to land and discuss his grievances, he ultimately crashed into two parked Air Botswana ATR 42s, resulting in his death and temporarily crippling the airline's operations.
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport has undergone renovations and improvements in recent years. While passengers have praised the staff as nice and friendly, some have suggested that there should be a greater variety of shops and food options available. The airport has restrictions in place regarding the carriage of liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs), in line with international standards.
The airport's first special economic zone was established in 2017, housing various departments and a diamond hub for the diamond sector. The Botswana Defence Force Air Wing VIP Flight Wing is based at the airport, and it serves as a significant transport hub for the region.
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Kasane International Airport is a great little airport less than a mile from the Pangolin Chobe Hotel
Botswana is home to several airports, including Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, the country's main international airport located in the capital city of Gaborone. Another airport in Botswana is Kasane International Airport, which is less than a mile from the Pangolin Chobe Hotel.
The Pangolin Chobe Hotel is a boutique hotel located in Kasane, Botswana, and is a popular destination for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is perched on a hill above the town of Kasane, offering stunning views of the Chobe River and the Caprivi Floodplains. The hotel is just a short drive from Kasane International Airport, making it easily accessible for guests arriving by plane.
Kasane International Airport serves as a gateway to the Chobe National Park and the town of Kasane. It offers flights to and from Johannesburg, with a flight time of approximately two hours. The airport's proximity to the hotel makes it a convenient option for guests visiting the Pangolin Chobe Hotel.
The Pangolin Chobe Hotel is a small, intimate hotel with 14 uniquely designed rooms. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, private bathrooms, and charging points. The hotel also features a 24-hour reception, a communal dining room, an eco-pool, and a bar with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The hotel is known for its focus on wildlife photography, providing camera gear, workshops, editing areas, and specialised photo-friendly boats and game drive vehicles. Guests can participate in morning and afternoon photo safari activities, exploring the rich wildlife and bird-life of Chobe National Park. The hotel's proximity to Kasane International Airport makes it convenient for photographers and travellers looking to quickly access the park and capture the beauty of Botswana's nature.
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Maun Airport sees more take-offs and landings during peak safari season than a major European airport hub
Botswana has several airports, including Maun Airport, which is the busiest airport in Africa during the peak safari season. Located in the town of Maun in the North-West District of Botswana, Maun Airport serves as the main gateway to the Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve. The airport sees a high volume of charter flights and small planes transporting passengers to and from safari lodges and destinations within Botswana, such as the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest seasonal wetlands in Africa. These short-distance flights offer a convenient and time-saving alternative to long journeys by truck.
During the peak season for safaris, from June to August, Maun Airport experiences a surge in aircraft movements, becoming the second busiest airport in Africa for these operations. The airport caters to the many lodges in the area, providing passenger transport and provisions. The convenience of air charter allows safari-goers to maximise their time on safari and enjoy the adventure of flying into remote locations.
Maun Airport is accessible by shuttle bus or taxi and offers daily scheduled flights to destinations within Botswana and South Africa. Internationally, Maun is serviced by flights from Johannesburg on Airlink and Air Botswana. Additionally, travellers can fly directly from Maun to Cape Town, connecting popular safari destinations in Botswana and South Africa in a single day.
The popularity of Maun Airport during the peak safari season highlights the importance of air travel in the safari industry. With its convenient location and efficient operations, Maun Airport facilitates easy access to Botswana's renowned safari experiences, contributing to the country's thriving tourism sector.
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Botswana's airports have been rebuilt and are now spacious, clean and comfortable
Botswana has several airports, including three main airports that have undergone complete rebuilds: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, P. G. Matante International Airport, and Kasane Airport. These airports are now spacious, clean, and comfortable for travellers, a welcome surprise for those who may have visited Botswana in the past.
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, located about 10-15 kilometres north of the capital city of Gaborone, is the main international airport of Botswana. Named after the country's first president, Sir Seretse Khama, the airport opened in 1984 to handle regional and international traffic. It has the largest passenger movement in the country, with a 4000-metre-long runway that can accommodate large aircraft.
P. G. Matante International Airport is another important airport in Botswana, offering flights to Johannesburg and Harare. Like Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, it also has a large capacity to handle regional and international traffic.
Kasane Airport is a smaller airport located less than a mile from the Pangolin Chobe Hotel. It is a convenient option for travellers visiting the hotel, with flights arriving from Johannesburg on Airlink and Air Botswana.
These airports have improved facilities, providing a more pleasant experience for travellers. However, it is worth noting that travellers may experience slow immigration and passport control processes upon arrival, so it is recommended to sit near the front of the plane to be at the head of the queue.
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Botswana's airports can be slow with immigration and passport control
Botswana has several airports, including the main international airport, Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, located 15 kilometres north of downtown Gaborone. The airport is named after Botswana's first president, Sir Seretse Khama, and was opened in 1984. In recent years, Botswana's airports have been rebuilt and are now spacious and clean.
However, it is known that Botswana's airports can be slow when it comes to immigration and passport control. To avoid lengthy queues, it is recommended that passengers try to reserve a seat near the front of the plane. It is also important to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and that pens are readily available.
The airports in Botswana have various rules and regulations that must be adhered to. For example, passengers are allowed to carry a total of 100 ml of liquids, aerosols, and gels in their carry-on baggage, and these must be stored in security temper-proof bags. Additionally, access to departure lounges is restricted to travellers with valid boarding passes, and loitering is not permitted.
Botswana also has strict laws regarding the trade of animal products, and spot checks are often conducted at airports to enforce these laws. It is illegal to possess or transport any animal products, including horns, ivory, teeth, bones, hides, and skins, without a government permit. Violators of these laws may face severe penalties, including arrest, substantial fines, and up to five years in prison.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are airports in Botswana. The country's main international airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, located 15 kilometres north of downtown Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana.
Botswana has two other main airports: Kasane International Airport and Maun Airport. Maun is serviced by flights from Johannesburg on Airlink and Air Botswana, and you can also fly direct from Maun to Cape Town. Kasane Airport is less than a mile from the Pangolin Chobe Hotel.
A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months. Citizens from most nationalities do not require a visa and will get a 30-day entry permit on arrival. All foreign visitors will need to carry a return ticket.
