From the airport to the city centre Botswana
There are no direct flights to Botswana from Europe. Whichever airline you choose, you'll almost inevitably make a stopover in Johannesburg, South Africa. From neighboring states, you can reach Gaborone, as well as Maun, Francistown and Kasane. Botswana also boasts numerous airports and airfields, some of which are privately owned, to reach lodges and remote areas. For internal flights in high season, which are often fully booked, remember to book a week in advance. For bigger budgets, you can also hire a private plane to reach your destination. Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is located 15 km from the center of the capital, Gaborone. If your hotel doesn't provide a transfer, you can take a cab for around 150 BWP. Allow a good half-hour for the journey.
Public transport Botswana
Gaborone can be reached by bus from Johannesburg, with Intercape (www.intercape.co.za), which offers one daily service between the two capitals. The journey takes around 7 hours and tickets start at 480 rand. In Botswana, all major towns have a bus station and a reliable bus service between them, but their comfort is rudimentary. That said, it's a good option for modest budgets. For timetables, check with the bus station the day before. It's best to arrive well in advance of departure time to find a seat, as buses very often take more passengers than there are seats. Allow at least 30 minutes in advance. Although not as crowded as in other African countries, buses can be quite full and have little air-conditioning. So it can be hot. Minibuses serve the smaller towns around the main cities. You can easily find your way by asking at the bus station. This popular means of transport is, of course, inexpensive. To get from Gaborone to Francistown, for example, you'll need around 170 pulas, and little more to get from Francistown to Maun or Kasane. To get around the capital locally, white minibuses circulate throughout the city, each with a well-defined route but no fixed timetable. They are numbered according to the route they take. They can be picked up at official stops, or with a wave of the hand, you can stop it on the way when it's not full. Ask to be dropped off wherever it suits you along the way. The fare is around 5 BWP.
Bike, scooters & co Botswana
Motorcyclists are welcome in Botswana, as long as they stay on paved roads. In fact, it is forbidden to cross reserves on two-wheelers. Travellers planning to visit the country on foot or by bicycle are well advised to plan their journey carefully if they wish to leave the paved roads. Hitchhiking is possible, but not widely practiced, as it is not an easy way to get around here. However, travellers can easily find a lift to Maun from the towns of Kasane, Nata, Ghanzi or Francistown, and the journey time is generally shorter than the identical bus journey. It's no doubt the latter reason why Botswanans waiting for the bus will hail a passing car. On this point, it's worth noting that picking up a hitchhiker can result in a fine. This is unfair competition for the bus companies, especially as it's normal for a hitchhiker to give the driver a little money to thank him for his service. However, it is still normal to stop for a pedestrian in difficulty. It's an important emergency solution in case of need, but not recommended for single women.
With a driver Botswana
The cities of Gaborone, Francistown, Lobatse, Kasane and Maun have cab services. Some are licensed (blue number plates), others are not. Very few cabs are metered, but fares are reasonable and are calculated on a flat rate basis depending on the destination. It will cost even less if you share it with other occupants. The easiest way to find a cab is through your accommodation. Each hotel works with a network of cabs that are used to the address.
By car Botswana
You'll find car rental agencies in the country's main cities. When you rent a car, make sure it's in good condition, and find out what deductibles you'll have to pay in the event of damage, as well as how long it will take to replace the vehicle in the event of a serious breakdown. British law requires that you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Speed limits are 80 km/h or 120 km/h on trunk roads and 60 km/h in town. In reserves and national parks, it is forbidden to exceed 40 km/h, under penalty of disturbing the peace of the bush or running over an animal in passing. Seatbelts must be worn, and it is strongly advised not to drive at night, given the omnipresence of mammals, both domestic and wild, on the road!
As far as road accidents are concerned, the laws are similar to those applied everywhere else in Southern Africa: following an accident, if any passengers are injured, you must call the emergency numbers. If the damage is only material, simply call the police to draw up a report. If the damage is minor, an exchange of names and addresses will do the trick. If the accident is caused by a pet, there are two possible scenarios: either the road is bordered by a fence, and responsibility for the damage lies with the pet owner, who is not supposed to let his animals roam; or the roadside has no fence, and you are responsible for the repair costs.
In Botswana, petrol and diesel are available in the major towns and along the main roads. However, in such a vast and sparsely populated country, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your fuel gauge and on the map, which indicates the main refuelling points. Reserves and national parks, on the other hand, are completely devoid of them.
