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Travelling from Gaborone to Okavango Delta? These are the best ways to travel, with practical tips and tricks every traveller should know about, to make your journey smoother.
Planning a trip from Gaborone to Okavango Delta can be a challenging task, given the distance between the two places. If you’re like me, you’re probably researching the best way to have a comfortable journey and get there faster.
As someone who is not a fan of long-distance trips, I am sharing the best tips and tricks to make the journey more comfortable.
You are going to learn about the best and quickest ways to travel from Gaborone to Okavango Delta, Gaborone to Okavango Delta flights, distance from Gaborone to Okavango Delta and more.
After learning all this, you will have the knowledge and tricks to plan a comfortable trip from Gaborone to Okavango Delta for a safari of your lifetime.
This post is all about travelling from Gaborone to Okavango Delta
Gaborone to Okavango Delta: All you need to know
Travelling from Gaborone, Botswana’s capital, to the Iconic Okavango Delta is an adventure in itself. However, it has to be planned accordingly because of the distance between the two places. Here is everything you need to know to plan your trip smartly.
1. What is the Okavango Delta
You might have heard a lot about the Okavango Delta, and you’re probably wondering, what is the Okavango Delta anyway? The Okavango Delta is one of Botswana’s top safari destinations. It is one of the world’s largest inland deltas.
Unlike most rivers that flow into the sea, the Okavango River spreads into the desert sands, creating wetlands that, in turn, attract a wide variety of wildlife. Because of its stunning beauty and rich wildlife, the Okavango Delta is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is sometimes described as one of the seven wonders of Africa.
2. Where is Okavango Delta in Botswana
In order to plan your safari trip smartly, you first need to know the location of your destination, right? The iconic Okavango Delta is located in the northwestern part of Botswana, not far from Maun. Maun is a town where most Botswana safaris begin. It is more like a gateway into the African bush.
3. Distance from Gaborone to Okavango Delta
The distance between the two places really influences the mode of transportation. The Okavango Delta is about 900 kilometres from Gaborone Botswana. For this reason, I won’t recommend driving unless the journey is meant to be an adventure.
4. Where is Gaborone
Gaborone is Botswana ‘s capital city. It is located in the southeastern part of the country. The biggest international airport is located here. This is where your journey to the Okavango Delta via Maun begins.
5. The best mode of transport
Travelling from Gaborone to Okavango Delta can be done by flight or by road; however, due to the long distance drive, I highly recommend you fly there. You can fly from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. This is the biggest airport in Botswana, located in Gaborone, the capital city.
The best way to do it is to take a direct flight from Gaborone to Maun, and from Maun, take a charter flight to your safari destination in the Okavango Delta.
For Gaborone to Okavango Delta flights, check out Air Botswana. You can also book via Sky Scanner. Please be aware that these flights will not take you directly to the Okavango Delta; they terminate at Maun airport. From Maun airport, take an Okavango Delta flight, which is booked directly with the safari company you are using.
However, if you are feeling adventurous, Gaborone to Maun can be travelled by road, but it is still a long drive, about ten hours. I have personally travelled from Gaborone to Maun by road and flight. My recommendation is to take the flight if that’s an option for you. Travelling by road is gruelling.
Another way to travel from Gaborone to Maun is by bus. Please note I said ‘Maun’, not the Okavango Delta. This is because the bus will take you to Maun, from Maun it’s either you self-drive to your safari destination, or your tour company can pick you up from there.
The distance from Maun to Okavango Delta is about 80km, which is about 4 -5 hours, making driving doable. However, some safari lodges are accessible via charter flights due to their remote locations.
In conclusion, the best mode of transportation from Gaborone to Okavango Delta is by air. It is comfortable, convenient, and fast.
5. Cost of travelling from Gaborone to Okavango Delta
By flight: One-way flight ticket from Gaborone to Maun is around USD 140 (BWP1700). Flight duration is 1 hour, 10 minutes. From Maun to your safari destination, for a charter return flight, expect to pay around USD 150.
For a charter flight, prices will vary slightly depending on your destination within the Okavango Delta. Safari lodges use third-party flights; however, you cannot book directly with third-party companies.
Driving from Gaborone to Maun: Expect to pay around USD 100 one-way for fuel. That excludes additional costs for food and accommodation if you decide to take a break during your driving.
Travelling by bus from Gaborone to Maun: The bus fare from Gaborone to Maun is currently USD25(BWP305) via AT&T Monnakgotla bus services. However, keep in mind that the bus prices increase slightly almost every year.
Travel tips and tricks
1. Book your charter flight transfer in advance. This is especially important as these can only be booked directly with your safari lodge or tour company.
2. If you are taking a bush flight from Maun to the Okavango Delta, be aware of the luggage weight limit, which is 15 kg. Also, your luggage must be soft-sided. Consider a duffel bag.
3. If you are on a self drive safari, avoid driving at night. This is due to the risk of wildlife-related accidents and poor lighting. I highly recommend you start your journey early in the morning.
4. Check the weather forecast. Moreover, avoid driving in rainy weather.
5. If you are driving, plan your driving breaks and overnight stops. It is a safety measure because it helps you stay alert on the road. There are several towns you can stop at, including Palapye, Francistown, Nata, and smaller villages along the way. I recommend stopping at Francistown, as it’s halfway to Maun.
6. If driving, top up supplies. You can do that in Francistown. It is the second largest city in Botswana, so you will find everything you need.
7. If you are travelling by bus, pack your snacks; the bus makes several stops along the way for customers to get quick lunch and snacks.
8. Always have a bit of cash on you just in case you need to buy something in a small village.
9. Have your paperwork in order, your driver’s licence particularly. Being stopped by road traffic officers is common.
10. Use a reliable car; the last thing you want is a car breaking down in the middle of nowhere.
