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Finished with your Botswana safari and moving on to the next adventure: Cape Town! This is everything you need to know about travelling from Gaborone to Cape Town, along with some practical tips to ensure you continue to have a fantastic journey.
Gaborone to Cape Town is a common route for travellers once they have completed their Botswana safari adventure. However, planning multiple international vacations can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have the necessary information readily available.
If you are anything like me, you are probably doing all the research you need about travelling between these two destinations. As someone who has travelled from Gaborone to South Africa, I am sharing all you need to know about travelling from Gaborone to Cape Town to help you have an easier time organising your itinerary.
After learning about this, you will have all the information you need to make your journey much easier and more enjoyable.
This post is all about Gaborone to Cape Town.
Gaborone to Cape Town: Everything you need to know
1. Gaborone to Cape Town distance
As you are getting ready to travel, you may want to know the distance between the two places so you can plan accordingly.
The distance from Gaborone to Cape Town by flight is around 1290 km, whereas the distance by road is much longer, about 1465 km. Also, you will be pleased to know that there are direct flights from Gaborone to Cape Town.
2. Travel duration
The travel duration from Gaborone to Cape Town is influenced by the mode of transportation, as expected. Since there are direct flights from Botswana to Cape Town, the travel duration will be as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes. On the other hand, travelling by bus will take around 18 to 23 hours, depending on who’s driving.
Gaborone to Johannesburg
Since most travellers from Gaborone to Cape Town usually take a stop or change over in Johannesburg, it will be helpful to know a little bit more about this route. The distance between Gaborone and Johannesburg is approximately 340 KM, and the drive duration is 4 to 6 hours.
Gaborone to Johannesburg flights can be booked easily through Skyscanner or direct through Air Botswana.
The flight duration will be around 5o minutes and cost around UDS 70.
Ways You Can Travel
3. Gaborone to Cape Town flights
There are direct flights from Gaborone to Cape Town, which travellers much appreciate; additionally, you have options of airlines. You can easily book through Skyscanner or directly through the airline of your choice. You have the option to book via Airlink, a regional airline, or South African Airways.
Additionally, Air Botswana flights to Cape Town are also available, and they are direct. As you can tell already, travelling from Gaborone to Cape Town is easier than travelling from Gaborone to Okavango Delta, just for the mere fact that the flight takes you directly to your destination.
Also, if you are in Cape Town and looking for Cape Town to Botswana flights, use the same airlines mentioned above.
4. Flight prices from Gaborone to Cape Town
An average flight ticket for a direct flight is around BWP 1,300 (USD 120) one way. If you are looking for cheap flights from Gaborone to Cape Town, be sure to book in advance and, if possible, travel during the week. I have realised that the price increases significantly if you book at the last minute and you travel over the weekend.
5. Gaborone to Cape Town Bus
Another option for travelling is by bus. It is such a long distance, but it can be done. However, because it is a long journey, travellers usually have a proper break in Johannesburg, South Africa. Intercape is the absolute best in this area. Moreover, they are reliable and well-established.
However, please note that the Intercape bus from Gaborone to Cape Town does not have a direct route; there will be a changeover in Johannesburg, South Africa.
If you were wondering about the Gaborone to Cape Town bus fare, you can expect to pay around USD 80 for a one-way ticket, which is fully flexible. The bus is usually the most affordable option. The usual departure time is 06:30 AM with a changeover in Johannesburg.
6. Self-Drive
Are you on a Southern Africa overland adventure? Perhaps you’ve just finished exploring Chobe and the Okavango Delta? If yes, the Gaborone to Cape Town road trip will be another epic adventure to add to your bucket list. It is a long haul, but definitely worth it.
After wrapping up your Botswana trip and itching for your next adventure, this road trip will be the one to take. You’ll be met with open horizons and breathtaking landscapes.
In terms of expenditure, expect to spend around USD 250 one way. This amount includes fuel, food, tolls, and one night’s accommodation in Johannesburg, as you’ll need that rest.
The fastest route is via Zeerust, Rustenburg, and then through Johannesburg, connecting to the N12 for Cape Town.
Best mode of travel
This goes without saying, the best mode of transport is by air. After an adventure-filled safari itinerary in Botswana, I think you’d prefer the flight. It is convenient, fast and the easiest way to travel. Moreover, you have options of airlines to choose from. Additionally, the flight tickets are reasonably priced.
Practical tips for a smooth journey
1. Like when driving from Gaborone to Maun, please make sure you take some rest during your trip because this is essential for your safety. This will be such a long journey that it would be unsafe to attempt it in one stretch.
2. If you are flying, book early, and sit on the window side so you can appreciate the beauty of South Africa from above. You might even get Table Mountain views on landing.
3. Check baggage rules, especially if you are flying through AirBotswana. They take that baggage limit seriously.
4. If you are self-driving, structure your journey in such a way that you will be driving on South African highways during the day. It is safer that way. In fact, it is not uncommon to hear about car hijackings in South Africa, and these incidents usually occur at night.
5. Make sure to top up supplies on your stops. The good news is that there are many stops along the way, and these towns and cities, especially on the South African side, are readily part of the adventure.
6. If driving or going by bus, start your journey early in the morning to avoid border delays.
