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Going to Botswana for your safari and wondering about how Okavango Delta flights work? First of all, excellent choice!. This post will give you an in-depth understanding of Okavango Delta flights, from regional flights to Okavango Delta scenic flights.
Planning a Botswana safari is exciting, yet it can be stressful for international travellers if the information they need is challenging to find online. As someone who has used Okavango Delta flights, both regionally and within the Okavango Delta, I share everything you need to know about them.
You are going to learn about Okavango Delta flights, Okavango scenic flights, Kasane to Okavango Delta flights, Okavango Delta helicopter flights, and more.
After learning about this, you will have a clear understanding of how and where to book your flights depending on your specific itinerary.
This post is all about Okavango Delta flights
Okavango Delta Flights
Firstly, you will need to reach Botswana. For international travellers, your main gateways to the Okavango Delta are Maun Airport and Kasane Airport.
If you are travelling from Gaborone to Okavango Delta, you can use domestic flights to get close to the Delta, either to Kasane or Maun. However, the Gaborone to Maun route is the most common, rather than the Kasane route.
Travelling from the UK and the US
Okavango Delta flights from UK follow the same format as from the US. First, you need to reach Botswana, which means you will book an international flight as usual. Please note that there are no direct flights from the UK or the US to Botswana; therefore, you will have a connecting flight somewhere, usually in South Africa (Johannesburg) or Cape Town.
From there, you will take a regional flight from South Africa to Botswana, the most common destination being Maun, where you will be closer than ever to the Okavango Delta.
What about Johannesburg( South Africa)?
Are you perhaps from South Africa and wondering, ‘How to get to the Okavango Delta from Johannesburg’? Well, lucky for you, you have a choice of either flying or self-driving.
However, since we are talking about flights in this article, you can easily take a direct flight from Johannesburg to Maun, quick and convenient!. The flight takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. To book flights, consider Sky Scanner.
Okavango Delta Scenic Flights
Most people, when they think of Okavango Delta flights, are referring to Okavango scenic flights. This activity is famous with visitors and for good reason. It is such a breathtaking experience. Viewing the Okavango Delta from an aerial view should be on everyone’s bucket list, and it is absolutely worth it.
Okavango Delta helicopter flights are a dream for photographers and adventure seekers. There are plenty of companies that provide this activity, so no matter which lodge or camp you are staying in within the Okavango Delta, you will be able to do this ultimate activity.
Okavango Delta Scenic Flight Prices
On average, expect to pay around USD 150 for a 30-minute flight. These prices vary depending on the company, season, duration, whether it is shared, and so on. Additionally, prices go even higher for door-off experiences or private tours. This activity is perfect for photographers and anyone seeking the ultimate adventure.
Helicopter Horizons specialises in scenic flights, offering a variety of activities related to scenic flights. They offer helicopter safaris, filming and photography, exploring areas like Maun and Gweta. Another company that provides this activity is Okavango Scenic Flights.
One thing to keep in mind is that scenic flights are usually not included in your Okavango Delta safari packages. Please confirm with your agent whether you need to pay an additional amount.
Maun to Okavango Delta Flights
I have used MacBook Air several times; however, you cannot book directly with them. Your lodge or tour operator usually books flights to Okavango Delta for you.
An additional advantage of these flights is that, flying from Maun into the Okavango Delta, you will have a stunning view of the Okavango Delta anyway, and they usually fly low enough for you to see the wildlife like elephants, giraffes and buffalo.
Maun flights over the Okavango Delta are a cheat code, if you just wanted to see how the Okavango Delta looks from above, this will be enough.
Kasane to Okavango Delta Flights
Depending on your safari itinerary, you might have to fly from Kasane to the Okavango Delta, and you will use the same charter flights. Since Kasane is farther from the Okavango Delta than Maun, you will pay more. Expect to pay around USD 400 one way.
Flights over the Okavango Delta give you a spectacular view, the perfect introduction to the wilderness.
What to Expect On A Delta Flight
The charter flights are light and small, typically a Cessna accommodating a maximum of 12 people. They are called ‘mosquito’ by locals in Botswana for that reason. Although the flight can feel bumpy, the whole experience feels unreal.
You will be flying low enough to see trails, camps, and wildlife. Moreover, if you want a luxury scenic helicopter flight with open doors, I bet it’s unbeatable. I have never done this, but I can only imagine what it would be like.
Expect a few stops along the way, you will usually make a few stops in other camps to drop off guests and pick up others. The flight duration between camps is usually 10 -15 minutes duration.
Travelling tips
1.Please be careful about your luggage limit. Your luggage weight limit should be 15 kg max, and they are strict about it. So I recommend you keep this in mind when packing for your Botswana trip.
2. Use a duffel bag or any soft sided luggage of your choice because Okavango flights companies will not accept any hardbody luggage. They recommend that your luggage be flexible; however, they are not too strict about it.
3. The personal weight limit of a passenger is usually 115kg, at least on flights I have used. If your weight exceeds that, I highly recommend checking with your safari tour company well in advance.
4. Because the dry season is the perfect time to visit Okavango Delta, it gets busy during those months, so I recommend you book in advance.
5. Keep your camera ready, you never know what you’ll see during your flight.
