Flights to Botswana
Buy Flights to Botswana and Pay Later
Did you know that with Alternative Airlines you can book your flights now and pay later?
Split the cost of your flights to Botswana with flexible payment options. Pay for your flights in smaller, manageable instalments that fit your budget, making your trip more affordable and accessible.
Interest-free financing is available (check with providers) depending on eligibility. We work with payment providers such as Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna, Clearpay and PayPal. With the cost of your flights divided into smaller payments, it leaves you to focus on other things in preparation for your trip to Botswana.
Book Flights to Botswana
Botswana is a landlocked country buried deep in Southern Africa. The majority of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert, the world's second-largest desert, however, civilisation can be found in the fringes of the desert and along the banks of the Okavango Delta. There is evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years and the country was a British protectorate until 1966 when it finally gained independence.
Today, Botswana is well known for its adventurous safaris giving visitors the chance to see lions, elephants, giraffes and zebras thriving in their natural habitats.
If you're up for a safari adventure or want to explore the less visited corners of Botswana, you can book your flights here at Alternative Airlines. We ticket over 600 airlines on our platform and offer over 40 ways for you to pay - booking flights to Botswana online couldn't be easier! Book flights today to any city of your choice in Botswana, including flights to Gaborone, Francistown and Maun.
Discover Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is a thriving commercial centre with a population of around 235,000 people. There are many things to do in Gaborone, including visiting historical sites like the National Museum and Art Gallery, to exploring the nearby Gaborone Game Reserve. It's also a good starting point for day trips to the Mokolodi Nature Reserve where you can spot a variety of wildlife, or to the Manyana Cultural Park, full of traditional villages.
The best time to see all of these attractions is from May to October as the weather is sunny but not too hot. You can fly into Sir Seretse Khama International Airport directly from other African cities, however, the most convenient route is via Johannesburg in South Africa. Gaborone is a good destination if you're looking for a city break with a twist of African adventure!
Things to do in Botswana
Embark on a Safari in Chobe National Park
The park offers both morning and evening safari options, each providing memorable experiences. Morning game drives often reveal active predators and early risers, while sunset cruises offer breathtaking views and the chance to see animals as they come to the river to drink. These times are ideal for photography and witnessing the park's dynamic wildlife.
Exploring Chobe by boat offers a unique perspective on its wildlife. Chobe Boat Cruises provide opportunities to see elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species up close.
Navigate the Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most unique ecosystems. This vast inland delta that's been formed by seasonal floods from the Angolan Highlands, transforms the Kalahari Desert into a lush paradise that's full of wildlife.
The best way to experience the beauty is by mokoro - a traditional dugout canoe. Mokoro safaris are available year-round, but the peak season runs from July to August when water levels are ideal for navigation. These excursions are often guided by local polers who have grown up in the Delta, sharing their in depth knowledge of the land and its wildlife.
Discover the Ancient Rock Art at Tsodilo Hills
Tsodilo Hills, often referred to as the "Louvre of the Desert," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northwest of Botswana. This sacred site is renowned for its remarkable rock art, with over 4,500 paintings spread across an area of just 10 km² in the Kalahari Desert.
These artworks, created using natural pigments and techniques passed down through generations, depict a variety of subjects, including animals, human figures, and geometric patterns.
Want to Book Cheap Flights to Botswana?
💳 Flexible Payment Plans with BNPL
At Alternative Airlines, we offer various Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options, allowing you to spread the cost of your flights over time. This flexibility can ease the financial burden, especially when booking international travel. Depending on your location, you might have access to providers like Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, and PayJustNow, enabling you to choose a plan that suits your budget.
🛫 Flying with Affordable Airlines
Botswana's national carrier, Air Botswana, offers direct flights to destinations like Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Opting for regional carriers can often result in more economical fares compared to long-haul international flights. Additionally, flying with low-cost airlines can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
📅 Choosing the Cheapest Day to Fly
Planning a trip to Botswana? Utilise Alternative Airlines' Best Fare Finder to identify the most cost-effective travel dates. This tool employs a traffic light system—green for the cheapest days, amber for average, and red for the most expensive—helping you choose the optimal time to book your flight.
🔍 Maximise Savings with the Best Fare Finder Tool
Alternative Airlines' Best Fare Finder allows you to compare flight prices across a range of dates, helping you identify the most affordable options. This tool is particularly useful for planning multi-city itineraries or flexible travel dates, ensuring you get the best value for your trip to Botswana.
Airlines Flying to Botswana
Here are our top 3 recommendations for airlines flying to Botswana.
- Air Botswana operates flights to four key destinations within Botswana: Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane, and Maun.
- The airline extends its services to eight international destinations across six countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
- Air Botswana operates multiple daily flights connecting Gaborone (GBE) with key regional destinations. The most frequently serviced route is between Gaborone and Johannesburg (JNB), with a minimum of seven daily flights.
- Ethiopian Airlines operates direct flights from Addis Ababa (ADD) to Gaborone (GBE), with a flight time of approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes. This route provides a seamless connection for travelers heading to Botswana's capital.
- Ethiopian Airlines offers competitive fares from the United Kingdom to Botswana. For example, round-trip flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Gaborone (GBE) are available from around £800, with one-stop connections via Addis Ababa.
- Qatar Airways offers multiple daily flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Doha (DOH), with convenient connections to Gaborone (GBE) and Maun (MUB) in Botswana.
- Round-trip flights from London to Gaborone start from approximately £775, with the lowest fares typically found in February.
- On the Doha–Gaborone route, Qatar Airways utilizes the Airbus A350-900 aircraft, featuring 36 Business Class seats and 247 Economy Class seats. This modern aircraft ensures a comfortable and efficient journey for passengers traveling to Botswana.
Wherever you're looking to go next, we'll get you there on your terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct flight from the UK to Botswana?
At present, there are no direct flights from the United Kingdom to Botswana. However, reaching Botswana is straightforward with convenient connections through major international hubs.
Popular Connecting Routes:
London to Gaborone (GBE): Typically involves a stopover in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, or a connection through Johannesburg with British Airways and Air Botswana. Flight durations range from approximately 16 to 18 hours, depending on the route.
London to Maun (MUB): Often routed through Addis Ababa or Johannesburg. Ethiopian Airlines and Air Botswana are common carriers for these connections.
London to Kasane (BBK): Flights usually connect via Johannesburg. Air Botswana and South African Airways operate these routes.
Which airlines fly to Botswana?
There are a variety of different airlines that offer routes to key cities in Botswana, many providing connections at hub airports.
Key Airlines:
Ethiopian Airlines: Offers flights from Addis Ababa to Gaborone, with connections from various international cities.
Qatar Airways: Provides services from Doha to Gaborone, with connections from numerous global destinations.
British Airways: Operates flights from London Heathrow to Johannesburg, from where passengers can connect to Botswana via regional carriers.
Air Botswana: The national carrier, offering domestic flights within Botswana and regional connections to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Is Botswana safe?
Absolutely! Botswana is widely regarded as one of Africa's safest destinations for travelers. With its political stability, low crime rates, and welcoming atmosphere, it's a fantastic choice for your next adventure. However, as with any international travel, it's wise to stay informed and take standard precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
What is the main airport in Botswana?
The Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is the main airport in Botswana, and serves as the central hub for both domestic and regional air travel. Opened in 1984, it is the busiest airport in Botswana in terms of passenger traffic. It is certified as a 3-Star Regional Airport by Skytrax, reflecting its quality in facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, staff service, and security/immigration .