Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Gaborone-Maun
from P882
Kasane-Maun
from P369
One-way fares are usually more expensive than return fares, so plan your itinerary accord-
ingly; children aged under two sitting on the lap of an adult cost 10% of the fare and chil-
dren aged between two and 12 cost 50% of the fare. Passengers are allowed 20kg of lug-
gage (unofficially, a little more is often permitted if the flight is not full).
CHARTER FLIGHTS
Charter flights are often the best - and sometimes the only - way to reach remote lodges,
but they are an expensive extra cost; fares are not usually included in the quoted rates for
most lodges.
On average, a one-way fare between Maun and a remote lodge in the Okavango Delta
will set you back around US$150 to US$250. These services are now highly regulated and
flights must be booked as part of a safari package with a mandatory reservation at one of
the lodges. This is essential as you can't simply turn up in these remote locations and ex-
pect to find a bed for the night, as many lodges are very small. Likewise, you are not per-
mitted to book accommodation at a remote lodge in the delta without also booking a re-
turn airfare at the same time. Packages can be booked through agencies in Maun.
It is very important to note that passengers on charter flights are only allowed 10kg to
12kg (and rarely 20kg) of luggage each; check the exact amount when booking. However,
if you have an extra 2kg to 3kg, the pilot will usually only mind if the plane is full of pas-
sengers.
If you can't stretch the budget to staying in a remote lodge you can still book a flight
over the delta with one of the scenic flight companies in Maun.
Bicycle
Botswana is largely flat - and that's about the only concession it makes to cyclists. Unless
you're an experienced cyclist and equipped for the extreme conditions, abandon any ideas
you may have about a Botswanan bicycle adventure. Distances are great; the climate and
landscapes are hot and dry; and, even along major routes, water is scarce and villages are
widely spaced. Also bear in mind that bicycles are not permitted in Botswana's national
parks and reserves, and cyclists may encounter potentially dangerous wildlife while trav-
elling along any highway or road.
