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Transport in Botswana
The national carrier, Air Botswana, operates scheduled domestic flights from Gaborone to several destinations, including Francistown, Maun, Kasane, while numerous other carriers operate services to the capital and private operators maintain links to a variety of tourist destinations. The air charter industry is well developed in Botswana, offering flights to the national airport network as well as private destinations. Maun Airport, which serves a huge tourist market, is one of the busiest in southern Africa.
Click here to see Air Botswana domestic flights working timetable.
Roads
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All Botswana's population centres are connected by highways and very good tarmac roads. Other areas are being developed and road-tarring projects are moving ahead at a record pace. Off main routes, the roads range from good, high-speed gravel to deep, rutted sand.
As in most other southern African countries, driving is on the left side of the road. The national speed limit on tarred roads is 120km/h, while through towns and villages the speed limit is 60km/h, even in the absence of a sign. Seat belt use is compulsory, as is proof of no-fault insurance.
There is a number of passenger transport companies in Botswana which offer services throughout the country. Some of them are Motlogelwa, JNG, Mahube and Seabelo Express. They offer daily routes from Gaborone to: Selebi-Phikwe, Palapye, Mahalapye, Serowe, Francistown, Ghanzi, Tshabong, Hukuntsi, Orapa, Lobatse, Maun, Kasane, Ramotswa, and other routes.
Train
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Botswana Railways operates one of Africa's few air-conditioned passenger rail services, with a variety of passenger accommodation from luxury private sleeper compartments on the overnight train to the modern well-serviced economy class on the day train. All coach classes are air conditioned and served with dining facilities, running water and toilets. Season tickets are available for regular travellers.
All services are operated on a reliable time schedule to ensure that travellers in all classes are on time.
- Daily services between Francistown - Gaborone and Gaborone - Lobatse.
- Gaborone - Francistown for P15.00 (around USD 3) one-way.
- Monday through Thursday, Saturday and Sunday departing both Gaborone and Francistown at 10:00 am.
- Friday departures at 08:00 and 14:30.
- Night services between Lobatse and Francistown.
Taxis
All vehicles licensed to carry passengers can be easily identified by their number plates, which have blue backgrounds. Taxis carry up to 5 passengers at a time. If however you would prefer not to share a taxi with other passengers, at an additional fee, this can be arranged with the taxi driver.
Should you require a taxi to pick you up from a specific location a number of privately owned taxi companies are available. Their contact telephone numbers can be found in the telephone directory.
Mini-buses
The mini-buses (Combis) are operating in towns. Each mini-bus will travel a particular route, often a circular journey and most of them at some point pass through the mall or the station. Depending on the direction you wish to take, you will need to pick up a mini-bus travelling along that route. Mini-buses can be waved down along the road and you ask the driver to stop when you want to get off.
There are some mini-buses that service between Gaborone and South Africa. They usually depart from the main bus station.
Car hire services
Hiring a vehicle, especially 4W-D, will allow you the freedom to explore some of Botswana's most beautiful wilderness areas. To hire a vehicle in Botswana, you must be in possession of a valid International Drivers license, or a home drivers license as long as the details are in English (one may use their home drivers license for a period of 6 months). There are a few rent-a-car companies in Botswana such as: AVIS (tel. 353-745), Budget rent-a-car (tel. 302-030), Imperial car rentals www.imperialcarrental.co.za (tel. 307-233), etc.
Transport from the airports
The transport between Gaborone, Francistown and Selebi-Phikwe and their respective airports is serviced by mini buses, operated by AVIS or other rent-a-car agencies, as well as, mini-buses from big hotels for their guests. Taxi service is also available on phone call.
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