Best Airlines in Botswana
Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is renowned for its vast wilderness areas and diverse wildlife. Home to attractions like Chobe National Park, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Botswana beckons travelers seeking unparalleled safari experiences and breathtaking natural landscapes.
To explore this remarkable country, air travel is often the preferred choice due to its vast and rugged terrain. Fortunately, Botswana is served by several airlines offering both scheduled and charter services, ensuring convenient access to various destinations within the country and beyond. Each airline has its own unique offerings, from national carrier services to specialized charter flights catering to remote and scenic destinations.
Air Botswana
Air Botswana is the national carrier of Botswana, founded in 1972. It operates from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. The airline’s main hub is also the same airport, which serves as a regional gateway for air travel in Southern Africa.
Fleet details – current fleet comprises of 2 new generation ATR72-600 turbopropeller aircraft and 1 EMBRAER E-170 Jet.
Destinations Covered
Harare, Lusaka, Maun, Francistown, Gaborone, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Kasane.
Mack Air
Mack Air is a leading air charter company in Botswana, founded in 1994 by Lara and Stuart Mackay. It operates from Maun Airport.
Fleet Details
I] Cessna Grand Caravan EX – It is a single-engine turboprop aircraft with a 1,600 km range that can accommodate up to 14 passengers. Its short, uneven runways and risky missions make it an ideal choice for flights into Botswana’s rural regions like the Okavango Delta. 867 horsepower is produced by the strong PT6A-140 engines for excellent efficiency and a stable payload performance.
II] GA8 Airvan – This single-engine, maximum six-seat utility aircraft is intended for use on gravel landing strips in remote locations4. It is designed to maintain high safety standards while satisfying the requirements of remote region operations4. Notable features include clear convex windows that allow unhindered bird’s-eye views of the Okavango Delta and GPS-based navigation.
III] The Cessna 210 Centurion – It is a high-performance hauler endowed with remarkable strength, agility, and speed. Its all-new cabin and Garmin 500 avionics ensure that comfort is never compromised.
IV] Cessna T206H Stationair – With its rough, shortfield characteristics, this aircraft allows you to go practically anywhere. It is incredibly versatile. The rough cabin of the Cessna 206 will definitely amaze with its elegant simplicity.
Destinations covered
Kasane and Victoria Falls.
Moremi Air
It is a charter airline that operates from Maun Airport, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, in Botswana. The airline was founded in 1997.
Fleet Type
1 PAC750XL – PAC750XL Turboprop
2 C208- Cessna Caravan Turboprops
2 C210 – Cessna Centurion Singles
2 C206 – Cessna Stationair Singles
3 GA8 – Gippsland Airvan Singles
Destinations covered
Johannesburg, Livingstone, Maun and Kasane.
Major Blue Air
Major Blue Air is a premier aviation services provider based in Botswana, with two convenient locations in Gaborone and Maun. The airline was founded in 2009 by Michael Weyl who is the current CEO.
Fleet details
I]Cessna 172 Skyhawk – Speed of 180 km/hr.
II]Gippsland Aeronautical GA8 Airvan – Speed of 210 km/hr.
III] Cessna Grand Caravan – Speed of 270 km/hr.
IV]Cessna C208 Grand Caravan [executive] – speed of 305 km/hr.
V]Beechcraft Baron 58 – Speed of 320 km/hr.
VI]King Air 200– Speed of 450 km/hr.
Destinations covered
Maun, Gaborone, Kasane, Francistown, Gweta, Khwai, Savuti, Linyanti, Nxai Pan, Windhoek, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Livingstone and Victoria falls.
Conclusion:
Air Botswana offers a comprehensive route network covering key destinations within the country and across Southern Africa. With a modern fleet comprising new-generation aircraft like the ATR72-600 turbopropellers and the EMBRAER E-170 Jet, Air Botswana ensures a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
Moreover, Air Botswana’s established reputation, coupled with its focus on safety and reliability, instills confidence among travelers. While other airlines like Mack Air, Moremi Air, and Major Blue Air offer specialized charter services and cover specific destinations, Air Botswana stands out for its wide-ranging connectivity, making it a preferred choice for both domestic and regional travel within Botswana.
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