South Africans looking for their next African adventure will find it easier than ever to explore the wonders of Botswana, thanks to new direct flights launching in 2025. Airlink announced the expansion of its network to include direct flights between Cape Town and Gaborone starting from 1 April 2025, bringing Botswana’s diverse wildlife and exclusive nature experiences closer to home.
“This new route opens up exciting possibilities for South African travellers,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa. “Botswana has always been a sought-after destination for bucket list holidays and bush lovers, and with these direct flights, we anticipate a surge in interest from both first-time visitors and seasoned African travellers.”
The new Airlink service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, providing a convenient schedule for both business and leisure travellers. Flights will depart Cape Town International Airport (CPT) at 10:50, arriving at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone at 13:00. The return flight will leave Gaborone at 13:45, touching down in Cape Town at 16:00.
Why visit Botswana in 2025?
“Botswana’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a safari experience that feels both authentic and incredibly exclusive,” says Turner. “The country’s low-volume, high-value tourism model ensures that visitors can enjoy close encounters with wildlife without the crowds often associated with more popular safari destinations.”
The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a particular draw for South African travellers. This vast inland river delta is a haven for wildlife and a myriad of bird species. Unique experiences like mokoro safaris allow visitors to explore the delta’s waterways in a way that feels both adventurous and intimate. “This is true bucket list stuff,” adds Turner.
But Botswana’s natural beauty extends beyond the delta. The Kalahari Desert offers a stark contrast to the lush waterways of the Okavango. Here, visitors can experience the vastness of the desert landscape, spot unique desert-adapted wildlife and even spend time with the San Bushmen, learning about their traditional way of life.
The Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, and the Makgadikgadi Pans, a surreal landscape of salt flats that transforms into a flamingo-filled oasis during the wet season, round out Botswana’s diverse offerings.
“Botswana offers such a variety of landscapes and experiences,” Turner explains. “From the water-based safaris in the delta to the stark beauty of the Kalahari, there’s something to attract every type of nature-loving traveller.”
Luxury and exclusivity
Botswana’s tourism model, which focuses on high-end, low-impact experiences, has resulted in some of the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa. For South African travellers looking for a premium getaway, properties in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park or the Makgadikgadi Pans offer world-class accommodations and service in stunning natural settings.
“We’re seeing a trend towards multi-generational family trips and milestone celebrations in Botswana,” Turner reveals. “The combination of exclusivity, luxury and incredible wildlife experiences makes it perfect for these very special occasions.”
Many lodges offer unique experiences that go beyond traditional game drives. These include walking safaris, night drives, helicopter tours and hot air balloon rides – all exclusive activities that allow visitors to experience Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes from new perspectives.
Conservation efforts and sustainable tourism
Botswana’s commitment to conservation is another factor driving its popularity among environmentally conscious South African travellers. The country has set aside nearly 40% of its land for national parks and reserves, demonstrating a strong commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
This focus on conservation extends to the tourism sector, with many lodges and camps in Botswana operating on sustainable principles. From solar power to water conservation initiatives, these properties offer guests the opportunity to enjoy luxury experiences with a minimal environmental footprint.
SADC benefits for South Africans
As members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South African travellers can enjoy additional benefits when visiting Botswana. Many attractions offer discounted entry fees to SADC residents, which is helpful to stretch the rands as the destination isn’t traditionally the cheapest (as is the case with many African destinations) notes Turner.
Planning your Botswana adventure
With the new Airlink route set to launch in April 2025, now is the perfect time for South Africans to start planning their Botswana adventures. Here are some tips from Flight Centre South Africa:
- Book early: With Botswana’s popularity on the rise, securing your preferred accommodations and experiences early is crucial, especially for peak-season travel.
- Consider the seasons: While Botswana offers year-round attractions, the dry season (May to October) is generally best for wildlife viewing. However, the green season (November to April) offers stunning green landscapes and great bird watching, along with incredible game viewing. Shoulder seasons also present the most value for money as accommodation and flights will be cheaper.
- Combine destinations: Take advantage of Botswana’s diverse landscapes by combining a water-based safari in the Okavango Delta with a desert experience in the Kalahari.
- Pack appropriately: Botswana’s safari lodges often have luggage weight restrictions due to small aircraft transfers. Check with your travel agent about specific packing requirements.
- Don’t forget travel insurance: While Botswana is a safe destination, comprehensive travel insurance is always recommended for peace of mind.
With 2025 on the horizon, Botswana is set to become South Africans’ top choice for nearby adventure and luxury travel.
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