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| Country Guide > Africa > Botswana |
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Travel - Internal Air Major areas of the country are linked by air. There are airports in Francistown, Ghanzi, Jwaneny, Kasane, Maun, Pont Drift and Selebi-Phikwe. Many visitors use charter companies based in Maun to fly to the various lodges in Botswana. These include Delta Air, Mack Air, Moremi Air Services, Northern Air, Sefofane and Wildlife Helicopters. Kalahari Air Services, PO Box 41278, Gaborone (tel: 395 1804 or 3593) offers charters within Botswana and to Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Rail The main railway line runs between Ramatlhabama and Francistown. Work on upgrading and extending the rail network continues. In Botswana, children under seven travel free and children aged seven to 11 pay half fare. Road Botswana has good tarmac roads on the following routes: running from south to north from Lobatse to Francistown up to Ramokgwebana and from Lobatse to Jwaneng; running from Francistown to Kazungula via Nata. There are over 2500km (1500 miles) of bitumised roads in the country. Others are either gravel or sand tracks. Drivers should be careful as many drivers ignore safety rules. There are plans to construct a road network with more major highways. Reserve fuel and at least 20l of water, plus emergency supplies, should always be carried on journeys into more remote areas, and visitors are advised to make careful enquiries before setting out. Wildlife and stray livestock may occasionally pose a hazard, especially in more remote areas. Bus: There are bus services between Gaborone and Francistown, and from Francistown to Nata and Maun. Buses from Francistown to Maun run every day. The journey takes about six hours. Timetables can be obtained from bus operators. Taxi: There is taxi service in all major towns, and it is generally safe. Prices should, however, be agreed before embarking on journey. Car hire: Services are available in Gaborone, Francistown or Maun. 4-wheel-drive vehicles are necessary in many areas. Traffic drives on the left and seat belts must be worn. It is advisable to keep the petrol tank at least half full as distances between towns can be long. There is a speed limit of 120kph (75mph) outside built-up areas, and about 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas. Speed limits are strongly enforced with high fines. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is not legally required, but is recommended for stays of up to six months, or a UK licence is needed and must be carried at all times; thereafter, a Botswana driving licence must be obtained, which will be issued without a test if a valid British licence is produced. Urban Public transport within towns consists of share-taxis or minibus services operating at controlled flat fares. Exclusive use of taxis is sometimes available at a higher charge although fares should always be agreed before setting off. Travel times The following chart gives approximate travel times from Gaborone (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Botswana.
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