Botswana

Getting around

Hitching

Because public transport is somewhat erratic, hitching is relatively safe and fairly common although it is still always a risk. On main routes there should be no major problems, but ascertain a price before climbing aboard. Most drivers expect the equivalent of the bus fare.

Hitching the back roads isn’t as straightforward. If you’re hitching along the Trans-Kalahari Highway, through the Tuli Block or from Maun to Kasane through Chobe National Park, carry camping gear and enough food and water for several days of waiting.

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Car & motorcycle

The best way to travel around Botswana is to rent a vehicle. With your own car, you can avoid public transport (which is limited to routes between major towns) and organised tours. The downside is that distances are long and the cost of renting a vehicle is high in Botswana. You can expect to pay about US$50/100 for a rental car/4WD in Botswana, though long-term rentals in South Africa can bring this figure down substantially. Plus, it’s hassle free to cross the border, assuming you have a written permission from the rental agency.

When driving anywhere look out for donkeys. At times main highways will be thick with these large-eared asses standing immobile in the roadway, with a few sheep and goats thrown in for good measure. Other (larger) animals also wander onto major highways. The biggest problems are elephants and kudu (if you hit one of these you’re really screwed). Drive slowly, keep calm and remember that the extra amount of time it will take you to get from point A to B is just part of the journey.

If you’re determined to rent a vehicle in Botswana, the following are some reputable companies:

Avis (391 3093; fax 391 2550; www.avis.com; Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone)

Budget (390 2030; www.budget.co.za; Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone)

Holiday (686 2429; Maun, Maun Airport)

Imperial (390 7333; www.imperialcarrental.co.za; Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone)

Tempest (390 0011; www.tempestcarhire.co.za; Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone)

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Train

The Botswana Railways system is limited to one line running through eastern Botswana. It stretches from Ramokgwebana on the Zimbabwean border to Ramatlhabama on the South African border, and was once part of the glorious Johannesburg–Bulawayo service, which is now sadly defunct. Although cheap and reliable it is painfully slow and serves places of little or no interest to the tourist.

There are two different types of train – the quicker and more expensive ‘day train’, and the slower and cheaper ‘night train’. Both travel the route between Lobatse and Francistown, via Gaborone, Pilane, Mahalapye, Palapye, Serule and other villages.

Schedules and tickets are available at all train stations, but reservations are only possible at Gaborone, Francistown and Lobatse. For 1st and 2nd class, advance bookings are essential; economy-class passengers can buy a ticket in advance or on the train.

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Local transport

Public transport in Botswana is geared towards the needs of the local populace and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although cheap and reliable, it is of little use to the traveller as most of Botswana’s tourist attractions are off the beaten track.

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Air

The national carrier, Air Botswana (www.airbotswana.co.bw), operates scheduled domestic flights between Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane.

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