Sir Seretse Khama International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (GBE)

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is Botswana's main hub, located approximately 15 km north of Gaborone, the capital.

It is the entry point for those organizing safaris starting from the capital; many visitors bound for Okavango Delta or Chobe prefer instead to fly directly to regional hubs at Maun or Kasane with an internal connection.

Content verified on 03/09/2026

Official source: www.caab.co.bw

How to get to Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

Gaborone is approximately 15 km from the airport: transfer typically takes 20-25 minutes by taxi.

By Car

Those arriving by car (remembering that traffic drives on the left) reach the city center of Gaborone in approximately 20-25 minutes.

By Train

Botswana does not have a relevant passenger railway network for airport-city connections.

By Bus

There is no bus service specifically designed for flights.

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Tips If your itinerary continues to the Okavango Delta or Chobe, verify if the internal flight to Maun or Kasane departs from the same terminal or requires a transfer: many safari operators organize the entire logistics, including the internal flight, as part of the package.

Average travel time to GBE

TrainNot available

Shuttle busNot a dedicated service

Taxi / Private hire20-25 minutes

Parking near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

Within short walking distance of the terminal is a modest parking area.

It is not staffed but is video-monitored; rates are generally modest, consistent with regional standards.

How to get to Gaborone from GBE

By Train

Botswana does not have a significant passenger railway network for airport-to-city connections.

By Bus

There is no shuttle or bus line specifically designed for the airport.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; always agree on the fare beforehand, as meters are not standard practice: approximately 8-16 USD equivalent in pula (100-200 BWP) to Gaborone city center. Uber is not available in Botswana; Bolt has limited presence and is not always reliable at the airport.

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Car rental at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

Major international car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for those organizing an autonomous safari toward the Kalahari or southern parks, less suitable for the Okavango Delta (reachable only by air or specialized 4x4).

Bring your driver's license, passport, and a credit card in your name for the security deposit; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required. Driving is on the left, as in the United Kingdom.

Hotels near Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

Seretse Khama Airport is about 15 km from the centre of Gaborone: there are no trains or express buses to the terminal, so the choice is between taxis and hotel shuttles, with a 30-45 minute journey depending on traffic. Travellers with business in the city, or who want restaurants and nightlife, find the CBD convenient, well served by shuttles; those leaving at dawn or on a one-night stopover can stay in the area just north of the airport, a few minutes by taxi from the terminal.

Airport area

The Gabz Airport Inn is about 4 km from the terminal: it has no shuttle of its own, but a taxi covers the distance in a few minutes.

Best for: One-night stopovers and early departures, when it pays to stay a few minutes from the terminal.

Pros

A few minutes by taxi from the terminal, handy for an early-morning flight
A quiet residential area, away from the traffic of the centre

Cons

No restaurants or bars nearby: dinner means staying in the property
Without your own car you still need a taxi even for short trips

Recommended hotels

Gabz Airport Inn About 4 km from the Seretse Khama terminal: a bed & breakfast with a pool and garden, also close to the city's shopping centre. View availability

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City centre

City centre (CBD) and Masa Square

From the CBD, a taxi or hotel shuttle to the airport takes 15-25 minutes depending on traffic on the A1.

Best for: Travellers with business in the city, or who want restaurants, a casino and nightlife close at hand.

Pros

Several hotels in the area offer an airport shuttle
Restaurants, shops and nightlife within walking distance in the CBD

Cons

At rush hour the trip to the airport lengthens because of traffic
Mostly an office district: little to see beyond the shopping centres

Recommended hotels

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Airport services

The airport offers essential services suited to its position as Botswana's principal air gateway.

Shopping & Duty Free

A modest duty-free zone offers international products and local crafts, including hand-woven baskets, a Botswanan tradition.

Lounges & relaxation

Dedicated lounges are unavailable; the terminal bar remains the most comfortable rest option before boarding.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal's public areas. For a local SIM card, Mascom, Orange, and BTC operators have counters at the airport—useful for staying connected before your safari.

Families & Children

The terminal offers basic accommodation for families with young children.

Terminal guide

The terminal is compact and easy to navigate. From check-in to the gate is typically 10 minutes.

Customs and security checks are generally quick given the airport's small size; for international flights, still plan to arrive 2–3 hours ahead.

Map of Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do you need a visa for Botswana?

No, not for most Western nationalities: a free tourist entry permit is granted on arrival, for up to 90 days.

Q. Is it better to land in Gaborone or directly in Maun/Kasane for a safari?

It depends on your itinerary: Gaborone is convenient as a logistical base and for arranging a rental car toward the Kalahari, but for the Okavango Delta and Chobe many operators arrange direct domestic flights to Maun or Kasane, often included in the safari package.

Q. Is malaria prophylaxis necessary?

Gaborone and the south of the country have negligible risk, but the northern tourist areas (Okavango Delta, Chobe, Moremi) are high-risk for malaria: prophylaxis is recommended for anyone visiting these areas.

Q. Can you rent a car to reach the Okavango Delta?

No, the Delta cannot be reached by car: you need a domestic flight or a specialized 4x4 vehicle arranged by the lodge. Renting a car from Gaborone airport, on the other hand, is practical for the Kalahari and the southern parks.