Take to the African skies with Air Botswana

In a sparsely populated country of over half a million square miles, Air Botswana plays a crucial role in connecting the regions. It's also vital for enabling visitors to explore and enjoy its diverse landscapes and ecology. With such an important function in the life of the country, it's no surprise that the airline has always had an element of state ownership and control.

Operating in the region since the early years of the 1970s, the airline has expanded from its original single aircraft to a fleet of seven, based around the ATR-72 and the ATR-42 propeller aircraft. The fleet operates out of Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, around 10 miles from the capital Gaborone.

One of the most important routes links Gaborone to Francistown, the country's second largest city and sometimes called "the capital of the north". Other key destinations include Maun, near the wetlands of the Okavango Delta. This World Heritage Site is home to an amazing range of animals and birdlife. Towards the border with Namibia, the Chobe National Park is a popular location for safaris and excursions -- the airport at Kasane is the ideal starting point.

Further afield, the airline also operates regular services to South Africa, connecting with both Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Flying with Air Botswana

Operating mainly as a single-class carrier, the airline concentrates on good in-flight service for all its customers. Beverages and cold snacks are available on all main services, and most aircraft also offer audio/visual in-flight entertainment.

The Teemane Club frequent flier programme allows fliers to earn travel points and offers four levels of rewards from Blue up to Diamond Club membership. Benefits include priority check-in and booking services and excess baggage allowance.

Practical information

The normal one-hour-before check-in deadline applies for most internal services, although the check-in period is two hours for international flights, including those to Johannesburg.

Luggage allowances are as follows:

• 23 kg hold luggage limit for all economy services (although where 'club' services are operated, this may rise to 32 kg). The two items should not exceed 158 cm at their widest point.
• All passengers may take one item of cabin luggage, which should weigh no more than 5k g and be no bigger than 115 cm.
• In addition, other small personal items may be carried, including coats and handbags. Tourists should note that this includes a small camera or binoculars -- useful if you're planning a safari!