Gents:
I'm looking into a Botswana hunt this summer with Matthew Egan.
What is your preferred route to Maun? It's been so many years since I was there I can'r recall any options.
Thanks,
Cal

From Joburg two operators fly to Maun dayly, at least on weekdays...we have done this many times with Air Link who is operated by SAA..

Earlier you could fly in from Windhoek with Air Namibia but that flight is discontinued.

You can also fly from Addis to Gaborone with Ethiopian Airlines and on to Maun from there..

We take Air Botswana from Joberg to Maun. I refuse to fly SAA. The Emirates flight from Dubai arrives about 05:30 and there is a 11:30 flight to Maun on AB.

I actually drove from Maseru, Lesotho to Maun back in 1971 but do not recommend it even from Joburg which is closer, and that the route is all tar now, as opposed to dirt back in the day.

Second trip to the Okavango was in 1983 and we chartered a Cessna puddle jumper from Lanseria (Joburg's other airport). Nice flight for 4 of us and we had time to clear customs and Duck Inn to acquire potables for the three night mokoro trip into the swamp. Security was a Bayi tribesman with an insubstantial spear to back up his mokoro pushing pole...

Looks like options have increased at this point...

Regards, Tim

In 2014, I flew Joburg to Maun and then drove to Kasane and Vic Falls.

Cal. I was just there in August. I d recommend Alaska to Atlanta then Johannesburg, stay over at City Lodge, and fly out the next day to Maun. If you take two checked bags make sure they are checked all the way or you pay extra. Make sure you get the SA police form done and USA 457 form within 6 months and date as such. I use Gracy travel to get all that done. This last year I ve been out 4 times to SA. There s no magic flight but if I don’t have rifles I sometimes fly via Amsterdam.

Thanks, gents.
Cal

quote:

Originally posted by LR3:
Cal. I was just there in August. I d recommend Alaska to Atlanta then Johannesburg, stay over at City Lodge, and fly out the next day to Maun. If you take two checked bags make sure they are checked all the way or you pay extra. Make sure you get the SA police form done and USA 457 form within 6 months and date as such. I use Gracy travel to get all that done. This last year I ve been out 4 times to SA. There s no magic flight but if I don’t have rifles I sometimes fly via Amsterdam.

I did virtually the exact itinerary here...overnight in Joberg...take airline the next morning..arrive in Maun around noon..easy...

A few years ago I flew into Maun for a hunt. I took the 11:00 AM SAA flight from NY (JFK international) to Joberg then caught the flight to Maun the same day. That way I avoid the SAPS BS in Joberg. Coming from Alaska that would mean flying to NY and overnighting. I'd check into that with the NY police since they have some crazy gun laws in that city. That was not an issue with me since I take a shuttle from my house to the NY Airport early in the morning. Checking guns in at JFK is surprisingly easy. The Port Authority police come to the ticket counter and check to make sure the guns are unloaded then walk you over to TSA and it's done.

i would suggest an airplane - driving would take to long=let me know if you need more help

Oh man the good old days awesome!

quote:

Originally posted by Tim Carney:
I actually drove from Maseru, Lesotho to Maun back in 1971 but do not recommend it even from Joburg which is closer, and that the route is all tar now, as opposed to dirt back in the day.

Second trip to the Okavango was in 1983 and we chartered a Cessna puddle jumper from Lanseria (Joburg's other airport). Nice flight for 4 of us and we had time to clear customs and Duck Inn to acquire potables for the three night mokoro trip into the swamp. Security was a Bayi tribesman with an insubstantial spear to back up his mokoro pushing pole...

Looks like options have increased at this point...

Regards, Tim

Air Botswana is notorious for delays and cancellation. That only leaves SA Air link. Not a fan, but think it is best option. I have done it a number of times, and never had a problem. It's only 1:15-1:30 flight...

quote:

flying to NY and overnighting

You must have a Gun Permit for New York or you will NOT be able to leave the Airport with your Fire Arm!!!