The sun rises over The Chobe River, a popular safari destination. Picture: Pexels
From 2025, South Africans looking for their next African adventure will find it easier than ever to explore the wonders of Botswana.
Airlink announced that it is expanding its network to include new direct flights between Cape Town and Gaborone starting from April 1, 2025, bringing Botswana’s diverse wildlife and exclusive nature experiences closer to home.
According to Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa, this new route opens up exciting possibilities for South African travellers.
“Botswana has always been a sought-after destination for bucket list holidays and bush lovers, and with these direct flights, we anticipate a surge in interest from both first-time visitors and seasoned African travellers,” she said.
Here are more reasons why Turner believes that Botswana will be a popular destination for South Africans.
Authentic safari experiences
“Botswana’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a safari experience that feels both authentic and incredibly exclusive,” said Turner.
She highlighted that the country’s low-volume, high-value tourism model ensures that visitors can enjoy close encounters with wildlife without the crowds often associated with more popular safari destinations.
“The Okavango Delta, a Unesco World Heritage site, is a particular draw for South African travellers. This vast inland river delta is a haven for wildlife and a myriad of bird species.
“Unique experiences like Mokoro safaris allow visitors to explore the delta’s waterways in a way that feels both adventurous and intimate.This is true bucket list stuff,” said Turner.
She added that Botswana’s natural beauty extends beyond the delta as the Kalahari Desert offers a stark contrast to the lush waterways of the Okavango.
“Here, visitors can experience the vastness of the desert landscape, spot unique desert-adapted wildlife and even spend time with the San Bushmen, learning about their traditional way of life,” said Turner.
The travel expert also highlighted that the Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant herds, and the Makgadikgadi Pans, a surreal landscape of salt flats that transforms into a flamingo-filled oasis during the wet season, round out Botswana’s diverse offerings.
“Botswana offers such a variety of landscapes and experiences. From the water- based safaris in the delta to the stark beauty of the Kalahari, there’s something to attract every type of nature-loving traveller,” she said.
Luxury and exclusivity
Turner said that Botswana’s tourism model, which focuses on high-end, low-impact experiences, has resulted in some of the most luxurious safari lodges in Africa.
“For South African travellers looking for a premium getaway, properties in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park or the Makgadikgadi Pans offer world-class accommodations and service in stunning natural settings,” said the travel expert.
She said that they’re also seeing a trend towards multi-generational family trips and milestone celebrations in Botswana as the combination of exclusivity, luxury and incredible wildlife experiences makes it perfect for these very special occasions.
“Many lodges offer unique experiences that go beyond traditional game drives. These include walking safaris, night drives, helicopter tours and hot air balloon rides – all exclusive activities that allow visitors to experience Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes from new perspectives,” said Turner.
Conservation efforts and sustainable tourism
The travel expert also said that Botswana’s commitment to conservation is another factor driving its popularity among environmentally conscious South African travellers.
“The country has set aside nearly 40% of its land for national parks and reserves, demonstrating a strong commitment to preserving its natural heritage. This focus on conservation extends to the tourism sector, with many lodges and camps in Botswana operating on sustainable principles,” said Turner.
She also added that from solar power to water conservation initiatives, these properties offer guests the opportunity to enjoy luxury experiences with a minimal environmental footprint.
SADC benefits for South Africans
Lastly, Turner highlighted that as members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), South African travellers can enjoy additional benefits when visiting Botswana.
“Many attractions offer discounted entry fees to SADC residents, which is helpful to stretch the rands as the destination isn’t traditionally the cheapest as is the case with many African destinations,” highlighted Turner.
She said that it is for these reasons that Botswana is set to become South Africans’ top choice for nearby adventure and luxury travel in 2025.