Botswana (Chobe to Gaborone)???

Question

Hi guys!

I and my friends will be doing a Southern Africa travel. We start in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbwabwe and then South Africa.

i will only be doing Namibia and Botswana then back to South Africa. I work in South Africa and only have a 10days leave:(

Ok, now to my question: How do you get from Chobe (western part of Botwana) to Gaborone? Is there a train or a bus I can use? How long will it take & is it safe? If there is a place nearby where i can catch a bus inform me abt the place. Nothing on the net :(

I also want to know if ever there are any places in Gaborone which I can just crash in without any reservation or bookings? This is in case I have to sleep over and leave the following morning. If you know any places please include the names and contacts when answering the question.

Well I know I cannot have any problems travelling from Gaborone to South Africa... maybe at the boarder yes.

I will reward a massive 10points to who ever gives a good answer

Answer 1

In answer to your question of how to get from Chobe to Gaborone there are 2 ways. Firstly you can fly from Kasane to Gaborone. The second way is by road and pick up is usually at a central place. Ask at any shop etc and you will be told where to get the "taxi". There are both minibus and larger buses which operate on a "first come first serve" basis. Prices are set by the driver and departure is usually early morning. The journey will last most of the day. Be warned that there is only one road serving Botswana from north to south and this has a high accident rate.

"Taxis" also commute to SA in the same way.

You have an option to get to Francistown by "taxi" and then get the train to Gaborone. This is probably safer but will cost more and trains only run at certain times.

For accommodation there are approximately only 6 hotels and most don't need reservations. The closest to the SA border is the Oasis Motel.

Your best option is to get a taxi to Francistown and then the train right through to Joburg.

Answer 2

Firstly, Chobe is in northern Botswana. There are busses that go from Kasane (the town next to the national park) to Gaborone. You might need to change at Nata and Francistown but it can be done. You can enquire at Kasane Enterprises ([e-mail]). They will be able to give you times etc. They might also be able to tell you about accommodation in Gaborone. Alternatively, try searching for accommodation/youth hostels on the net in Gaborone.
If you really do mean western Botswana the main town there is Ghanzi and there will be mini bus taxis from Ghanzi to Gaborone as well.