Gaborone is, let's be honest, not really a hotspot for tourism in southern Africa.
Sure, there are some safari lodges around, and the Gaborone Game Reserve nearby, but most holidaymakers head north to Maun or Kasane. But for business and government travelers, Gaborone remains a key destination in the region. And it is, from Cape Town, one heck of a drive: the 1450 kilometers will take you around 15 hours to complete, even if you don't stop en route.
So, happy news for anyone gaping it to 'Gabs' is the news that regional airline Airlink will launch direct flights from Cape Town to Gaborone from April 1, 2025. And no, that's no joke.
"Gaborone and Cape Town are important destinations for business and leisure travel, and we have seen rising interest and demand from local and international long-haul customers for an Airlink direct service between the two cities," said Airlink CEO and Managing Director Rodger Foster. "With the introduction of this non-stop Airlink service, we're also able to provide seamless connections at Cape Town for those customers traveling between Gaborone and numerous long-haul destinations on our various international partner airlines' flights."
Airlink flights will take off from Cape Town to Gaborone on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Flights depart Cape Town International Airport at 10.50am and arrive at Gaborone's Sir Seretse Khama International Airport at 1.00pm. The return service leaves Gaborone at 1.45pm and lands in Cape Town at 4pm.
Airlink will fly the 44-seat Embraer E140 Regional Jet on the route, with all-economy seating. Fares include a complimentary luggage allowance of 20kg (30kg for full-fare Economy class tickets), as well as a light meal and refreshments.
And if you fancy a round at one of the two golf courses near the city – Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel Resort, and Gaborone Golf Club – you'll be glad to know that Airlink also throws in a free 15kg sporting equipment allowance.
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