7 April 2025
Air Botswana and KZN launch direct flights between Gaborone and Durban to strengthen tourism and cultural ties.
The collaborative initiative by Air Botswana, the Botswana Tourism Organisation, and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority was designed to enhance understanding among KZN’s tourism operators and local media. The partnership highlighted the potential of KZN as a destination through a meticulously organised tour.
During a dinner party at Gaborone’s prestigious Table50Two, Air Botswana’s CEO, Lulu Rasebotsa, outlined the allure of Durban and its educational institutions as key factors influencing the airline’s decision to establish thrice-weekly direct flights between Gaborone and Durban. The flights, which began discreetly in December, operate from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport to Gaborone’s Sir Seretse Khama International Airport on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, mirroring the frequency of the airline’s other new routes.
The excursion began with a scenic boat cruise on the Chobe River in Kasane, located in the Chobe District, which borders Namibia to the west and Zimbabwe to the northeast. The region is famous for the Chobe National Park, home to approximately 45,000 elephants and a diverse range of wildlife including jackals, leopards, and lions, as well as numerous snake species and birds such as the African Fish Eagle.
From locations like the Chobe National Park or the Mowana Safari Resort and Spa, visitors can enjoy stunning sunsets over the Namibian villages along the Chobe River.
Botswana’s appeal to tourists is enhanced by its large elephant population, currently the largest in Africa at an estimated 132,000, and the unique quadripoint where four countries meet at one geographic point.
The choice of Durban for the direct route was described by Rasebotsa as a natural decision, citing cultural ties and strong social connections between Botswana and KZN. The significant student and familial relationships between the regions further solidify the route’s importance, alongside the presence of top-tier schools in KZN which attract students from Botswana.
In addition to exploring domestic routes, the Botswana delegation experienced a flight from Kasane to Gaborone with a stopover in Maun, a gateway to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for being the world’s largest inland delta that does not flow into any sea.
The reciprocal visit from KZN involved hosting approximately 20 travel operators, officials from Air Botswana, and media members in March. Events in KZN included a welcome ceremony at Capital Zimbali and tours that showcased Durban’s vibrant culture with activities such as rickshaw rides along the beachfront and dining experiences that highlighted local culinary delights.
The visit not only strengthened ties but also enhanced the understanding of KZN as a vibrant tourist destination through detailed presentations and itinerary samples, enriching the visitors’ experience and providing deeper insight into the region’s tourism offerings.
Source: https://rb.gy/uww86z
