Johannesburg-Maun?

[OLVpilot]

I will be heading down to Johannesburg; SEA-MEM-ATL-SID-JNB and I'm at somewhat of a loss on how to get to Maun from this point.

I understand flights run between the cities, but I was unable to find prices for tickets. Also, I would consider busing it or driving if this is an option. Any ideas? I'm trying not to be as clueless as possible upon arrival in JNB. What are the best methods of travel and their costs?

[rodmur]

Air Botswana daily flights. Any travel agent can sell u a tkt

[ERASER]

OLVpilot

Air Botswana is the only airline flying direct to Maun daily, as SAA goes to Gaborone.....The Air Botswana flight will costs about USD 500.00 (Rate ZAR 8.0245 / USD) per pers. all taxes included (JHB Flight Centre 27 011 616 4888 - Margariet)
The flight will be the fastest but most expensive.......for USD 500 p/p I'll rather travel by road and sleep over in nice hotels along the way.....although you would be able to travel in one day from Johannesburg to Maun....

Regards

E

[OLVpilot]

thanks, the ticket might be a bit too expensive. If taking a bus from Johannesburg, what station would I leave and purchase a ticket from?

[Icarus208]

I dont want to be the bearer of bad news OLV but this is Africa that you are coming to. There aint no bus service you thinking of. There is taxi services but it aint the yellow cabs you have in Seattle. This taxi is fully loaded with at least 20 to 30 "sweaty" locals crammend into small space.

Your best bet is to catch the plane which obviously is quite expensive. Then the other option is that you come to SA spend a few days in JHB and go to flight schools and ask whether there is new Comm Pilots that just recently finished their Comms as well. Then give those guys a call and maybe convince them to go to Maun to look for work, that way you hitch a ride with one of them in their car and pitch in a few dollars for "go go juice" (petrol money). A whole lot cheaper, but remember the few days you spend in SA dont go party too hard and stay in great hotels then it defies the whole object of "saving". Otherwise your option to fly is lot cheaper in the long run.

Hope you come right dude

[OLVpilot]

Thanks for the responses, I just might end up taking the flight due to the convenience of time more than anything.

[OLVpilot]

Another note, Does anyone know what the written exam consists of in Botswana? Aircraft performance, aerodynamics or more relative to the nation's ops?

[Contract Dog]

all I can remember from that exam with regard to restricted air space is "dont fly over the presidents house"

Dog

[21391401]

Icarus hi - I think from you previous posts you said you were in Namibia? How is the pilot job environment in your neck of the woods? I am a CPL just finishing an intstrument rating and am looking for a first job (270TT). Botswana a better bet? However, I presume they have already done their hiring for the year? ... thx for any help

[flying paddy]

Hi

You can get a bus from Joburg to Gaborone and then a Bus to Maun. Pm me for details.

You only do an CPL airlaw exam and flight test here in Botswana. Piece of Pi$$.

Anyone out there needing advice PM me.

Cheers

Paddy

[gulfstream20]

does anybody have information on the bus companies that run from gaberone to maun and the time it takes. i have been searching on the net without any luck

[OLVpilot]

Having just visited, your best bet to try a minibus to get up there. As the previous poster said, they are crowded and jammed-full of folks, but they are very cheap. However, Botswana in contrast to South Africa, is relatively safe and you shouldn't be deterred by the 'site' of something that looks third world or whatever.

I believe also, I saw many charter buses headed in the opposite direction when I drove back to Jo'burg from Maun. Many don't have good contact sites online, but if you are in gaborone and went to the station, you'd easily find some luxury bus liners.

Let me know how your search goes...I need to head back to Maun when I have enough cash to last me through the work permit processing.

Try 'Seabelo' and ask for Annie Serero at [email protected]

She helped me out greatly with the bus services in Botswana.

There is also 'Intercape' as well.

[stevef]

Gabs to Maun. It's a 900k trip, more or less, via Francistown and Nata. Used to take me around eleven hours including a couple of breaks and greatly reduced speed in the dark (donkey/cattle collision hazard).
There's a hotel right next to Gabs bus station; I'd suggest staying overnight and catching an early morning bus.

[gulfstream20]

thanx a lot guys , i really appreciate it. i have already booked intercape from joburg to gabs. i think i 'll get to gabs and see if i can get a bus or a minibus. it seems like a cheaper options. i hope i get some luck with the jobs, but i'll let you know when i come back in about two weeks how it went...