Maun, Botswana. The essential guide.
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RDF Television are making a documentary series for UKTV’s channel Dave about the men and women flying small planes in southern Africa. We’ll be following the lives of these courageous pilots as they ferry passengers and cargo around the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert, and as they try to live a normal life in a part of the world which is anything but!
Young pilots head to Botswana from all over the world to take on possibly the toughest job they’ll ever do. This is real hands and feet flying and pilots here have to contend with wildlife on the airstrips, rapidly changing weather, and tough, busy schedules as they quickly clock up flying hours in some of the most amazing scenery in the world.
The only way to get a job in Botswana is to turn up and try your luck. You can’t apply for jobs by email or phone, you have to roll up to have a chance. Each year a huge crowd of pilots from every corner of the globe camp out in the hope that this year they might just land the dream job of becoming a bush pilot.
We’re looking for any pilots currently in the UK who are planning on heading to Botswana this year... if you’re thinking of going this year, or early next year, please drop us a line on 0117 970 7697 or email us: [email protected]
Young pilots head to Botswana from all over the world to take on possibly the toughest job they’ll ever do. This is real hands and feet flying and pilots here have to contend with wildlife on the airstrips, rapidly changing weather, and tough, busy schedules as they quickly clock up flying hours in some of the most amazing scenery in the world.
The only way to get a job in Botswana is to turn up and try your luck. You can’t apply for jobs by email or phone, you have to roll up to have a chance. Each year a huge crowd of pilots from every corner of the globe camp out in the hope that this year they might just land the dream job of becoming a bush pilot.
We’re looking for any pilots currently in the UK who are planning on heading to Botswana this year... if you’re thinking of going this year, or early next year, please drop us a line on 0117 970 7697 or email us: [email protected]
Probably.
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Hello there,
Will a pilot working in Africa flying aircrafts, be able to log hours on a JAA licence? Also, would this hours account to unfreeze an JAR ATPL?
I believe most of the aircrafts operated in Africa for Bush flying are categorized as single Pilot operated. If you're sitting on the RHS, would that be loggable under JAA, or you have to be actually flying the AC on the LHS?
THanks a lot for your info!!
Will a pilot working in Africa flying aircrafts, be able to log hours on a JAA licence? Also, would this hours account to unfreeze an JAR ATPL?
I believe most of the aircrafts operated in Africa for Bush flying are categorized as single Pilot operated. If you're sitting on the RHS, would that be loggable under JAA, or you have to be actually flying the AC on the LHS?
THanks a lot for your info!!
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@lilflyboy262
You know, I have 2 kids, 4 step kids, 6 foster kids, 4 grand-kids... I thought I was patient, but you, my friend, "patience of Job".
At what point will you just begin to respond "RTFM"? The Manual, which by the way, you wrote, that is an accumulation of all the knowledge and experience ever documented on the subject, in one concise place...
You know, I have 2 kids, 4 step kids, 6 foster kids, 4 grand-kids... I thought I was patient, but you, my friend, "patience of Job".
At what point will you just begin to respond "RTFM"? The Manual, which by the way, you wrote, that is an accumulation of all the knowledge and experience ever documented on the subject, in one concise place...
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They are so keen to make this documentary they couldn't be bothered to answer my e-mails. Is this going to be another 'Botswana Bound'? Probably.
With the assistance of all you guys I am sure that this will be an excellent series. Just don't be filmed partying again
I am looking forward to getting back there in 6 weeks
I just hope they have caught or shot all those escaped crocs from the farm just 4 km away from our house on the river
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Last I heard about escaped crocs was a few years back.
Had something to do with a drunken cricket team taking them from the croc farm.
A few of the crocs died, a few lived, and a few escaped.
One of the cricketers woke up with a bite on his shoulder.
Had something to do with a drunken cricket team taking them from the croc farm.
A few of the crocs died, a few lived, and a few escaped.
One of the cricketers woke up with a bite on his shoulder.
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Windhoek / Maun end of 2011
Hey All
My very first post!! ....well, after 8 years behind a desk saving and at 29, finally got my SA CPL/IR... Been on the CPL scene now for 3 months and iv'e watched most of my fellow class mates from flight school pass through Namibia and Bots over the years with great interest and a burning desire to fly in the bush. most of them have moved onto bigger things now.
But non the less, massive amounts of reading, both on Avcom, Pprune, ******** and facebooking for advice covered all my questions that ive had for the last couple of years.
lilflyboy262 - great job with the initial coloumn to this thread, I take my hat off to you.....
from all the research and contacting people, it "seems" that Namibia is more strict on the work visa and granting interviews to local citizens than what Bots is.... if anyone could kindly comment on this id appreciate it... it just seems that way from my side. Had a chat to a couple of guys over in Nam, and it is a very real threat... the companies that responded to my mails made it very clear that foreign CV's will be filed for 6 months until the pool of locals dry up, interviews till then will not be granted. which is fair enough. - this was 2 days ago.
Anyway, im going to make the big trip at the end of October, and try and stick it out as long as i financially can. CPT-WHK-MAUN.
just one quick question to anyone that can shed some light on this.
I plan to take intercape bus from CPT-WHK. will one have to travel by bus back into SA, then on to JHB to Gabs to eventually get into maun... or is there a direct bus/train from WHK to Maun.. tried looking at trains as well but i cannot find updated schedules, intervals and pricing.
Im so psyched for the end of year season, and i really hope to meet most of you in the camps over a few beers.
Cheers.
My very first post!! ....well, after 8 years behind a desk saving and at 29, finally got my SA CPL/IR... Been on the CPL scene now for 3 months and iv'e watched most of my fellow class mates from flight school pass through Namibia and Bots over the years with great interest and a burning desire to fly in the bush. most of them have moved onto bigger things now.
But non the less, massive amounts of reading, both on Avcom, Pprune, ******** and facebooking for advice covered all my questions that ive had for the last couple of years.
lilflyboy262 - great job with the initial coloumn to this thread, I take my hat off to you.....
from all the research and contacting people, it "seems" that Namibia is more strict on the work visa and granting interviews to local citizens than what Bots is.... if anyone could kindly comment on this id appreciate it... it just seems that way from my side. Had a chat to a couple of guys over in Nam, and it is a very real threat... the companies that responded to my mails made it very clear that foreign CV's will be filed for 6 months until the pool of locals dry up, interviews till then will not be granted. which is fair enough. - this was 2 days ago.
Anyway, im going to make the big trip at the end of October, and try and stick it out as long as i financially can. CPT-WHK-MAUN.
just one quick question to anyone that can shed some light on this.
I plan to take intercape bus from CPT-WHK. will one have to travel by bus back into SA, then on to JHB to Gabs to eventually get into maun... or is there a direct bus/train from WHK to Maun.. tried looking at trains as well but i cannot find updated schedules, intervals and pricing.
Im so psyched for the end of year season, and i really hope to meet most of you in the camps over a few beers.
Cheers.
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The is no direct anything from Windhoek to Maun other than Air Namibia.
The way to get via bus is catching the Bus that runs from Windhoek to Gabs, After crossing the border, you hitch hike to Ghanzi, and then catch the bus that goes from Gabs to Maun via Ghanzi.
If that seems too much of an effort. Go all the way to Gabs, then catch the Maun bus from there.
Best way is to stay at the backpackers and try and catch a ride with people who are going this way.
There are small local buses but I have lost the contact numbers. They run from Windhoek to Zimbabwe and pass through Maun. Last I heard they were around 400 rand to get to Maun.
If I was you, I would head via Maun first. The hiring in Namibia kicks off towards the start of the year, while Maun is towards the end of the year.
The way to get via bus is catching the Bus that runs from Windhoek to Gabs, After crossing the border, you hitch hike to Ghanzi, and then catch the bus that goes from Gabs to Maun via Ghanzi.
If that seems too much of an effort. Go all the way to Gabs, then catch the Maun bus from there.
Best way is to stay at the backpackers and try and catch a ride with people who are going this way.
There are small local buses but I have lost the contact numbers. They run from Windhoek to Zimbabwe and pass through Maun. Last I heard they were around 400 rand to get to Maun.
If I was you, I would head via Maun first. The hiring in Namibia kicks off towards the start of the year, while Maun is towards the end of the year.
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Hey Chaps,
Is there anyone in Maun at the moment that could
let us know what the current situation is regarding outlook for
work leading up to the new season? any cracks developing, or rumours at this early stage?
Phoned CAA this morning, requesting a letter of clearance/confirmation
that im not a fraudulent CP. They send it via email and cc the Botswana DCA... im still waiting for the email.
safe skies.
Is there anyone in Maun at the moment that could
let us know what the current situation is regarding outlook for
work leading up to the new season? any cracks developing, or rumours at this early stage?
Phoned CAA this morning, requesting a letter of clearance/confirmation
that im not a fraudulent CP. They send it via email and cc the Botswana DCA... im still waiting for the email.
safe skies.
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AAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!! 
Please please PLEASE read this thread from page 1 to page 11! And then please read the thread Maun season 2010 - 2011 from page 1 to 11! And then read it again...there is no reasonable question that has not being answered by lilflyboy! The guy is even giving you updates on the hiring situation! Would you like to be spoonfed and offered a job and a cosy little house on the river??
THEN...NOBODY KNOWS if/when/how/why people will get hired! One thing is for certain, if you dont go you have 0% chance! THAT is the only certainty...unless of course you have a ridiculous amount of hours etc. Enough about cracks or what is happening or how will the hiring go! That is by far the most frustrating question a person can ask on this topic! You must have realised that Maun is not Europe and there are no rules as to when/who/how/why people are hired. Surely this is the last time this has to be pointed out....if you looking for reassurance well sorry there is none! (we are all big people now)
@ DARKROOMSOURCE I feel your pain and I cant help but give my opinion on this matter!
Go, dont go but either way I dont think you will regret making the trip even if you dont get a job! It is a great time and you meet some great people and learn to be independant and do things for yourself...for once! It gives an unshielded view on REALITY! Something most fresh comm (including myself) had no idea about...
I wish everybody the best of luck but please stop posting stupid repetitive questions.
Please please PLEASE read this thread from page 1 to page 11! And then please read the thread Maun season 2010 - 2011 from page 1 to 11! And then read it again...there is no reasonable question that has not being answered by lilflyboy! The guy is even giving you updates on the hiring situation! Would you like to be spoonfed and offered a job and a cosy little house on the river??
THEN...NOBODY KNOWS if/when/how/why people will get hired! One thing is for certain, if you dont go you have 0% chance! THAT is the only certainty...unless of course you have a ridiculous amount of hours etc. Enough about cracks or what is happening or how will the hiring go! That is by far the most frustrating question a person can ask on this topic! You must have realised that Maun is not Europe and there are no rules as to when/who/how/why people are hired.
Surely this is the last time this has to be pointed out....if you looking for reassurance well sorry there is none! (we are all big people now)@ DARKROOMSOURCE I feel your pain and I cant help but give my opinion on this matter!
Go, dont go but either way I dont think you will regret making the trip even if you dont get a job! It is a great time and you meet some great people and learn to be independant and do things for yourself...for once! It gives an unshielded view on REALITY! Something most fresh comm (including myself) had no idea about...
I wish everybody the best of luck but please stop posting stupid repetitive questions.
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@ Cessna driver...that post is not aimed specifically at you! No hard feelings!
BTW are you not jumping the gun a bit with regards to getting clearance and sending it to CAAB?? (not DCA anymore) Maybe lilflyboy can advise but that does'nt sound like a very smart thing to do. They wont even accept that clearance. If/when you do get a job here they will personally email SACAA for one. I tried that and they refused saying they will get the clearance themselves. You'll wait a long time for a reply...
I know you excited but just focus on the important things for now...
BTW are you not jumping the gun a bit with regards to getting clearance and sending it to CAAB?? (not DCA anymore) Maybe lilflyboy can advise but that does'nt sound like a very smart thing to do. They wont even accept that clearance. If/when you do get a job here they will personally email SACAA for one. I tried that and they refused saying they will get the clearance themselves. You'll wait a long time for a reply...
I know you excited but just focus on the important things for now...
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Would you like to be spoonfed and offered a job and a cosy little house on the river??
Secured this for 2,200 Pula a month - the crocs are free.
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@ Charlie Victor Sierra
No hard feelings taken at all. I should have re-phrased some of what i said as not to piss a few people off. My appologies...
I dont neccessarily think its a bad thing to have as much docs as possible, like lilflyboy said... if you have it, bring it. Anyway, after begging like a dog for 5 days, the SACAA eventually sent it to me.
will PM you when i arrive next week, would like to meet you.
Regards
No hard feelings taken at all. I should have re-phrased some of what i said as not to piss a few people off. My appologies...
I dont neccessarily think its a bad thing to have as much docs as possible, like lilflyboy said... if you have it, bring it. Anyway, after begging like a dog for 5 days, the SACAA eventually sent it to me.
will PM you when i arrive next week, would like to meet you.
Regards
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Exascot great spot you have there And thats a steal man...il definately give you a call if i ever need to do some house hunting!
@cessna driver no worries man Unfortunately im not based in Maun at the moment but your still welcome to PM me. Lilflyboy is the guy you need to meet!
Good luck man....
And thats a steal man...il definately give you a call if i ever need to do some house hunting!@cessna driver no worries man
Unfortunately im not based in Maun at the moment but your still welcome to PM me. Lilflyboy is the guy you need to meet! Good luck man....
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Just for the record, it is VERY difficult to rent in Maun. We spent a week going all around looking for something like the above. A flat in town (expensive) is possible but then it has to be a 12 month contract. Found our 'shack' through a local friend.