QNH. QFE (?)
I agree! Just slap it in to a mountain.

What Mountain?

Theres that one small one by Savuti!!!

Nudger
 

Absolutely right wings23. There is nothing to hit bar a camp HF aerial. Sounds like our Pal Vuka might be polishing more than his airplane!!! I hope it wasn't him they were referring to in the Ngami Tmes as the last of the great donkey tapper!! How's Delta Air getting on? Great company!!

Please give me your opinion
 

Last year I finaly acomplish the dream of becoming a pilot. I’ve a CPL (ATPL frozen) SEP and MEP with IR and a little more than 220TT.

I always wanted to fly in Africa and I’ve been following up diferent sites/blogs about Maun. I was planing on going there in January 2012 to try to get a job, but I read that nowadays it’s difficult for a non national of Botswana, with low hours, to get a job there. I’m not a rich guy so I had to get some loans to finish my training. To go there I'll have to quit my job. It's going to be an adventure and a huge economical effort.

Please give me your opinion, should I go there in January?

Thank you for your time.

I've heard of Maun being described as a "drinking town with a safari problem." Are there sporting facilities in town? Cricket, tennis, rugby, squash or even road running clubs?

Maun Sports Complex
 

I found this in my research about Maun "http://www.mysc.gov.bw/dsr/index.php/sports-facilities". I'll go to Maun in January to try my luck. Portuguese speaking pilots have any advantage there?

Its been in the guiness book of world records for highest booze consumption per capita..... twice.

There is action cricket (indoor cricket played outdoors on a tennis court) once a week for a few months down at the local sports club. There is a squash court there as well.
They used to have a cricket field but thats under water now.
Rugby? Its a bit hard to play it on sand but there is a set of sticks down at the local high school. Pleanty of soccer goals around as well.
Theres a gym with a few classes run each day which is pretty popular.

Most of the guys are happy to do sport or exercise if someone can be bothered to organise it.

Thanks for the info!

Bump - We doing just fine ;)

Lilflyboy, im going to put a touch team together soon, let me know if your keen to join us.

Seven a side onanastics is pretty popular in the winter months. During the summer there is quite an active pistol shooting group. Usually meets before brunch on Sundays. Drive out to the NNE on the Lekawane Drift road until you come to the second or third pull over place on the left hand side. There's a large tree there which gives some decent shade. You can park underneath and walk five paces or so due north. There's a large leafed plant there with a yellow ribbon around it. If you relieve yourself on it, scoring a direct hit, a rare act of marksmanship given the alcohol consumption and the heat waves, it'll grow for you. It's really thrilling to watch. Then you can drive back to town.

Good man!

You have made the first step by intending to go, here is the big step, do it.:cool:

It has been a long time since I was involved there but my advice would be forget Jan and go before xmas, set up camp (save money - to live there for three months is cheaper then going a few weeks with savings in Euro/North America/Aus/NZ etc) though make sure you budget yourself, make yourself known to those that matter and go for it, just be nice and approachable without being annoying, counts for anyones first job regardless of where they are.

Others here are more up to speed though (take what I say honestly with a grain of salt, what worked a while ago is different to now).

You said your older so if anything sell yourself better than others, despite what people may think charter operators know what pilots look for in them just as much as what they look for in pilots.

Remember bad names spread so be good but otherwise have fun and go for it.

If you will actually take the step - go for it!

It's one thing to be interested and another to do it, I'm keen to help out on this threat but the best move you can make is to do it.

BD.

PS dont ever tell anyone your PPRUNE name nor mention it. Just advice :ok:

Looking for uk pilots heading to botswana
 

RDF Television are making a documentary series about pilots flying in Africa. We will be mainly based in Botswana. We know that each year a handful of pilots head out to Botswana hoping to get a job, we’re trying to track down anyone who is planning on heading to Botswana this year, or is thinking about it.

We’re going to be filming in Maun, mainly, from October 2011 until probably March 2012. We want to find anyone who is in the uk now, who is planning to go out there.

If this is you or if you know someone who is doing this, please contact message/call me from the details below or message me your contact details.

Kind regards,

Bush Pilot Team
[email protected]
0117 970 7697

Hi brisdude
 

Thanks for the tips

Car Purchase
 

Some advice please. When we get to Maun in Novemeber we need to buy a motor. Our house is 6km off road so advice is a Rav4 and to buy it in Gabs as it hopefully will not have been flogged around off road as most of the ones in Maun have. Also better choice.

The question: Any advantage in arriving with hard cash (GBP/Euro) and doing a cash deal in these currencies? I know that in many African countries this is the best way but I have never bought anything substantial in Bots.

Many thanks, will buy a beer in Nov for the most sensible answer :ok:

Without doubt a Toyota. If the Rav gives you the range you want for its tank capacity and fits all other aspects then it is a good choice. As for the means of payment I cannot comment specifically locally but if you want or need a warranty, either manufacturer or extended, you'll probably need to go through the main dealer. Make sure you don't buy a second hand vehicle that's been imported from the SA coast. That used to be a means of laundering cars with rust problems. Your biggest danger of traveling with cash is that you'll get killed for it and that would be more likely to happen in transit perhaps through JNB or indeed as soon as anyone knows you'll come back tomorrow with the cash. For that timely warning I claim a crate of long life alcohol free beer please.

CC, many thanks especially for the SA tip. Well aware of the security aspect. I have had to carry considerable sums of cash around Africa before and probably been lucky! Yes and thanks also for the 'back tomorrow with the cash' tip. I am going to have to get myself into a completely different mind set when we live there. We will be there for 6 months during which time the key to our house here will be in the bowl by the door and the car open with the keys in the ignition. :ok:

I know a man at the traffic light at Hyde Park Jnb, who'll get me an AK 47 and a thousand rounds for $300. I enjoyed Gaberone and the locals are fine. It's the ex pats you've got to watch out for. They all drink too much, drive and the women fancy themselves as bush types.

What Kate Bush? Golly that ages me :{

Would it make you feel any better if I said that I went to Southern Meths in Dallas and graduated with Laura?

Hello guys, I'm thinking in going down to Maun at the end of January.
Can I ask you for a couple of stupid question?

How much you paid for the return tickets from Europe to Johannesburgh?
Wich airlines are the cheapest?

And also, do I need the english proficiency level on my licence?

The cheapest I've found is Ethiopian Airlines from Milano but I can't book the tickets yet for the dates I want.

I haven't checked for you but have you looked at Emirates? They are the cheapest from Athens. About 500€ return. You may have to go from Rome.

Your next problem cost wise is JNB-Maun. This is expensive. If you can stand it there is a luxury bus run which is a 1/10 the cost of flying.

honestly, what difference does it make what price someone got for an airline ticket? I mean, if you try an hour later, you'll get different prices most days. And depending on what airports you choose to go from/to, you can get different prices. Whatever price you see, that's what you can get AT THAT INSTANT if someone else doesn't press "I'll take it" before you do.

And as for the trip from Johannesburg to Maun, if you're actually thinking that the bus is something you have to be able to "stand", you're not going to be happy in Maun. Read a bit, Maun is not like most any city you've ever been to. Transportation in Africa - even Africa for beginners - is not like it is in Europe. There are some parts of Asia where it's similar, but for the rest of the world, it's quite unique. Even central america has "luxury" taxi's and combi's and mini-buses and buses compared to Africa. Learn to hitch-hike and ride in the back with the cow.

Don't trust the water - anywhere. And ask your doctor about Hepatitis E - it's only in Botswana.

If you still want to come, then by all means do so, and have the time of your life, and good luck finding work.

Not with Emirates and they are usually the cheapest from Athens at least. We have already booked with them for November. A delay will just make availability more difficult - no price difference.

Let me put it this way, I would not go by bus but I was pointing out that this is a much cheaper option and acceptable.

Only trying to help.

And, yes Josemarb all the best in finding a job - it is fantastic flying, a great country and mainly delightful people.

'Doomroomsourse' (sic) is trying to prepare you for Africa it can be a culture shock. I have worked (flying) in over half of the countries on the continent. Bots is the best - in my view.

Yes, I'm not trying to discourage, just prepare you. I took, the bus from JHB to WHK, but when I went from Maun to JHB (after having been there for a while) I hitch hiked. Nothing like sleeping in a tent in the Kalahari, wondering if you'll get a ride the next day, or where you'll find water. But after having pushed taxi's out of the way in order to get from one place to the next, or been the only one on the bus with tools (trusty leatherman) to fix a broken hose on the engine... and and and, you look at "le metro" differently.

Sorry but info to get to Bots is very, VERY available, though if you do not want to try a forum then look to tourist sites can help you get there, honestly though if you worry about getting there then you should look elsewhere.

Remember you aren't a tourist, so you cannot afford to be too fussy, take what your given and suck it up. Guys have been fired for wanting AirCon/Double bed etc just roll with what your given. Be polite and nice to those that work there.

Enjoy.

Related; I like to give advice to people going where I have been but it DOES take a degree of self reliance. If that is not for you - look elsewhere.:ok:

Express! Bus to Maun from JNB
 

I had to find this for a friend and it wasn't easy. Their poster is a little way down this page: Maun Self Drive 4x4 Miscellaneous Page of Essential Information - Maun Self Drive 4x4

@ lilflyboy

Hows the number of job hunters in Maun so far? Are you guys expecting as many (if not more) than last season? The permit saga will prove to be an ever interesting fight as usual :ugh:

Don't worry I wont be one of them (I was and never again will be), just interested ;)

Note that the bus runs twice a week in each direction.
Honestly, you'll have much more fun if you take a combi to Gaberone, then a bus from there to Maun, and it will cost 1/3 of the bus from Jo'berg to Maun.

How cheap can you get it's a 1/10 of the airfare?

Do you have to travel with chickens on your lap and a donkey sitting next to you? - No comments about my wife please :E She is very attractive (have to put that in because we share this computer :O

Excuse my ignorance vot is a 'combi'?

Question about Maun (I have searched)
 

I think I might actually have an original question about going to Maun to find a job. It's basically about my fiancee. Can she come with me. The thought of two years (I plan to stay for at least two years) living in two different countries is not what we would call ideal. I know that she wont be allowed to work (or so I have heard from people who have worked in Botswana), but will she be allowed to stay?

If this question has been answered, please excuse me because I have searched and found nothing.

I stand to be corrected and maybe lilflyboy can confirm my thoughts.

Your fiancee can be granted the same 90 days on entering Botswana so she can most likely be with you for the duration of your job hunting should you want her to be.

Provided you do land a job and sort your work permits out she can come live by you. She will have to apply for a residence permit as a dependant on you. The rest is in the paperwork and holding your breath. :hmm:

I am not sure if its required that you be married though...that will need to be confirmed. But there are a few pilots there with their girls :)

I must warn you though that its risky business taking the love of your life to Maun...good luck with that :E The guys there act like they havent seen a decent woman in years, which they probably havent. She will get ALOT of attention.

Best of luck man :)

lol, the attention I can deal with. I wonder if they can deal with her though. She will drive them crazy and then laugh at them squirming when she leaves with me :p. At least she will have some entertainment :)

:D I like your optimism, it was just a warning not to trust anybody when it comes to that! Should you get a job, you will be flying most of the day leaving your fiancee to her own devices! It has happened before :mad: But that is a conversation for another time...im sure he thought exactly the same thing you did.

Good luck man ;)

I will post a photo if you can organise me a job for next year? I will be coming next year November onwards (Hope I can still get a job then, what with the stuff I have been reading that expats may not be allowed to go fly there with low hours anymore). lol. Anyways, I am used to her getting loads of attention. And thanks for the warning :). I will get her a steel chastity belt and lock her up every day when I go flying and take it off when I get back. Will let her know to start working on her bladder control.

Any chance of you posting a photo old boy :ok:

Klas at this stage i reccommend you do not under any circumstances reveal your real name or information about yourself on this thread! il bet there are a few silent Maun pilots reading this with a sparkle in their beady little eyes ha ha ha ha :cool:

No objections to a photo though...it gets very lonely out here especially when my girlfriend is back in S.A. ;) And no I do not work in Maun although I am there rather often.

It's getting closer...
 

Hello, I'm planning on going to Maun in January but I still have some questions that I can't get answer for.

1 - If I stay in Audi Camp and eat, drink and live a "normal" life for someone without a job (saving, saving, saiving...) how much do you think I'm going to spend per month? Should I take €uros? Are the exchange rate fair?

2 -I read that to get a job in Maun all certificates are important (high school, graduation, criminal record,...) but I'll have to translate everything to english, so I wonder if that translation has to be recognized by the embassy or something?

Thanks for any help

lol, but if I load a photo of her, they will know who she is and then when she gets there, eish, all I can say is EISH!!! :p

Anyways, I was just joking about the job. I am trying to get through my ppl and com as fast as I can, but when I have it I would rather get a job on my own, not through my fiancee's merrit's :p

@Exascot
How cheap? The last trip I made from Maun all the way to Jo'berg was free.
A combi is a Volkswagen Minibus with 15 passengers (sometimes there's 20 or more) including luggage on your lap (unless you get a "local bus" which, if going long distances will have a trailer for luggage)
And I never had to have chickens on my lap, but I did see some people who had them on their laps once.

@Pinante and EVERYONE ELSE
DON'T BRING EUROS OR DOLLARS OR ANY OTHER CURRENCY, except for the small amount you will need to get to where you are going.
There are ATM's everywhere (OK, not in the middle of the Kalahari, but that's not where you're starting) and they don't charge anywhere near as much as the Bureau de Change does. I found that if I went to the Bank and used my ATM to withdraw from my US account, I got charged a total of USD 5.00 MAXIMUM to make the withdrawal, and I got the EXACT exchange rate for that day. When I figured out how much money I could have saved by not bringing cash, I cried... literally... it was HUNDREDS of US dollars.
DO CHECK with your bank to make sure that you can make a withdrawal from the ATM's in whatever country you are going to.

Translating documents, according to my recollection of what I read on the CAA websites for Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, and Kenya, the translations must be done and certified by someone recognized by the CAA (not the embassy) for the "pilot" documents, and by the immigration department for the non-pilot documents - some documents are required by BOTH the CAA and immigration and might, theoretically, have to be translated twice.