Lifestyle Comparison: Botswana vs. PNG

[Dupre]

Just wondering if anyone has lived/flown in both Botswana and PNG?

How do they compare as places to live? How does the flying compare?

Cheers

[insert_name]

Yes,

Which part of Bots?

PNG is close to OZ (and NZ) which makes it easier to come home on time off.

Which companies are we talking about here?

[Metro man]

Go to Botswana definately. Much safer both on the ground and in the air. BUT best you will do in Bots is likely to be a C208 or BN2, and it is much further away.

PNG will give you Twin Otter/ DHC8 and possibly Air Niugini. It is easier to get to from OZ/NZ. BUT far more dangerous for both living and working.

Botswana is reasonably stable and is by far the safer option. Both countries have a very high incidence of HIV but at least you are very unlikely to be shot/stabbed or fly into a mountain in Botswana.

[insert_name]

Metro man summed it up well.

My pick is Bots, its just such a LONG way away.

[The Hill]

More drinkin in bots

[Integro]

Is it easier to get a job in Botswana than Australia? I have a young family and I'm getting towards the end of my CPL theory exams and would love to travel (with the family) before the kids start school.

Getting to experience some where like that would be great but as you can imagine safety would be a huge factor!

Any way looking forward to following this post.

[The Hill]

Not sure about taking the kiddies off to bots, i mean it is safe, but its still africa. Either way it's an adventure, lots of local wildlife, great bush flying, plenty of expats around.
I waited for 3 months to get work and then another 2 months before my work permit came through and started getting paid, so in that sense, it's "easier" to get a job in oz(eg no permits), probably not as fun though

[Dupre]

Thanks for the replies!

The BIG attraction of PNG is the multi crew twin turbine (and maybe some IFR) and of course flying in the hills. Just how bad is PNG to live in? What can you do when not flying?

Thanks again

[kingtoad]

From a security point of view, I wouldn't take my young family to PNG to live, otherwise I'd be back there at the drop of a hat. During my 18 years up there, things happened to me and close personal friends, (plus all the other stories you hear) that shouldn't happen to any human. Still love the place though.

[Qfeel]

Dupre, Without doubt I would chose Bots over Png.Having flown over there and in this region a guy with a family would be better off in Southern Africa.There are decent companies like Sefo`s which operate C208 and B1900. There are also a couple of operators which fly B200 in and out of diamond mines.

Gab`s in not a bad city either to live in.Good private schools etc.Maun on the other hand is much like an out back town in Aussie.

All the best with your quest.

Qfeel

[JohnnyK]

Bots

I couldnt comment on PNG cos Ive never been there.
I did fly in Botswana for a couple of years and took my wife and a little baby there and had no worries at all. We all had a great time, the flying was magnificent and the Okavango Delta is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

[Trawler]

Before you go of to Bots just ask yourself why the South African pilots over there are trying desperately to get out of Southern Africa. The trouble in South Africa is busy spilling over into Bots. Rather try Tanzania or Kenya but think twice before taking the family to Africa. Been there and trying to get the hell out of there.

[The Hill]

Trawler, Botswana doesnt have the population pressures SA has. And i'm pretty sure Kenya has been through a lot in the last 12 months. Botswana has to be one of the safest, stable countries in Africa.