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How big is Botswana?

From the waterways of the Okavango Delta to the open landscapes of Chobe and Makgadikgadi, Botswana’s safari regions cover vast and often remote distances. Knowing how long the journeys really take helps you plan a smoother safari and make the most of your time in the wilderness.

Comparison of the size of Tanzania and California

Why 100 km in Botswana can take more time than you think

Distances in Botswana can be misleading. Roads between major towns are often in good condition, but once you travel towards remote safari areas, the pace changes. Sandy tracks, water crossings, wildlife on the road, and remote camps can all affect how long a journey takes.

Sandy tracks can make short distances take longer in Botswana

Water crossings can affect safari routes in Botswana

Wildlife delays are part of travelling through Botswana

Remote camps in Botswana are often far from main roads

That is why safari routes in Botswana are planned in hours, not kilometers. The plus: often the journey is already part of the safari.

Common travel times in Botswana

Botswana’s safari regions are spread across large and often remote wilderness areas. Some routes are ideal for road travel, while others are best reached by light aircraft. Find out the approximate travel times for some of the most common routes in Botswana.

Route	Distance	Approx. travel time
Kasane → Chobe Riverfront	60 km	30–60 min.
Chobe Riverfront → Savuti	160 km	4 hours
Maun → Khwai Community Concession	120 km	4 hours
Maun → Moremi	100 km	4 hours
Nata → Kasane	300 km	4 hours
Maun → Khwai Community Concession	By air	45 min.

Looking for a specific route? See the full overview of driving distances and flight times in Botswana.

By road or by air?

Traveling through Botswana often involves a combination of road transfers and light aircraft flights. Some safari areas are easy to get to by car, while more remote camps are usually reached by air.
Not sure what makes sense for your route? Our travel consultants can help you plan the best combination of road transfers and flights so you spend less time figuring out logistics and more time enjoying Botswana.

Request a travel proposal Explore Botswana itineraries

Full travel time overview

Looking for a specific route? Below you’ll find a complete overview of common driving distances and light aircraft flight times in Botswana.

Northern Botswana: Chobe & Savuti 🚙

Route	Distance	Approx. travel time
Kasane → Chobe Riverfront	60 km	30 min.–1 hour
Chobe Riverfront → Savuti	160 km	4 hours
Savuti → Khwai Community Concession	100–120 km	4 hours
Khwai Community Concession → Kasane	240 km	6 hours

Okavango & Moremi Region 🚙

Route	Distance	Approx. travel time
Maun → Khwai Community Concession	120 km	4 hours
Savuti → Kasane	170 km	5–7 hours
Maun → Moremi Game Reserve	100 km	4 hours
Moremi Game Reserve → Okavango Delta camps	80–120 km	3–4 hours

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans Region 🚙

Route	Distance	Approx. travel time
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park → Nxai Pans National Park	50–80 km	1.5–2.5 hours
Boteti River → Nata	150–200 km	2–3 hours
Nata → Kasane	300 km	4 hours

By light aircraft ✈️

Route	Transport	Approx. travel time
Savuti → Kasane	By air	1 hour
Khwai Community Concession → Savuti	By air	30 min.
Savuti → Chobe Riverfront (Kasane)	By air	45–60 min.
Maun → Moremi Game Reserve	By air	30–45 min.
Moremi Game Reserve → Khwai	By air	30–45 min.
Maun → Khwai Community Concession	By air	45 min.
Maun → Boteti River	By air	1 hour
Maun → Makgadikgadi Pans National Park	By air	1 hour
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) → Kasane	By air	1 hour
Okavango Delta → Maun	By helicopter	45–60 min.
Moremi Game Reserve → Okavango Delta camps	By air	15–30 min.