Finding a good flight deal to Botswana doesn’t have to be complicated. If you know where to look and when to book, you can save a lot of money on your airfare. This guide will help you get the best prices using easy and straightforward methods.
Book Your Flight at the Right Time
Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. If you can, avoid booking last-minute. It’s usually cheaper to book your flight 3 to 6 months in advance, especially for international travel. For peak seasons, like around holidays, book even earlier.
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Another time to look out for deals is midweek. Airlines often release sales on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Prices can be lower on these days, so keep an eye on them.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
Don’t just book directly with the first airline you find. Use flight comparison sites to check prices across different airlines and booking platforms. Some of the best tools include:
- Google Flights
- Skyscanner
- Momondo
- Kayak
These tools quickly scan multiple airlines, including budget carriers, and show you the best deals. Play around with flexible dates, and you might find a cheaper option a day or two earlier or later than your original plans.
Set Up Price Alerts
Waiting for the right time to book? Use price alerts. Many comparison tools, like Google Flights or Skyscanner, let you track prices on specific routes. You’ll get an email or notification when prices drop. This way, you don’t have to manually search every day.
Be Flexible With Dates and Routes
If your Botswana travel dates are flexible, you stand a better chance of finding a low-cost flight. Sometimes flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday has cheaper fares than flying on Friday or Sunday.
Another trick is to try nearby airports. If you can, search for flights to Johannesburg (South Africa) and then take a regional flight from there to Gaborone, Botswana. Transit routes can sometimes be a good way to save, even if it’s a bit more of a hassle.
Avoid Weekends and Peak Tourist Seasons
If you can travel during off-peak times, do it. Airfares tend to be cheaper when there’s less demand. Avoid booking during major holidays or high season (around Christmas, Easter, and summer) if saving money is your priority.
Botswana’s peak tourist season is in July and August, which means flights and accommodation will be more expensive. Try visiting between November and March, when you may find bigger flight discounts due to the “green season.”
Consider Budget Airlines
Not all flight search engines show budget carriers, so check budget airline sites directly. Airlines like Air Botswana and Fastjet often have regional flights at competitive prices.
If you’re arriving from a city like Cape Town, Johannesburg, or Nairobi, regional airlines might offer cheaper flights compared to bigger air carriers. Just remember: budget airlines may not include extras like baggage in the price, so factor that into the total cost.
Check for Layovers
A direct flight may be the most convenient, but it’s often not the cheapest. If saving money is your goal, consider booking a flight with a layover. Flights with 1 or 2 stops are usually more affordable. As long as the layover isn’t too long, it’s worth the savings.
For flights to Botswana, you’ll usually have a layover in a major hub like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi. Some layovers might even give you a chance to explore another destination if you can schedule enough time.
Look for Airline Loyalty Programs
If you fly often or plan to travel more in the future, join airline loyalty programs. Even if you only fly occasionally, signing up for a frequent flyer program can help you accumulate miles towards free or discounted flights.
Airlines like Air Botswana, South African Airways, and Qatar Airways are part of global alliances that share mileage programs. It doesn’t cost anything to sign up, and those miles can be valuable later.
Check Nearby International Airports
Sometimes, flying directly into Botswana can be more expensive. A cheaper option may be to fly into a nearby country and then use regional airlines or ground transportation to reach Botswana. One of the most common routes is into Johannesburg, and from there, you can catch a shorter flight to Gaborone or Maun.
Don’t Overlook Local or Regional Airlines
If you’re traveling regionally or within Africa, local or smaller airlines may offer good deals. Airlines such as:
- Air Botswana
- Fastjet
- SAA (South African Airways)
These airlines often have competitive prices on shorter routes. Keep in mind that services like meals and baggage allowances might be basic, so check the terms before you book.
Be Ready to Book Immediately
If you find a good deal, don’t wait too long to book. Great prices don’t stick around forever. If you’re 80% sure of your dates and the price is right, it’s better to secure it. Many airlines now offer flexible booking terms, allowing you to make changes later if needed.
Use a VPN for Price Checking
This tip isn’t always necessary, but sometimes airlines show different prices depending on your location. If you notice higher prices consistently, try using a VPN to change your IP address. Set your location to the country where the airline is based or a low-cost region. This tactic doesn’t work all the time, but it can sometimes give you access to lower fares.
Look Into Flight and Hotel Bundle Deals
If you’re planning a longer trip, consider bundling your flight and hotel together. Travel sites like Expedia and Kayak sometimes offer discounts if you book both at the same time. While this won’t always save you money, it’s worth checking before you purchase your flight separately.
Keep Your Browser in Private Mode
There’s a theory that airlines increase prices if you repeatedly search the same route. While it’s hard to know if this is completely true, it doesn’t hurt to search in private or incognito mode. That way, your past searches won’t affect the prices.
Final Tips for Scoring Cheap Flights to Botswana
- Check flight deals regularly: You may get lucky with a flash sale or price drop.
- Sign up for newsletters from airlines: Special offers are often emailed to subscribers first.
- Join communities like “Secret Flying” or “The Flight Deal” for public flight discounts.
With a bit of flexibility and the right tools, you can find an affordable flight to Botswana. Just remember: plan ahead, shop around, and don’t be afraid to mix up your travel dates or routes to snag a better deal.
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