chooch

Thanks again for everyone's input on my last post regarding a Botswana itinerary. I'm making good progress at investigating camps and getting quotes....will post an update once things get more final.

One thing that's bothering me though is the flight from Windhoek, Namibia to Maun, Botswana. Air Namibia is charging nearly $400 per person for this flight. Combining that with a light aircraft transfer from Maun to a reserve in the Okavango Delta makes that a really expensive transfer.

I've thought about trying to just go direct to the reserve from Windhoek - has anyone tried that before? Is it possible to get a decent rate when chartering a flight that kind of distance?

Or better yet - does anyone want to charter a flight together? Right now I'm looking at making the transfer on June 9.

Thanks for your input.....

DJE

We did a private charter last year from Windhoek directly to Kasane, Botswana as we were staying at the Chobe Chilwero Lodge. The trip took just over 4 hrs. as I recall and I know this is an expensive way to go but for us it was well worth the cost as it was a definite time saver and we avoided having to stay in a hotel overnight in Maun and then carry on from there the next day.

I don't know what that individual charter cost as we did a few of these throughout our trip. Taking everything into consideration it was a very convenient way for us to make the transfer.

Good luck with your planning and trip.

chooch

Thanks for your reply. It sounds like the charter definitely made sense in your case since it saved you a day. In our case, we're not going to lose that time, it just seems inefficient and I couldn't believe the ticket on Air Namibia was that expensive. With just 2 of us traveling together, though, chartering probably won't help, unless we can get put together with another group.

Hmmm...Anyone have other thoughts on this transfer?

Thanks.

llee_2003

Are you talking about only one way? I have booked a flight in May from Maun to Windhoek one way by Air Namibia and it is only $200.

sandi

chooch - that seems awfully high for one/way for one person. When we were checking last year the price was in the range of about $200 o/w. And do make certain that the Air Namibia flight flies the day you need; as I recall it isn't a daily flight and on some days might fly via Gabarrone then to Maun.

I don't know where you're located, but try checking

www.cheaptickets.com

and see what they have available, or

www.premiertours.com (click for their air department)

As to taking a flight direct to the camp, realize that your rate for the number of days you're spending at any camp already includes the price for your air transfer from/to Maun (averaging about $100-$125 each way).

LizFrazier

Chooch-
Try airnamibia.com, and click the British flag for english. I found the schedule but couldn't find the rates. As I recall I emailed them and they answered promptly. I have emailed about every air carrier in southern africa and they always respond within a day or two.
Or better yet, you may be able to find the fares on the website.
Sandi is right, I think it makes that route about 2 or 3 times a week only. Liz

Oipuka

Hi Chooch,

I'm a tour operator in Namibia and I can tell you that even the local price on Air Namibia from Windhoek to Maun is very expensive (R 2980 round trip). Air Botswana does the same flight for quite a bit less, but they only fly on Tues & Sat, so you'd have to organize your trip accordingly, and the less-expensive seats are hard to get so you should reserve asap if you're interested.

The only other thing that could be an option for you is if you're going to be in the Caprivi area while you're in Namibia, some of those lodges will organize transfers for you to Botswana & VF. I know Lianshulu lodge in Caprivi actually has a special package with Kwando Lagoon Camp where you can spend a night or two at Lianshulu and then transfer to Kwando Lagoon.

Best regards, Kristin