Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) Information
(Botswana, BW, Southern Africa)
The Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is located just a short drive from the capital of Botswana, Gaborone, and is the country's most important air facility, serving both international and regional flights. Brought into service in 1984, it now handles the highest annual total of passengers of any airport in the country, averaging over half a million passengers a year. The complex underwent a major redevelopment and expansion in the years before neighbouring South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
A number of African airlines operate from Gaborone Airport, as it is locally known - including national flag carrier Air Botswana, Air Malawi, Air Namibia and South African Airways. Gaborone and its airport are located close to the border with South Africa, which is convenient for the many business travellers who use this hub on a regular basis. The majority of non-business flights serve leisure travellers heading for Botswana's popular wildlife reserves and safari lodges, such as the nearby Mokolodi Nature Reserve, some 20 km / 12 miles to the south of the city.
The complex has a single terminal, built in a modern version of the colonial style and containing basic traveller facilities. Although there are no hotels based within the complex itself, several are located close to the facility. Regular Air Botswana domestic flights to Francistown, Maun and Kasane are the most popular flights after the routes to Cape Town and Johannesburg, while a new direct route to Lusaka was recently opened.
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE)
Address: Airport Road, Phakalane, Gaborone, Botswana, BW, Southern Africa
Tel: +267 390 4401
The Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is located roughly 15 km / 9 miles to Gaborone's north, in between the suburbs of Mmopane and Tlokweng. The road journey to the city takes 15 minutes in normal traffic conditions. Fast-growing Gaborone itself mostly resembles a sprawling village, although the central area is well-developed and modern.
Facilities:
- A Barclays Bank branch is found in the terminal and handles normal banking transactions, as well as currency exchange
- The left-luggage facility is located in the main hall
- A basic restaurant and bar are situated in the terminal's main hall
- A Botswana Crafts store offers traditional crafts from all over the country, including weavings and pottery items
- Europcar, Budget and Avis provide car hire on the complex
- A duty free store is located in the Departures area, which is able to be used by passengers travelling to destinations outside the South African Customs Union (comprising Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and also Swaziland)
- Facilities for the disabled include special lifts, ramps and dedicated washrooms, as well as assistance on request
- Car parking is available on the complex, outside the terminal
Cars
Travelling by hire car to the centre of Gaborone is best done via Airport Road. From this route, drivers should take a right onto the A1 major road, which leads directly to the city centre, via Molepolole Road or Willie Seboni Road. The drive takes around 15 minutes. If you are renting a car, remember that the rental depot may not be on the airport complex itself.
Buses
Minibuses run from the airport across town, with passengers needing to indicate to the driver when they reach their chosen destination. Top-end hotels may provide shuttle buses on request, and so if you fall into this category of guest, enquire about this possible service when booking your room.
Taxis
Taxis are a relatively rare commodity in Gaborone, except around the city's main train station and, less frequently, at the airport. Official taxis sport a blue license plate and are the only ones you should use. Sharing cabs is common here and a cost-effective way to reach your destination.
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