Transfer from Maun to Kasane

Hi there,

If I understand correctly, the trip isn’t a self-drive but consists of organized excursions departing from Maun and Kasane?

In that case, flying seems like the best option.

Good evening, I haven’t ruled out self-drive, so I’d love some advice on the best route to take from Maun to Kasane. That said, I’m not sure what the road conditions are like in Botswana in June. My husband and I did a big road trip in Namibia two years ago, though.

From the bush telegraph, it sounds like flying is really popular in Botswana. I’m hoping to get some feedback on Air Botswana—Mackair seems pretty expensive.

Either you rent a 4x4 with a roof tent and do a self-drive trip in Botswana. (Prerequisite: knowing how to handle a 4x4, especially in the sand.) The tracks can be quite tough, it's tricky to book campsites, and you need to plan ahead due to their scarcity.

You can then go from Maun to Kasane via the track, crossing different parks.

Or you rent a regular car. In that case, you’ll depend on tours to visit the parks and will take excursions in Maun and Kasane. You’ll connect the two cities by paved road via Nata, with a stop along the way.

Flying is popular for those who aren’t doing a self-drive trip but an organized one (either solo or in a group).

Personally, I’ve never taken a flight in Botswana.

Regular car or 4x4? I went with a regular car when the budget was tight.

With the 4x4, I preferred it (though never for the route you’re planning yet).

To answer your question, I’d say it depends on the time you have and the vehicle you’re using. If you need to get between these two cities quickly, flying is obviously the way to go. If you’ve got a bit more time, the paved road via Nata works well. A regular car will do, but a 4x4 would let you visit the national parks of Makgadikgadi Pans or Nxai Pan.

Personally, I drove a 4x4 with a rooftop tent on the track between Maun and Kasane a few years ago. Apart from the fact that it crosses a very wild part of Botswana, the big draw is that it runs alongside and through two of the country’s most famous reserves: Moremi and Savuti. Don’t take this route if you’re in a hurry because Moremi in particular is really worth lingering in—it was my favorite reserve on the trip. If you don’t plan far enough ahead, it’s not easy to find a place to sleep inside, but it’s easier just outside, near the Khwai River (where I saw loads of animals), between Moremi’s North Gate and Mababe. The route continues through the Savuti reserve, where I couldn’t hang around because I couldn’t find an available campsite. From what I remember, you’ll hit paved road again at Kachikau.

This route means driving on tracks where the sand can be very deep. It’s not always easy, but I managed without any issues even though I had no experience with that kind of driving. You’ll also need to bring food and water supplies since there’s almost nothing available to stock up on along the way.

Thanks!

Thanks for the info. As I understand, the road from Maun to Kasane via Nata is passable in June. Best regards

It's a paved road, so no particular constraints or difficulties.

hi, like Attila, you can travel from Maun to Kasane by plane, regular car, SUV, or a converted (or not) 4x4. the choice depends on which route you take, how much time you have, and what you want to visit. Check out the website: "msiafricaroadtrip"—I think you’ll get a great overview of what you can do. have a great trip in Botswana!

best,

JP