A practical guide to planning a trip from Riyadh to Chobe in Botswana: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 5,299 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 7.3 hours
- Arrival airport
- Kasane Airport (BBK)
- Airport to destination by road
- 0.5–1 hours approx.
- Time difference
- -1 h
- Local currency
- BWP
- Best time
- July to October
Flights from Riyadh
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Riyadh to BBK, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Riyadh include Saudia, flynas, flyadeal and Riyadh Air.
Visa and entry
Some nationalities are visa-exempt, while others need a visa, which can be applied for through the official e-visa portal. Requirements depend on nationality, so check the portal before travel.
Official e-visa portal for Botswana
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country, including transits of more than 12 hours at an airport in such a country. Malaria is present in certain areas but not in Gaborone. Consult a doctor before travel.
How many days you need
Counting travel days, plan around 5 days in total to enjoy Chobe without rushing.
Best time to go
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20–31 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 19–31 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 19–31 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 16–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| May | 12–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| June | 9–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| July | 9–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| August | 12–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| September | 16–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| October | 20–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 20–34 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| December | 20–31 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | moderate |
Chobe from other cities: Jeddah · Dammam · Medina · Dubai · Abu Dhabi · Sharjah · Doha · Kuwait City · Manama · Muscat · Amman · Cairo · Beirut · Casablanca
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip from Riyadh to Chobe?
A non-stop flight would take about 7.3 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Riyadh?
Usually you will need one connection.
Do I need a visa for Botswana?
Some nationalities are visa-exempt, while others need a visa, which can be applied for through the official e-visa portal. Requirements depend on nationality, so check the portal before travel.
Sources: Botswana Tourism - Chobe National Park · Botswana Tourism - Savuti and Linyanti · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Kasane · Botswana e-Visa – Government of Botswana · Botswana Tourism Organisation · CDC Travelers' Health – Botswana · Ethiopian Airlines press release (Dec 2025) · flynas news – Jeddah–Entebbe direct flights (Mar 2026) · Ahram Online – EgyptAir Riyadh frequencies (2026) · Arab News – Riyadh Air Cairo service (2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.