A practical guide to planning a trip from Abu Dhabi to Central Kalahari in Botswana: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 5,983 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 8.2 hours
- Arrival airport
- Maun Airport (MUB)
- Time difference
- -2 h
- Local currency
- BWP
- Best time
- March to April
Flights from Abu Dhabi
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to MUB, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Abu Dhabi include Etihad Airways and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi.
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 6 days in total to enjoy Central Kalahari without rushing.
Best time to go
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 19–33 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 18–31 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 14–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 9–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 6–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| July | 5–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| August | 8–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| September | 13–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| October | 17–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| November | 19–34 | some rain | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| December | 20–34 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
Central Kalahari from other cities: Riyadh · Jeddah · Dammam · Medina · Dubai · 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 Abu Dhabi to Central Kalahari?
A non-stop flight would take about 8.2 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Abu Dhabi?
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 - Central Kalahari Game Reserve · Botswana Tourism - Ghanzi · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Ghanzi · Botswana e-Visa – Government of Botswana · Botswana Tourism Organisation · CDC Travelers' Health – Botswana · Etihad news – 20 years of Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg (Jan 2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.