South African Airways (SAA) is adding a convenient new connection between Johannesburg and Gaborone.
SAA Airbus / Julian Herzog / Wikimedia Commons
The airline has confirmed that from 4 November 2025, travellers will be able to fly directly between the two capitals on twice-daily return services.
Reports by Business Tech note that this new route is designed with flexibility in mind. Early risers can take the morning departure from Johannesburg at 06:35, landing in Botswana just an hour later. The return leg leaves Gaborone at 08:25, getting travellers back in Johannesburg by mid-morning. For those preferring to travel later in the day, there’s also an afternoon service, departing Johannesburg at 16:40 and returning from Gaborone at 18:30. With both options, business and leisure passengers gain easy access to neighbouring Botswana without sacrificing valuable time.
SAA’s CEO, Professor John Lamola, described the move as part of the airline’s strategy to strengthen regional ties while reaffirming its role as a premium network carrier. The addition of Gaborone comes at a time when connectivity across Southern Africa is becoming increasingly important for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The Johannesburg–Gaborone corridor is already popular, currently served by both Airlink and Air Botswana. Air Botswana generally offers the lowest fares, averaging around R1,988 to R2,100 one way, with Airlink pricing slightly higher at roughly R2,000 to R2,100. While SAA has yet to publish its ticket prices, it is expected to remain competitive within this range.
For travellers, this means more choice and greater convenience on one of the busiest short-haul routes in the region. Whether heading to Botswana for a safari, business meetings, or family visits, SAA’s new service provides a smooth and timely option to make the journey easier than ever.
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