Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, is set to make Botswana’s Okavango Delta more accessible with the introduction of scheduled flights into Maun, the primary gateway to the region.
Scheduled to commence on June 10, Ethiopian Airlines will inaugurate flights to Maun, streamlining international visitors’ access to the Okavango Delta.
The new triangular route will link Addis Ababa, Ndola, and Maun, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, utilising the state-of-the-art Boeing 738-MAX aircraft.
The Okavango Delta – celebrated as one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is unlike conventional river deltas, and does not flow into a sea or ocean, boasting a pristine wetland ecosystem that remains largely intact.
Typically accessed through the quaint town of Maun, the Okavango Delta offers exclusive lodges and camps nestled amidst its stunning landscapes. While air and water taxis provide primary access, Ethiopian Airlines’ new service promises to streamline the journey for international tourists, making it both simpler and more cost-effective.
Previously, travelers often had to rely on flights to other African cities before connecting to Maun. However, with Ethiopian Airlines’ direct route, this inconvenience is mitigated, opening up Delta tourism to a broader audience.
For local bush lovers, carriers like Air Botswana along with South African Airlines contribute to the accessibility of Maun, allowing for seamless travel from within Botswana and South Africa.
Eliminating the need for multiple layovers and offering direct access, this new service is poised to enhance the attraction of one of Africa’s most iconic destinations, the breathtaking landscapes of the Okavango Delta.
