Mafikeng International Airport
The source of some confusion, Mafikeng International Airport is sometimes called Mmabatho Airport, but they are one and the same place. The dual moniker stems from the two cities served by the airport, Mafikeng and Mmabatho, which are the current and former capitals of South Africa’s North West province.
The airport has undergone much redevelopment over the last ten years, and in 2007 had its international license reinstated. The airport’s international traffic is limited to trade and industry related freight carriers, rather than passenger aircraft. However, the airport does offer passenger flights to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, which are handled by South African Airways, the country’s largest airline.
Between Monday and Friday, there are two flights per day from Mafikeng to Johannesburg, with a single flight available over the weekend on Sunday evening. Weekday morning flights depart Mafikeng Airport at 8.00am, arriving at 9.05am. Both weekday evening flights and the Sunday evening service leave at 7.00pm, and touch down in Johannesburg at 8.05pm.
Flights in the opposite direction operate on the same schedule, but at earlier departure times. This is because SAA aircraft are stored at Johannesburg rather than Mafikeng. As such, their services simply fly out to Mafikeng, refuel, and then return to OR Tambo shortly afterwards. Morning services depart OR Tambo at 6.40am, arriving at 7.40am. Evening services leave at 5.40pm, and land in Mafikeng at 6.40pm.
If you are spending any time in the area there’s quite a lot to see in Mafeking. The city has a long history, and is probably most famous for the part it played in the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. During the struggle, a small garrison under the command of British Colonel Baden Powell was based in the city, and endured a 217 day siege by Boer forces. The Mafikeng Museum has a number of exhibits from the era, as well as a detailed history of the people of the region. The Mafikeng Game Reserve is a great place to visit if you’re interested in the local wildlife. The Reserve serves as a breeding ground for the endangered White Rhino, and is also home to a wide variety of other animals, including lions and crocodiles. The Manyane Game Lodge and the Botsalano Game Reserve are also well worth checking out too.
Mmabatho also has a few spots worth a look if you have time to kill. If you fancy going shopping, the Mega City complex is a good place to spend a few hours. The town also has a 59,000 capacity sports stadium, which regularly hosts football matches and athletics.