Maun, Botswana

🌿 Maun, Botswana: Gateway to the Okavango Wilderness

Where river meets safari under the African sun

🦁 Top Attractions & Activities

🛶 Okavango Delta Excursions

The highlight of any trip. Take a mokoro ride through winding channels, walk with a guide through wild islands, or go on a scenic flight over hippo-filled lagoons and elephant herds.

🐘 Moremi Game Reserve

One of Africa’s most beautiful and biodiverse reserves, accessible by 4x4 or flight from Maun. Ideal for spotting Big Five game and birdlife.

🚁 Scenic Flights

Get a bird’s-eye view of the delta’s maze-like waters. Flights depart from Maun airport and offer unforgettable photo opportunities.

🎣 Thamalakane River Activities

Relax at the water’s edge, go fishing, or enjoy riverfront dining at sunset lodges like Crocodile Camp.

🎨 Nhabe Museum

A cultural museum with exhibits on the BaTawana tribe, wildlife conservation, and local crafts.

🍽️ Local Cuisine & Dining

🍛 Traditional Dishes

Try seswaa (shredded beef) with pap (maize), morogo (wild spinach), or tswi (water lily tubers). Best found at small local restaurants or during cultural tours.

🐟 Delta Fresh

Fresh fish like bream and catfish are common along riverfront eateries.

🍹 Where to Eat

The Duck – Known for its pizza and riverfront views.
Thamalakane River Lodge – Upscale local and international fusion dining.
Hilary's Coffee Shop – Great breakfasts and baked treats.

🏨 Where to Stay

🌟 Luxury: Sanctuary Chief’s Camp or Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

High-end luxury deep in the delta, offering private guides, plunge pools, and gourmet meals.

🏕️ Mid-Range: Thamalakane River Lodge or Crocodile Camp

Great river views, guided tours, and relaxed atmosphere without breaking the bank.

🎒 Budget: Old Bridge Backpackers or Sedia Riverside Hotel

Popular among young travelers and overlanders, with dorms, budget chalets, and vibey bars.

🎭 Culture & Local Life

👣 Traditional Village Tours – Visit nearby Bayei or BaTawana communities and experience basket weaving, storytelling, and dance.
🐄 Cattle Culture – Livestock and agriculture are still central to local life. The Maun Livestock Market offers insight into rural trade.
🪘 Maun Festival (Sept) – Celebrate local art, poetry, and music in this grassroots cultural gathering.

🛍️ Shopping Highlights

🧺 Craft Markets – Find woven baskets, leather goods, and bead jewelry at stalls near the old mall or Nhabe Museum.
📸 Photo Gear Rentals – Need a zoom lens or a safari-ready camera? Maun has a few outfitters to rent gear.
🗺️ Tour Operators – Dozens of operators line the town's main roads. Book in advance for prime delta excursions.

📅 Best Time to Visit

Season	Months	Experience
🐾 Dry Season	May – Oct	Best for wildlife viewing and mokoro rides
🌧️ Wet Season	Nov – Apr	Fewer tourists, lush landscapes, birding peak

Tip: Visit in June–August for the best balance of water levels and wildlife concentrations.

✈️ Getting There & Around

By Air: Maun International Airport (MUB) is well-connected via Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gaborone, and Windhoek.
By Road: Easily accessible by car or bus from Gaborone, Kasane, or Namibia.
🚗 4x4 Rental is common for self-drive safaris.
🛶 Delta Transfers: Some lodges offer private aircraft or boat pickups from Maun.

💡 Travel Tips

🐘 Malaria Zone: Bring anti-malarials and mosquito repellent — especially in the wet season.
💵 Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP). Credit cards accepted in most lodges.
🌐 Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in town, but don’t expect it in the bush.
👨‍✈️ Tour Guides: Choose certified local guides for authentic, sustainable safaris.
🔥 Pack Smart: Early mornings are cold even in summer — bring layers!

📸 Top Photo Spots

🛶 Mokoro in the reeds of the delta
🦓 Sunset game drive in Moremi
🚁 Aerial shot over hippo pools
🏞️ Riverbank sunset at Thamalakane
🧺 Artisan basket stalls in Maun town

🌟 Ratings (Out of 10)

Category	Score	Remarks
Natural Beauty	9.5	Okavango Delta is world-class
Cultural Experience	8	Local village life and crafts enrich the visit
Food & Dining	7.5	Simple but flavorful cuisine with a few gems
Affordability	7.5	Budget to luxury — all traveler types covered
Accessibility	8	Easy access via flights or overland safari routes
Activities & Attractions	9	Mokoro, game drives, flights, birding, village tours
Overall Travel Value	8.6/10	Unforgettable natural experiences with deep local charm