Maun

Situated along the banks of the Thamalakane River, i the North-West District of Botswana, Maun, a term that derives its name from the San language, meaning “the place of reeds,” serves as administrative town center of Ngamiland. Maun is notoriously known as a “Frontier” town, and is referred to as the ‘gateway’ to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve as most tourists enter these destinations through this buzzing town.

Sunsets here sink slowly through the sky, growing pink and red the closer they drop to earth. Here, you can watch the sun hit the ground from almost anywhere, with only an acacia tree or two lying between you and the horizon.

Although classified as one of the fastest growing towns in Botswana and boasting one of the busiest airports in Southern Africa, Maun still retains much of its old/traditional (village-like) character, which encompasses the old judicial court of chiefs who are still active. Reed and mud hut infrastructures are seen in and around town as well as donkeys/carts and livestock. However, numerous hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts, shopping malls, post offices, a museum and a big hospital are available too. Maun also serves as the headquarters for the safari industry, tour operators and air charter companies that offer trips into the Okavango Delta and National Parks such as Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai, Savute, Makgadikgadi, Chobe, Nxai Pan to name a few, as well as monumental historical sites like the Tsodilo Hills. Opportunities to visit nearby cultural villages can also be arranged from this central point.

Good To Know

Best Time To Travel

No BEST time to visit Maun, it is a lively, bustling town all year round, offering accommodation and activities
Often overlooked, Maun is becoming a destination.

What To See

Meet the locals, taste some traditional food enjoy some curio shopping etc.
Often referred to as Donkey capital of the world, you will see why…
Restaurants Cafes and markets are plentiful
Hotels, Lodges and Campsites catering for everyone
Unique Herero ladies often spotted (note: please don’t take photos without permission)

What To Do

Maun Immersive Tour: 3hr hosted includes visiting local Market, trying your hand at basket making, traditional food and hopefully learning lots about Maun and Botswana in general
Scenic Flights, fixed wing or Helicopter
Mokoro and or Moremi daytrips
Okavango Brewery Tour
Spa Treatments available in many locations
Elephant Havens
Curio Shopping for Botswana Craft

What Makes This Area Unique

The name Maun originates from the San language, meaning “the place of reeds” and notoriously known as a frontier town
Maun is a great stop-over at the start or end of any safari, generally known as the Safari Capital of Botswana
A great place to connect with Botswana beyond the wildlife experience
Gateway to Okavango and Moremi
The Thamalakane River, the main exit tributary from the Okavango, flows through Maun. In dry years it is possible to witness the flood creeping along the dry river bed as if someone left a hose pipe on.

Expert Travel Tips

If your bags are delayed, this allows you time to make alternative arrangements
Catch your breath after a long-haul international flight & start your safari refreshed.
Alternatively, an opportunity to rest and wash off the safari dust after a adventuress /strenuous safari before returning home.
Maun offers accommodation at all levels and for all budgets
Maun is a great base from which to explore the surrounding areas including the Okavango & Makgadikgadi and is budget friendly.
Self-drivers, Maun is the final opportunity to fuel and stock up before Moremi, Savute and ultimately Chobe. However, you will be able to get fuel on route to CKGR or Makgadikgadi, but supplies are extremely limited on those routes.
Secure Park entry and camping permits from Department of Wildlife.

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