Maun, Botswana facts

Maun is conveniently positioned at the southern tip of the famed Okavango Delta and as such, it benefits from the delta’s unique ecological wonders. The Thamalakane River, which bisects the town, attracts a wide variety of birdlife and antelope species, while hippos and crocs can be found in the waterways themselves. Agriculture is paramount here – swathes of commercial floodplain surround Maun’s sprawling city centre of squat-brick structures, faded paintwork and busy, dusty streets. The climate is tropical with heavy rains in the summer and dry temperate winters.

Maun Highlights

As a break for those on a self-drive, self-catering safari, Maun offers a surprising selection of good restaurants and bars. Near the airport, The Red Monkey and French Connection serve up good fare, while a little out of town, Sports Bar and The Old Bridge Backpackers are two of Maun’s livelier venues. Popular activities here include chartered flights to see the Okavango Delta from the sky, river cruises and day trips to the seasonal Lake Ngami or north into Moremi Game Reserve.

Practical advice

Home to the region’s only commercial airport, Department of Wildlife and National Parks permit office and operations bases for most private safari operators in the region, Maun has all the necessities of an outpost town. There’s fuel, supplies, medical services and mechanical support, and most national park campsite operators have offices where you can check or amend bookings face-to-face. There’s a range of accommodation in and around town too, including secure campsites for self-drivers.