Maun is the undisputed gateway to the Okavango Delta and the busiest aviation hub in Botswana by aircraft movements. This dusty, sun-baked town of around 60,000 people sits at the southeastern edge of the delta, where the Thamalakane River marks the boundary between the Kalahari sand and the beginning of the wetlands. Nearly every visitor to the Okavango Delta or Moremi Game Reserve passes through Maun, whether connecting to a charter flight bound for a luxury fly-in camp or loading up a 4x4 for a self-drive adventure into the bush. The town itself is functional rather than charming, with a strip of safari outfitters, equipment rental shops, lodges, restaurants, and supermarkets geared toward travelers. But Maun has its own character: donkeys wander the main road, light aircraft buzz constantly overhead, and the sunsets over the river are genuinely beautiful. Budget travelers can arrange mokoro trips into the delta from here without booking an expensive lodge, making Maun the starting point for both luxury and shoestring Okavango experiences.
Things to Do in Maun
Mokoro Day Trip into the Delta
NatureBudget-friendly way to experience the Okavango. Local polers take you through channels on a traditional dugout canoe. Wildlife sightings and birdlife included.
Duration: ~8 hours
Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta
NatureA light aircraft or helicopter flight over the delta reveals the incredible maze of channels, islands, and wildlife from above. Elephants, hippos, and buffalo visible from the air.
Duration: ~1 hours
Maun Neighborhoods
Where to stay and explore
Airport Area
GoodTourist-oriented, convenient
Cluster of lodges, restaurants, and safari offices near the airport. Most travelers stay here.
Price level: Mid
Shorobe Road / Thamalakane River
GoodRiverside, relaxed
Scenic area along the river with several lodges and camps. A bit more atmosphere than the airport strip.
Price level: Mid-high
Town Center
GoodFunctional, busy
The main commercial area with supermarkets, banks, and local shops.
Price level: Budget-mid
Food & Restaurants
Maun has a decent selection of restaurants and cafes catering to the safari crowd. Don't expect fine dining, but you'll eat well with options ranging from local Botswana food to pizza and burgers.
Must-Try Dishes
Seswaa
Botswana's national dish: slow-pounded beef or goat
Game Meat
Various game meats available at some restaurants, including kudu and impala
Top Restaurants
The French Connection
$$$French/International • Airport area
Best restaurant in Maun, French-inspired cuisine
Bon Arrive
$$International • Airport area
Relaxed cafe with good coffee and light meals
Maun Nightlife
Maun's nightlife is minimal, centered around lodge bars and a few local spots. This is a safari staging town, not a party destination. Most visitors are up early for flights or game drives, so evenings tend to be relaxed.
Best areas: Airport strip lodges, Shorobe Road
Sports Bar at Riley's Hotel
BarAirport area
Casual bar at one of Maun's oldest hotels with pool tables and cold beer
The French Connection Bar
Restaurant/BarAirport area
The best sundowner spot in Maun with a relaxed terrace and cocktails
Shopping in Maun
Shopping in Maun is practical rather than exciting. There are a couple of small malls, a few craft shops, and supermarkets where you can stock up before heading into the bush.
Malls
- Ngami Centre (Town center)
- Riley's Garage Complex (Airport area)
Markets
- Maun Craft Market - Craft market
- Spar Supermarket - Supermarket
What to Buy
Safety in Maun
Maun is a safe town with very low crime rates. The main risks are traffic (watch for donkeys and goats on the road) and the sun (stay hydrated).
Safe Areas
- ✓ Airport area
- ✓ Shorobe Road lodges
- ✓ Town center
Avoid
- ✗ Unlit areas at night
Safety Tips
- • Carry water at all times; Maun is hot and dry
- • Watch for animals on the roads when driving
- • Lock valuables in your vehicle when parked
Getting Around Maun
Taxi
RecommendedAvailable around town. Negotiate fares in advance.
$3-10 for most trips
Car Rental
RecommendedEssential if heading to Moremi or the Kalahari on a self-drive safari. 4x4 rentals available from several operators.
$80-150/day for a fully equipped 4x4
Walking
The airport and some lodges are walkable from the center, but the town is spread out. Hot during the day.
Maun Weather
Semi-arid with hot summers and mild, dry winters
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| january | 34°C | 21°C | 85mm | Hot, summer rains |
| february | 33°C | 20°C | 75mm | Hot, rainy |
| march | 33°C | 19°C | 50mm | Warm, rains easing |
| april | 31°C | 15°C | 15mm | Cooling, dry |
| may | 28°C | 9°C | 3mm | Cool, dry |
| june | 25°C | 5°C | 0mm | Cold mornings, dry |
| july | 25°C | 4°C | 0mm | Cold mornings, clear skies |
| august | 28°C | 7°C | 0mm | Warming, dry |
| september | 33°C | 13°C | 2mm | Hot, dry |
| october | 36°C | 18°C | 20mm | Very hot, rains starting |
| november | 35°C | 20°C | 45mm | Hot, thunderstorms |
| december | 34°C | 21°C | 70mm | Hot, summer rains |
How Many Days in Maun?
0
Minimum
1
Recommended
2
Ideal