Things To Do
in Maun
Maun is a bustling town located in northwestern Botswana, known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta. It serves as a popular starting point for safaris and explorations of the surrounding wilderness. The town has a vibrant local market, where visitors can find a variety of crafts, fresh produce, and traditional goods.
Maun is also home to several lodges and tour operators offering a range of safari experiences.
- "Dumelang" - Hello
- "O kae?" - How are you?
- "Ke a leboga" - Thank you
- "Tsamaya sentle" - Goodbye
- "O eng?" - What is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a sunrise mokoro ride through the tranquil waterways of the Okavango Delta. Experience the unique flora and fauna as you glide through the peaceful setting.
Join a guided walking safari in the afternoon to learn about the fascinating ecosystem of the delta. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
End your day with a sunset boat cruise, taking in the stunning views as the sun sets over the water. Look out for hippos and other wildlife as you relax and unwind.
Visit the Maun Educational Park to understand the local culture and wildlife. Interact with the exhibits that showcase the history of the area.
Explore the local markets in Maun to experience the vibrant atmosphere and shop for handmade crafts. Engage with local artisans and find unique souvenirs.
Dine at a local restaurant serving traditional Botswanan cuisine. Enjoy the flavors and perhaps make new friends over a meal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural landscapes including the Okavango Delta and surrounding national parks.
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant local communities.
- Opportunities for wildlife viewing and eco-tourism activities.
- Relatively low cost of living compared to major cities.
- Growing tourism industry providing various services and accommodations.
- Limited access to certain modern conveniences and amenities.
- Infrastructure challenges, particularly in remote areas.
- Seasonal weather impacts, such as flooding during rainy season.
- Job market can be competitive and limited for expatriates.
- Healthcare facilities may not be as advanced as in urban areas.
Best Activities in Maun
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the unique ecosystem of the Okavango Delta through guided safaris, mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions, and walking safaris.
Embark on game drives and camping experiences in this renowned reserve known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
Engage in cultural experiences with local communities through guided tours, traditional dances, and interaction with indigenous tribes.
Enjoy a tranquil and picturesque journey along the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro, guided by knowledgeable locals.
Tours
Uncover the best of Maun with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Maun
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and opportunities to photograph Botswana's wildlife.
Provides stunning views of the river and its surroundings, making it a picturesque spot for photography.
Offers a unique perspective of the area from an elevated vantage point, providing great photo opportunities of the aircraft and the surrounding landscape.
Food in Maun
Maun Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Botswana dish made from slow-cooked meat, usually beef, and served with pap (maize porridge) or rice. It's a must-try for visitors looking to savor authentic local flavors. Recommended place: Motsana Cultural Centre.
Must-Try!
A dish made from wild greens such as pumpkin leaves or spinach, sautéed with onions and tomatoes. It is a nutritious and flavorful accompaniment to many meals. Recommended place: Nhabe Museum Restaurant.
A staple food prepared from sorghum or millet flour and served as porridge. It's often enjoyed with a variety of meat and vegetable stews. Recommended place: Maun's Weekend Craft Market.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Maun better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market offers an array of local street food delicacies such as grilled skewered meats, traditional vetkoek (deep-fried dough filled with savory fillings), and refreshing homemade ginger beer. It's a haven for immersing in the local food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Maun, it is important to greet people with respect. Handshakes are a common form of greeting, and it is polite to use the appropriate greeting for the time of day, such as 'Dumela' for hello or 'Dumelang' for hello to a group of people.
In Maun, respecting elders is important. It is customary to address older people with respect, using titles like 'Rra' for men and 'Mma' for women, followed by their last name.
Maun has a conservative dress code, especially in rural areas. It is important to dress modestly and avoid clothing that may be considered revealing or inappropriate, especially when visiting the local communities.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Maun with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Maun
Ensure a smooth experience
In Maun, Botswana, it is customary to tip around 10-15% in restaurants and for services such as tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff. Tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service and is generally expected in the tourism industry.
Most businesses in Maun, Botswana, accept cash payments in Botswana Pula. Some establishments may also accept major credit cards, but it's always best to have cash on hand. ATMs are available in the city for withdrawing cash. It's also common to pay for safaris, tours, and accommodations in advance through bank transfers or online payments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Maun.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Maun, Botswana. Weather is cool and dry, ideal for game viewing. Wildlife congregates around water sources.
Good for birdwatching and lush landscapes, but some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding. Migratory birds are plentiful.
Maun at Night
Hiking in Maun
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moremi Game Reserve offers a variety of hiking trails amidst stunning landscapes, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the Okavango Delta.
While known for its waterways, there are walking safaris available that allow you to hike and explore the diverse flora and fauna of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Chobe National Park has guided walking safaris that enable hikers to see wildlife and experience the beauty of the African landscape up close.
The edges of the Kalahari Desert provide unique hiking opportunities with stunning dunes and the chance to see local wildlife like meerkats and various antelope.
Located a bit further from Maun, Tsodilo Hills offers breathtaking hikes with historical rock art and rich biodiversity, perfect for a day trip for hiking enthusiasts.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Maun through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Maun by plane.
The main airport serving Maun, Botswana, primarily for domestic flights and some regional connections.
Located in Gaborone, this is the largest international airport in Botswana, handling international flights.
Serving the town of Kasane, this airport facilitates both domestic and international flights, particularly for access to Chobe National Park.
Located in Zimbabwe, this airport is close to the border and serves as a gateway for travelers to the Victoria Falls region.
Offering mainly domestic flights, this airport is a secondary airport in Botswana located in Francistown.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Maun and Botswana, traditionally known as farmers and cattle herders.
Indigenous hunter-gatherers, known for their ancient traditions and connection to the land.
A prominent ethnic group in the Okavango region, known for fishing and basket weaving skills.
An ethnic group residing in the region, often involved in agriculture and local governance.
Includes various smaller groups, expatriates, and migrants residing in Maun.
The Soul of Maun
Discover the essence of Maun through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Maun, with many local teams and leagues, as well as a passion among the community for both playing and supporting the sport.
Netball is widely played among women and girls in Maun, fostering community involvement and competition at various levels.
Basketball has been gaining popularity in Maun, particularly among the youth, with several courts available for recreational play and leagues.
Rugby is popular in Maun with local clubs offering opportunities for players to engage in the sport and participate in regional competitions.
Athletics, including running and track events, is an important part of the sports culture in Maun, supported by various schools and community events.
Traditional sports, such as Omang, are also practiced, celebrating cultural heritage and community participation in Maun.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Maun.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Botswana cuisine can be meat-centric, many restaurants and cafes in Maun offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives such as flavorful vegetable stews, fresh salads, and plant-based curries. Visitors can find suitable options at establishments like Old Bridge Backpackers.
Travelers with gluten intolerance can find accommodating dishes like grilled fish, rice-based meals, and gluten-free bread at various dining venues in Maun. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Maun with these cultural adventures.
