Maun City
City in North-West with wildlife attractions
Maun functions as the dusty gateway to the Okavango Delta, where mokoro canoe trips, camping under stars and helicopter safaris put you close to hippos, elephants and birds-local outfitters and market stalls offering dried mopane worms and biltong add texture.
Maun at a Glance#
Costs: $120-250 USD per day - safari trips and flights push daily costs higher than typical Botswanan towns.
Safety: Generally safe with safari-specific risks - generally safe for tourists; watch for opportunistic theft and wildlife hazards on excursions.
Best Time: May-October (dry season) - dry winter months offer best wildlife viewing and easier travel conditions.
The gateway to the Okavango Delta - a dusty, sprawling Botswana town on the edge of the great inland delta, the launch point for safaris into one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
Why go / don’t miss: its role as the gateway to the Okavango Delta - scenic flights over the waterways, mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris, and fly-in bush camps - plus the Moremi Game Reserve, and trips to the Makgadikgadi salt pans and Chobe.
Neighborhoods: the town is a functional safari base (airport, lodges, outfitters); the wilderness is beyond.
Getting around: safari operators’ 4x4s and light aircraft; a car in town.
When to go: the dry season May - Oct is prime (the delta floods, concentrating wildlife).
Where to stay: a lodge along the river in Maun, or fly into a delta camp.
Dining: lodge and town dining - game, and Botswana staples.
Local tips: it’s the base for the Okavango - take a scenic flight and a mokoro trip, book a delta camp, and it’s the wildlife trip of a lifetime.
Why Visit Maun?#
As the gateway to the Okavango Delta, Maun draws travelers planning safaris, mokoro canoe trips and scenic light-aircraft flights over wetlands and channels. Day trips to Moremi Game Reserve and guided village visits introduce abundant wildlife and local culture, while lodges and camps range from basic to luxury. Short, practical stays often focus on arranging river excursions and wildlife viewing.
Who's Maun For?#
Maun is the staging point for Okavango Delta safaris-mokoro paddles, game drives and guided walking safaris start here. Local outfitters arrange tailor-made day trips and multi-day excursions into Moremi and the delta.
As the gateway to the Okavango and nearby wildlife areas, Maun is exceptional for birding and game viewing. Boat safaris and seasonal floodplain wildlife bring excellent encounters with Botswana’s ecosystems.
High-end lodges and camp-based safari operators run bespoke Delta experiences from Maun. Expect premium services, guided game drives and scenic charter flights-prices reflect the exclusive nature of these stays.
Budget options and campsites around Maun cater to independent travellers arranging overland safaris. Local hostels and budget camps offer basic logistics, though safari departures can be pricey compared with lodge packages.
Maun Bucket List#
Thamalakane Riverfront - Riverside area where mokoro and boat trips begin, lively market nearby.
Gateway to the Okavango Delta - Maun functions as the main departure point for delta safaris and scenic flights.
Maun Main Market - Bustling market selling crafts, provisions, and everyday goods to residents and visitors.
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Local craft stalls - Small stalls showcasing woven goods, beadwork, and traditional crafts from surrounding communities.
Riverside sunset walks - Quiet evening strolls along the river offer birdwatching and relaxed local atmosphere.
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Moremi Game Reserve - Diverse wildlife reserve adjoining the Okavango, reachable by vehicle or light aircraft.
Makgadikgadi / Nxai Pan area - Salt pans providing surreal landscapes and seasonal game concentrations, reachable within three hours.
Local mokoro and boat safaris - Short guided mokoro rides and boat trips on nearby channels for wildlife viewing.
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Neighborhoods of Maun#
Town Centre
Maun’s compact centre is practical and friendly - the place to book safaris and stock up on supplies before heading into the Delta. Expect guesthouses, basic restaurants and a relaxed pace. It’s more a gateway town than a destination in itself, focused around tourism services.
Dining: Casual · Nightlife: Quiet · Shopping: Markets · Stays: Mid-Range
Top Spots
- Main Street & Local Markets - shops and daily markets on the central thoroughfares.
- Maun Museum - small local museum about town and Bushmen culture.
- Tour operator offices - booking point for Okavango trips.
Thamalakane Riverfront
The Thamalakane riverfront is where Maun opens up: boat launches, riverside cafés and the local market. It’s a relaxed spot to watch life on the water and to organise short river excursions. Nights here are quiet, with a low-key atmosphere and occasional live music.
Dining: Riverside · Nightlife: Low-key · Shopping: Markets · Stays: Lodges
Top Spots
- Thamalakane River banks - riverside walks and boat-launch points.
- Boat operators & mokoro launches - departure spots for shorter river trips.
- Riverside cafés - simple cafés with water views.
Airport & Safari Camp Area
The area around Maun Airport is all about departures: charter desks, safari companies and camps where you’ll start Delta journeys. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to safari lodges - practical and focused on easy access to the bush rather than town comforts.
Dining: Camp Food · Nightlife: None · Shopping: Tourist · Stays: Lodges
Top Spots
- Maun Airport - small regional airport serving charter flights into the Delta.
- Safari lodges & camps - cluster of operators and camp transfer points.
- Visitor information centres - help with permits and bookings.
Plan Your Visit to Maun#
Best Time to Visit Maun#
Visit Maun during the dry months (May-November) for the best wildlife viewing: low grass, concentrated waterholes and seasonal Okavango floods make boat and game safaris exceptional. The rainy season (December-March) turns the delta lush and bird-rich but brings storms, mud and more mosquitoes.
May - August
5-28°C (41-82°F)
Best for wildlife viewing - crisp, dry days and chilly nights make game easy to spot in thinning vegetation; Okavango floods peak nearby, adding boat safaris.
September - November
20-38°C (68-100°F)
Hot, dusty afternoons and intense heat; waterholes concentrate animals so sightings stay excellent, but midday is brutal and thorny bush limits shade.
December - March
20-34°C (68-93°F)
Lush, green Okavango and abundant birds, but heavy afternoon storms, muddy tracks and more mosquitoes mean fewer road game drives and occasional flight delays.
Maun's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 36°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm, feeling like 27°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Maun#
Maun is most commonly reached by air via Maun Airport (MUB), the jump-off point for the Okavango Delta. Overland arrivals are possible by intercity coach from Gaborone or Francistown, but there is no direct passenger rail service into Maun.
Maun Airport (MUB): Maun Airport is the town’s main airport and the primary gateway to the Okavango Delta. From the terminal to Maun town centre it’s a short transfer: airport taxis typically take about 10-20 minutes and cost roughly BWP 50-150 depending on luggage and negotiation; many lodges and camps run pre-booked transfers (often included in your package) that take 10-25 minutes and vary in price. Car rental desks and charter-flight operators also operate from the airport - charters to camps in the Delta are common and flight time to many camps ranges from 10-60 minutes depending on destination.
Train: There is no direct passenger rail service to Maun. The nearest Botswana Railways stations on the national network are at Francistown and Palapye; if you arrive by train to those stations you will need an onward road transfer (bus, taxi or hire car) to reach Maun - the drive from Francistown to Maun is roughly 4.5-6 hours by road (around 400-500 km) depending on route and stops.
Bus: Long-distance coach services connect Maun with other Botswana towns and South Africa (operators include Intercape on some routes). Typical journeys: Francistown-Maun or Gaborone-Maun by coach take several hours (often 6-10 hours depending on origin and stops). Fares vary by operator and class - expect intercity coach prices roughly in the range of BWP 150-600 (or equivalent in ZAR for South Africa departures); local shuttle services and private transfer companies also run routes to lodges and neighbouring towns and should be booked in advance for reliable timings.
How to Get Around Maun#
Maun is best navigated by a mix of short taxi rides in town, hired vehicles for regional exploration, and domestic flights or charters for access to the Okavango Delta. For most visitors, flying into Maun then transferring by lodge shuttle or taxi is the most efficient option; if you prefer budget travel, intercity coaches and minibuses are available but take much longer.
- Domestic flights & charters (BWP 800-2,500) - Air Botswana and a number of charter operators provide scheduled flights to Maun from Gaborone and charter flights to camps in the Delta. Scheduled flights Gaborone-Maun take about 1 hour; charters to camps are shorter but more expensive. Flying saves many hours over road travel and is the most convenient way to access remote lodges.
- Car hire / 4x4 (BWP 400-1,200/day) - Hiring a vehicle in Maun gives maximum flexibility for self-drive trips and excursions to nearby reserves. A 4x4 is recommended if you plan to explore unsealed roads or reach more remote areas; check insurance rules for sandy tracks. Fuel and daily hire add up, and some lodges require 4x4 transfer-only access, so confirm road conditions before you set out.
- Taxi (BWP 20-150) - Metered taxis and independent airport taxis operate around Maun; airport transfers are quick (10-20 minutes) and convenient for luggage. Negotiate or confirm a fare before you leave if there’s no meter - expect higher airport-trunk fares and slightly cheaper town fares. Taxis are the easiest option for short hops in town or to nearby camps where roads are good.
- Minibus / shared taxi (BWP 5-40) - Shared minibuses (local kombis) run between Maun and surrounding villages and are the cheapest way to travel locally. Services are informal: departures happen when vehicles fill up, timetables can be irregular and vehicles may be basic. Use them for short regional trips, but allow extra time and travel light.
- Long-distance coach (BWP 150-600) - Intercity coaches connect Maun with Gaborone, Francistown and sometimes South African cities; these are a budget option for overland travel. Journeys are long (several hours) but comfortable on mainline coaches - book ahead for peak season. Coaches are practical if you want to avoid domestic flights or are travelling on a tighter budget.
- Walking - Maun town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot: shops, markets and restaurants are concentrated near the river edge. Walking is the best way to get a feel for the town, but avoid walking after dark in unfamiliar areas and keep sun protection and water handy during the heat of the day.
Where to Stay in Maun#
Town Centre / Near Airport - $30-80/night
Maun offers budget lodges and backpacker hostels near town. Basic rooms and shared facilities are common; great for safari access on a budget.
Cresta Maun Hotel - Budget-friendly base near town and airport
Hostels and budget lodges - Backpacker options with basic amenities
Maun Outskirts - $120-300/night
Mid-range lodges and camps near Maun balance comfort and safari logistics: pools, guide desks and airport transfers commonly included.
Planet Baobab - Popular camp-style lodge near Maun
Sebina Sands or similar mid-range lodges - Comfortable, good safari connections
Gateway to Okavango - $400+/night
Maun is the gateway to high-end Okavango lodges and private camps. Luxury stays typically include all transfers, guided safaris and full-board dining.
Luxury lodges and private camps (Okavango) - High-end safari camps accessed from Maun
Luxury safari options via Maun transfers - Exclusive camps with full services
Town Centre / Airstrip - $50-200/night
First-time visitors should base in Maun for easy access to safari bookings, local operators and short flights into the Okavango Delta.
Cresta Maun Hotel - Convenient base, airport transfers available
Well-reviewed mid-range lodges - Good for arranging excursions
Maun Outskirts - $80-250/night
Families do well at mid-range lodges with supervised activities and pools. Choose operators experienced with children and book transfers early.
Planet Baobab - Family-friendly, outdoor activities available
Cresta Maun Hotel - Practical family rooms and transfers
Town Centre / Upgraded Lodges - $50-200/night
Internet can be hit-or-miss; pick larger hotels or lodges that advertise reliable Wi‑Fi. Use Maun as a temporary remote base while arranging safaris.
Cresta Maun Hotel - Decent Wi‑Fi, quiet working spaces
Long-stay lodges with connectivity - Better internet at larger lodges
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Maun’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Maun#
Maun is the safari gateway to the Okavango - its nightlife is practical and low-key: lodge bars, backpacker pubs and a few restaurants along Main Street where travelers swap stories over drinks. There are no big clubs; evenings are about meeting fellow travelers, booking excursions and enjoying a relaxed drink. Practical tip: many lodges serve drinks late; for town bars, expect earlier closing times and limited public transport after dark.
Best Bets
- Maun Main Street - Collection of pubs and eateries popular with travelers.
- Thamalakane riverfront areas - Riverside bars and lodges with evening drink options.
- Backpacker & lodge bars - Casual venues where safari-goers converge at night.
- Small town eateries and beer spots - Simple menus and chilled evenings after safari days.
- Lodge bars with guided-drink nights - Book lodges for social evenings and local storytelling.
- Occasional evening markets and events - Seasonal markets and local gatherings in town.
Shopping in Maun#
Maun is the gateway to the Okavango Delta, so shopping focuses on safari supplies, crafts and practical travel gear. The town’s strip of shops and craft stalls caters to tourists: think canvas gear, fly-fishing supplies and carved wooden souvenirs. Prices in tourist shops are marked but you can negotiate with individual craft sellers. Buy local basketry, carvings and Kalahari beadwork as authentic keepsakes.
Best Bets
- Maun Main Mall area - Cluster of shops supplying travel essentials and clothes.
- Maun Craft Market - Carved woodwork, baskets and leather souvenirs for visitors.
- Local supermarkets and outdoor-supply shops - Camping gear, food supplies and practical travel items.
- Kalahari beadwork and craft stalls - Beaded jewellery and woven baskets by local artisans.
- Safari and fishing outfitters - Guides, gear and specialist outdoor clothing for safaris.
- Small independent galleries - Contemporary crafts and artworks by Botswana artists.