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Maun, Botswana - Things to Do in Maun

Things to Do in Maun

Maun, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide

Maun serves as the gateway to Botswana's legendary Okavango Delta, earning its reputation as the safari capital of the country. This bustling town sits on the banks of the Thamalakane River and has transformed from a sleepy cattle-ranching outpost into a vibrant hub for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. With its modern airport, numerous safari operators, and well-developed tourism infrastructure, Maun perfectly balances frontier charm with contemporary amenities. Beyond its role as a launching pad for delta adventures, Maun offers visitors a authentic taste of Botswana culture, from traditional craft markets to local restaurants serving regional specialties. The town's relaxed atmosphere, combined with its proximity to some of Africa's most pristine wilderness areas, makes it an essential stop for anyone seeking to experience the raw beauty of the Kalahari region and the world's largest inland delta system.

Top Things to Do in Maun

Okavango Delta Safari Experience

Embark on the ultimate African safari adventure in the pristine Okavango Delta, where traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) rides through papyrus-lined channels reveal incredible wildlife diversity. Game drives and walking safaris offer close encounters with elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and over 400 bird species in one of the world's most important wetland ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Book 3-6 months in advance for peak season (May-October), with prices ranging from $300-800 per person per day. Choose operators with experienced local guides and sustainable tourism practices, and consider multi-day packages that include both water and land activities.

Scenic Flight Over the Delta

Take to the skies for breathtaking aerial views of the Okavango Delta's intricate waterways, islands, and wildlife patterns from above. These flights provide a unique perspective on the delta's vastness and seasonal flooding patterns while offering excellent photography opportunities of elephants, buffalo herds, and the geometric beauty of the wetland landscape.

Booking Tip: Morning flights (7-9 AM) offer the best wildlife viewing and lighting conditions, costing $150-300 per person for 45-60 minute flights. Book with certified operators using well-maintained aircraft, and confirm weight restrictions and camera policies in advance.

Moremi Game Reserve Day Trip

Explore one of Africa's most beautiful game reserves, where diverse habitats from permanent swamps to dry savanna support incredible wildlife concentrations. The reserve offers excellent game viewing opportunities including wild dogs, cheetahs, and massive elephant herds, along with pristine landscapes that showcase the delta's ecological diversity.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost $200-400 per person including park fees, lunch, and transportation. Choose operators with 4WD vehicles and experienced guides familiar with seasonal animal movements, and bring sun protection and plenty of water for the 8-10 hour excursion.

Traditional Village Cultural Tour

Immerse yourself in authentic Botswana culture by visiting local villages where you can learn traditional crafts, participate in cooking demonstrations, and hear stories from community elders. These experiences provide insights into the Bayei and Hambukushu peoples' traditional relationships with the delta environment and their adaptation to modern life.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost $80-150 per person and should be booked through community-based operators that ensure fair compensation to villages. Look for tours that include traditional dance performances and craft workshops, and bring small gifts like school supplies for children.

Thamalakane River Sunset Cruise

Relax on a peaceful boat cruise along the Thamalakane River as the African sun sets over the water, creating perfect conditions for spotting hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. The golden hour lighting provides excellent photography opportunities while you enjoy drinks and snacks on the water, often accompanied by the sounds of fish eagles and other wetland birds.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises cost $60-120 per person including drinks and snacks, with departures typically 2 hours before sunset. Book with operators offering comfortable boats with shade and safety equipment, and bring insect repellent and warm clothing for after dark.

Getting There

Maun Airport (MUB) serves as the primary gateway, with regular flights from Johannesburg (1.5 hours), Cape Town (2 hours), and domestic connections from Gaborone and Kasane. South African Airways, Air Botswana, and several charter companies operate scheduled services. Overland travel is possible via well-maintained tar roads from Gaborone (5-6 hours) or through the scenic but challenging route from Kasane via Chobe National Park. Self-driving requires a reliable 4WD vehicle, especially during rainy season, and proper preparation including spare tires, extra fuel, and emergency supplies.

Getting Around

Most visitors rely on tour operators for transportation to safari destinations, as the terrain requires specialized 4WD vehicles and local knowledge. Within Maun town, taxis and hotel shuttles provide convenient transport between accommodations, restaurants, and the airport. Car rental agencies offer both standard vehicles for town use and equipped 4WD vehicles for self-drive safaris, though guided options are recommended for first-time visitors. Many lodges and camps provide their own aircraft transfers, eliminating the need for road transport to remote delta locations.

Where to Stay

Maun Town Center
Thamalakane River Area
Airport Road District
Matlapaneng Village
Shorobe Road Corridor
Maun Educational Park Area

Food & Dining

Maun's dining scene reflects its international safari clientele while maintaining strong local flavors, with restaurants serving everything from traditional seswaa (shredded beef) and morogo (wild spinach) to continental cuisine and fresh river fish. Popular establishments include Hilary's Tent Lodge for fine dining, French Connection Bistro for European fare, and local favorites like Bon Arrivee Restaurant for authentic Botswana dishes. The town's supermarkets stock international brands alongside local products, while the craft markets offer traditional foods and locally-made beverages. Many lodges and safari camps provide all meals as part of their packages, featuring bush cuisine and outdoor dining experiences under the African stars.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Botswana

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Daily Grind Cafe + Kitchen

4.6 /5
(720 reviews) 2
cafe

Norii Japanese Restaurant Ubud by Wonderspace

4.8 /5
(519 reviews)

Marc's Eatery

4.5 /5
(348 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

The Duck Café

4.6 /5
(223 reviews)
bar cafe store

Okavango Brewing Company

4.5 /5
(115 reviews)
bar

Pepe Nero Ristorante Italiano

4.5 /5
(108 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The dry season from May to October offers the best wildlife viewing conditions with animals concentrated around permanent water sources and minimal rainfall disrupting activities. Peak season (July-September) provides excellent game viewing but comes with higher prices and larger crowds, while shoulder months (May-June, October) offer good weather with better value and fewer tourists. The wet season (November-April) brings lush landscapes and exceptional bird watching opportunities, though some areas become inaccessible and wildlife disperses, making it ideal for budget travelers and bird enthusiasts willing to accept some weather-related limitations.

Insider Tips

Pack layers including warm clothing for early morning game drives and cool delta evenings, as temperatures can drop significantly despite the generally warm climate
Bring a good camera with extra batteries and memory cards, as charging opportunities may be limited in remote safari camps and the wildlife photography opportunities are exceptional
Book accommodation and tours well in advance for peak season (July-September), as the limited number of quality operators and lodges fill up quickly, especially for multi-day delta experiences

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