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Maun is the safari capital of Botswana and the gateway to the world-famous Okavango Delta. Located on the banks of the Thamalakane River, this bustling town is where travellers begin their adventures into one of Africa's last great wildernesses. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vast inland delta where the Okavango River spreads into a maze of channels, lagoons and islands in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, attracting elephants, lions, leopards, hippos and an astonishing variety of birds. From Maun, light aircraft fly visitors to remote safari camps, while others explore the delta by mokoro (traditional dugout canoe), boat or scenic flight. Maun itself has a frontier-town feel, with lodges, cafés, markets and a lively airport. This Maun travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top things to do, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical tips.

Best Time to Visit Maun and the Okavango Delta

Dry season (May–October) is the best time for safaris. Surprisingly, the delta's annual flood peaks between June and August, when water from the Angolan highlands arrives after months of travel, just as the surrounding Kalahari is driest. Wildlife concentrates on islands and floodplains, making it easier to spot. Mokoro trips are at their best.

Wet season (November–April) brings rain, green landscapes, newborn animals and excellent birdwatching, with migratory species arriving. Prices are lower, but some areas are harder to access.

Temperatures: Winter days (June–August) are warm but nights can be cold; October is very hot, often above 40°C.

Top Things to Do in Maun

1. Scenic Flight over the Okavango Delta

A short helicopter or light aircraft flight reveals the delta's spectacular patterns of channels, islands and wildlife from above. Doorless helicopter flights are popular with photographers.

2. Mokoro Trip

Glide through the delta's papyrus-lined channels in a traditional mokoro, poled by a local guide, with chances to see hippos, elephants, reed frogs and water lilies. Day trips from Maun or overnight trips with camping are available.

3. Moremi Game Reserve

Botswana's famous wildlife reserve in the eastern delta, about 2 hours from Maun, home to the Big Five (except rhinos are rare) and wild dogs.

4. Fly-in Safari Camps

Light aircraft take visitors from Maun to luxury camps in private concessions across the delta, offering game drives, boat trips, walking safaris and mokoro excursions.

5. Thamalakane River

Relax at riverside lodges, watch birds and enjoy sundowners along the river that flows through Maun.

6. Nhabe Museum

A small museum and art centre in a historic building, showcasing local art, crafts and the history of Ngamiland.

7. Maun Old Bridge and Markets

See daily life at the old bridge, where locals fish and cattle cross the river, and browse local markets and craft shops.

Also worth visiting: Lake Ngami (when it has water) for birdlife, the Crocodile Farm and horse-riding safaris around the delta.

Beyond Maun

• Moremi Game Reserve: Prime wildlife viewing.
• Khwai Concession: A community area bordering Moremi, known for wild dogs and leopards.
• Makgadikgadi Pans: Salt pans and zebra migration, 2–3 hours east.
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve: A remote desert reserve to the south.
• Tsodilo Hills: A UNESCO site with more than 4,500 ancient rock paintings.

Suggested 5-Day Maun Itinerary

Day 1 – Maun: Arrive and take a scenic flight over the delta in the afternoon.

Day 2 – Mokoro: Take a full-day mokoro trip in the delta.

Days 3–5 – Safari: Fly or drive to Moremi Game Reserve or a fly-in camp for game drives, boat safaris and walking safaris.

The Okavango Delta

The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola and flows into Botswana, where it fans out across the Kalahari instead of reaching the sea. Each year, floodwaters take several months to travel through the delta, peaking in the dry season. The delta covers between 6,000 and 15,000 km², depending on the flood, and supports more than 1,000 plant species, 450 bird species and large populations of elephants, buffalo and predators. In 2014, it became the 1,000th site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Maun Food Scene

Maun has cafés and restaurants serving international and local food. Try seswaa, pap, morogo, grilled bream (river fish) and magwinya (fat cakes). Riverside bars are perfect for sundowners.

What to Pack for a Botswana Safari

• Neutral-coloured clothing: Khaki, olive and beige; avoid bright colours, white and dark blue (which attracts tsetse flies in some areas).
• Layers: Mornings and evenings in winter (June–August) can be close to freezing on open vehicles, while afternoons are warm.
• Soft-sided bag: Required for light aircraft transfers, usually with a 20 kg limit.
• Binoculars and camera: A zoom lens of 200–400 mm is ideal.
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Insect repellent and malaria tablets: For northern Botswana.
• Headlamp, adaptor and power bank: Many camps run on solar power.

Botswana's Conservation Model

Botswana is known for its high-value, low-volume approach to tourism, limiting visitor numbers in sensitive areas while charging higher prices to fund conservation and community development. Around 40% of the country is protected as national parks, reserves or wildlife management areas. Many safari concessions are run in partnership with local communities, who receive a share of tourism revenue. Botswana has also been a leader in rhino conservation, relocating rhinos to safer areas and running anti-poaching programmes.

Where to Stay in Maun

• Riverside lodges: Along the Thamalakane River, with gardens and pools.
• Town centre: Hotels close to the airport and shops.
• Budget camps: Campsites and backpacker lodges such as Old Bridge Backpackers.
• Fly-in camps: Luxury safari camps in the delta.

Compare hotel prices and availability in Maun here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Maun

Maun Airport (MUB) is in the town centre, with flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gaborone and other regional destinations, plus dozens of daily light aircraft flights to delta camps. Search and compare cheap flights to Maun to find the best fares.

By Road

Maun is connected by paved roads to Nata, Ghanzi and Kasane (via Nata). A 4x4 is required for Moremi and the delta.

Getting Around

• Taxis and combis: In town.
• Car rental: 4x4 vehicles with camping equipment are popular.
• Light aircraft: To camps in the delta.
• Tours: Mokoro and safari trips include transfers.

Travel Costs in Maun

The currency is the Botswana pula (BWP), though safari prices are usually quoted in US dollars.

Scenic flights: Around US$150–300 per person for a 45–60-minute flight.

Visa & Entry Requirements

• Visa-free: Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days per year.
• e-Visa: Other nationalities can apply through Botswana's online e-Visa portal.
• Tourism Development Levy: Most foreign visitors pay a levy of around US$30.
• Passport validity: At least 6 months, with at least two blank pages.
• Yellow fever: A certificate is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.

Always check official Botswana immigration sources before travelling.

Local Tips for Maun

• Luggage limits: Light aircraft usually allow only 20 kg in soft-sided bags.
• Malaria: Maun and the delta are malaria areas; consult a doctor.
• Wildlife: Animals may wander through unfenced camps; follow guide instructions.
• Cash: Carry cash for park fees, tips and small purchases.
• Tipping: Tips for guides, mokoro polers and camp staff are customary.
• Staying connected: Local SIMs from Mascom, Orange and BTC work in Maun; coverage is limited in the delta. Get your Botswana eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Okavango Delta scenic flight: See the delta from above.
• Mokoro day trip: Glide through papyrus channels.
• Moremi safari: Game drives in one of Africa's best reserves.
• Fly-in safari package: Luxury camps in private concessions.
• Horse-riding safari: Explore the delta on horseback.

Browse and book the best safaris in Maun here.

FAQ

When does the Okavango Delta flood?

The flood peaks between June and August, during the dry season.

What is a mokoro?

A traditional dugout canoe used to explore the delta's channels.

How do I get to the Okavango Delta from Maun?

By light aircraft, boat, 4x4 or mokoro trip.

Is Maun worth visiting?

Yes, as the gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi.

What is the luggage limit for light aircraft?

Usually 20 kg in soft bags.

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