Maun is all about the Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Mokoro trips — Glide through papyrus-lined channels in a traditional dugout canoe poled by a local guide.
- Scenic flights — See the delta’s maze of waterways, islands and herds of elephants from a light aircraft or helicopter.
- Moremi Game Reserve — A protected area within the delta with lions, leopards, wild dogs and rich birdlife, reachable by road from Maun.
- Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans — Vast salt pans and grasslands east of Maun, known for seasonal zebra migrations and ancient baobabs.
- Thamalakane River — Relax at a riverside lodge and watch birds and the sunset over the water.
- Nhabe Museum — A small museum and craft outlet on the history and culture of north-west Botswana.
Maun has a hot, semi-arid climate. Summer rains fall from about November to March, bringing lush scenery, newborn animals and excellent birdwatching, but also heat and humidity. Winter, from May to August, is dry, with warm days and cold nights, while September and October become increasingly hot.
The best time to visit is from May to October. Floodwaters from the Angolan highlands usually reach the delta in the dry winter months, so the channels are full just as wildlife concentrates around permanent water, creating ideal conditions for mokoro trips and game viewing.
Maun Airport is located right in town, only a few minutes from most hotels and shops. It is one of Botswana’s busiest airports, with domestic and regional flights and many light-aircraft transfers to safari camps.
Most lodges and safari operators meet guests at the airport and arrange transfers or connecting charter flights. Taxis are available for short trips around town, and car hire, including 4x4 vehicles for self-drive safaris, can be arranged.
Most visitors spend a night or two in Maun before heading into the delta.
- Town centre — Near the airport, shops and banks; practical for overnight stops.
- Thamalakane riverside — Lodges along the river with gardens and birdlife; ideal for relaxing.
- Matlapaneng — An area north-east of town with lodges and campsites, popular with self-drive travellers.
- Okavango Delta camps — Remote safari camps reached by light aircraft for immersive wildlife stays.
- Money: Cards are accepted in larger businesses, but carry pula for smaller shops and tips.
- Luggage: Light aircraft to safari camps have strict weight limits and usually require soft-sided bags.
- Health: Malaria is present in northern Botswana, so seek medical advice before travel and use repellent.
- Self-drive: Driving in the delta and parks requires a 4x4, experience and good preparation.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal is good in Maun but limited or absent at most remote camps.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport serves Maun?
Maun is served by Maun Airport (MUB), located in the town itself.
How do I get from the airport to my lodge?
Most lodges and safari operators arrange transfers or charter flights from the airport. Taxis serve short trips in town.
What currency is used in Maun?
The Botswana pula (BWP) is used. Cards work in larger businesses, but cash is handy for smaller purchases.
Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Check RwandAir’s travel requirements tool or the official government website before travelling.
When is the best time to visit Maun?
May to October is ideal, when the delta is in flood and wildlife gathers around water.
Why does the Okavango flood in the dry season?
The floodwater comes from summer rains in the Angolan highlands, which take months to flow down the Okavango River, so it reaches the delta during Botswana’s dry winter.
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