The gateway town to the Okavango Delta has small planes taking off daily for safari flights. Local markets, basic lodges, and wildlife near the Thamalakane River.
Maun sits along the Thamalakane River as the gateway to Botswana's Okavango Delta. The international airport connects to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Gaborore. You can paddle traditional mokoro canoes down the river, examine regional masks and pottery at the Nhabe Museum, or learn basket weaving from local artisans at the morning market. Wildlife enthusiasts can take day trips to spot elephants and lions in Moremi Game Reserve, while the Old Bridge Backpackers serves craft beer from its microbrewery overlooking the river.
Getting to Maun
Airlines Airlink and Air Botswana operate daily flights to Maun International Airport from Johannesburg and Cape Town. From here, you can catch smaller aircraft to camps throughout the Okavango Delta. Keep in mind that these light aircraft have strict luggage restrictions of 20kg per person, including hand luggage and camera equipment.
Weather and Timing Your Visit
Plan your visit between May and October for clear skies and warm days, with temperatures ranging from 15-17°C. From November to March, rain and humidity increase, with temperatures reaching 25°C. Wet conditions can affect flight schedules and make dirt roads difficult to navigate.
People and Markets
The Hambukushu, Basubiya, and Bayei peoples maintain strong cultural presence in Maun. Visit the morning market to see women creating intricate baskets using palm fibers and natural dyes, following techniques passed through generations. At The Duck Cafe, you'll find the Maun Made showroom where local artists transform recycled materials into contemporary art pieces and practical items.
Day Activities
Walk through the 1939 colonial building housing the Nhabe Museum to see masks, pottery, and artwork from the region's tribes. Spot hippos and crocodiles in the 8-square-kilometer Maun Game Reserve along the Thamalakane riverbank. For bigger wildlife, join early morning drives to Moremi Game Reserve where you can see elephants, lions, and leopards. Local stables organize horse riding trips through rural cattle posts and game areas, with routes for both novice and experienced riders.
Safari Planning
Many safari operators in Maun organize trips to the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. You can rent 4x4 vehicles equipped with camping gear for independent safaris or book small aircraft flights to remote camps. Local travel agencies arrange mokoro trips, aerial tours over the Delta's waterways, and multi-day safari expeditions.
