Maun

Botswana, Africa

Nestled along the banks of the Thamalakane River, Maun is the beating heart of Botswana’s safari scene and your launching pad into some of the best attractions of the country. It is also the fifth-largest “city” in Botswana. However, while it’s grown in recent years with the tourism boom, it still holds onto a relaxed, small-town vibe.

Why Visit Maun?

You’ll probably have to visit Maun if you’re headed to the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, or the Makgadikgadi Pans. The “city” itself doesn’t have much to offer from a touristic standpoint, although it’s grown in recent years, it is a great place to rest, stock up on supplies, and regroup before or after a safari.

Maun is the main gateway to the Okavango Delta, one the country’s most iconic natural wonders. Most tour operators are based here, and if you’re flying into the Delta or heading off on a multi-day game drive into Moremi, this is where it all begins. Scenic flights, mokoro excursions, mobile safaris, rhino tracking, horseback safaris—you name it, all start in Maun. It’s also a logistical base for travelers venturing further afield to Nxai Pan, Makgadikgadi National Park, and even the Central Kalahari.