Maun

Maun is rightfully considered the tourism capital of Botswana and the main gateway to the famous Okavango Delta. This vibrant city serves as the starting point for most safari tours, attracting travellers from all over the world with its unique atmosphere, where the spirit of adventure intertwines with local flavour. Here, modern infrastructure with hotels, restaurants, and an airport harmoniously coexists with the traditional way of life, creating ideal conditions for starting an unforgettable journey into the world of African wildlife.

The fastest and most comfortable way to get to the heart of the safari is to fly into Maun International Airport (MUB). Despite its compact size, this aviation hub plays a key role in Botswana's tourism, being one of the busiest air gateways in the region.

There are usually no direct intercontinental flights to the city. Most travellers arrive here via convenient connecting flights through major hubs in South Africa, primarily Johannesburg or Cape Town. Regular domestic connections are also established with the country's capital, Gaborone, and the popular tourist destination of Kasane.

The airport is located just a few kilometres from the centre, so the transfer to your hotel or tour operator's office will take minimum time. Furthermore, it is from here that tourists transfer to light aircraft — "air taxis" — delivering guests to remote lodges in the Okavango Delta.

There is no direct railway connection to the city of Maun, as Botswana's main railway lines are laid significantly further east, along the border with Zimbabwe. Travellers preferring this mode of transport will have to plan a complex composite route, combining a train journey with a subsequent long transfer.

The nearest convenient station accepting passenger trains is located in neighbouring Zimbabwe — in the city of Victoria Falls. Upon arrival there, tourists can continue their journey by rental car or bus, passing through Kasane to reach the gates of the Okavango Delta. This is a logistically challenging but picturesque option for those who wish to combine a safari with a visit to the legendary waterfall.

A bus journey to Maun is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the African atmosphere and see the country from the window. One of the most popular routes is the transfer from Kasane: covering 600 kilometres usually takes from 6 to 8 hours, and the road, passing through natural zones, often offers encounters with elephants right on the roadside. Those travelling from the famous waterfalls from the city of Victoria Falls face a longer journey of about 750 kilometres, which, taking border crossings into account, can stretch to 9–10 hours.

Connections are also established with Namibia via the border town of Katima Mulilo, located approximately 500 kilometres from the Okavango Delta. The trip in this direction lasts about 7–8 hours, revealing colourful savannah landscapes and small local settlements to the traveller. When choosing a bus, it is worth remembering that the schedule may be flexible, so tickets are best purchased in advance, and carry a supply of water for the road.

A self-drive trip to Maun by car offers freedom of movement and the ability to personally manage travel time. The popular route from Kasane (about 600 km) runs mainly on asphalt surfaces, however, drivers should be extremely attentive: potholes are often found on the highway, and wild animals may step onto the road at any time of day. The journey from the waterfalls from Victoria Falls city will take the entire daylight hours (about 750 km) but will allow you to enjoy the changing landscapes.

An important feature of car travel in Botswana that is worth knowing in advance is the presence of veterinary cordons. Sanitary posts are installed on the approaches to the Okavango Delta to control foot-and-mouth disease: the car may be stopped for inspection and you may be asked to disinfect your footwear. The transport of fresh meat and unprocessed animal products through these zones is often prohibited, so it is better to stock up on provisions directly upon arrival in the city.

If you plan to enter from Namibia via Katima Mulilo, a fairly comfortable road of 500 km awaits you. For the journey, it is strongly recommended to rent a four-wheel drive SUV. Although the main highways have a hard surface, exits to lodges and campsites often consist of deep sand or dirt roads, impassable for a standard passenger car. Furthermore, locals strongly advise against driving after dark due to the large number of livestock roaming the roadsides.

A trip to Maun is an exciting adventure that requires certain preparation for maximum comfort. To ensure your stay at the main gates of the Okavango Delta goes smoothly and safely, we have collected several important practical recommendations.

1. Clothing and Gear: Consider significant daily temperature fluctuations. It can be very hot in Botswana during the day, but morning and evening safaris are often cold, so the principle of layering clothing is mandatory. Choose modest items in neutral natural shades (khaki, beige, olive) to avoid attracting insects and startling animals, and be sure to take a hat and sunglasses.
2. Transport: Within the city centre, it is convenient and inexpensive to move around by taxi, however, always agree on the cost of the trip in advance, as meters are rarely used. If you plan independent trips outside the city, renting a reliable four-wheel drive SUV (4x4) is critically important: many roads outside the main highways are sandy and difficult for ordinary cars to traverse.
3. Finance: The national currency is the Pula. Although Visa and Mastercard are accepted in major supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants in Maun, always keep a supply of cash. It will be needed to pay for small services, purchases at craft markets, and gratuities, as well as in case of terminal outages.
4. Health and Safety: The city is in a malaria risk zone, so consult a doctor in advance about prophylaxis and actively use repellents, especially in the evening. Drink only bottled water. From a crime perspective, the city is calm, but walking on unlit outskirts at night is not recommended due to the possibility of encountering wild animals that sometimes enter populated areas.
5. Communication: English is the official language of the country, so you will be understood everywhere in the tourism sector. Nevertheless, locals greatly appreciate respect for their culture: learning a couple of simple words of greeting in the Setswana language (for example, "Dumela") will immediately endear you to your interlocutor.
6. Local Etiquette: Batswana are a very polite, hospitable, and friendly people. It is customary here to greet even strangers on the street. When communicating, do not rush; be calm and smiling. Before photographing any local residents or their property, be sure to politely ask for permission.
7. What to Avoid: It is categorically not recommended to swim in the Thamalakane River or any other open water bodies in the vicinity. The water may hide crocodiles and hippos, presenting a mortal danger, and may also contain parasites. Admire the river from a safe distance or from a boat.
8. Provisioning: If you are setting off on a self-catering safari tour or camping, purchase absolutely everything necessary (water, food, firewood, fuel) specifically in Maun. This is the last major civilised outpost with large supermarkets before you find yourself in the wild, where there will be no shops for hundreds of kilometres.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday difficulties and fully concentrate on the amazing nature of Africa. May your introduction to the country's tourism capital leave only the warmest memories!