Maun
Maun
“The gateway to the Okavango”: it’s a heady title for this small, unassuming town at the southern tip of the Delta.
Located at the southern edge of the Delta, Maun has the feel of a frontier town where safari stories and local culture meet in an easy-going blend. Most visitors arrive through its small, modern airport, sometimes spending just a night before or after heading out to the Delta’s wilderness delights.
Landing in the heart of this little town though, it’s easy to take a short walk to nearby gift shops and friendly local cafés for tasty treats and a taste of Botswana’s warm hospitality. It’s a refreshing break from the business of major international hubs, and a good way to relax into the gentle rhythm of the country from the moment you arrive.
If you want to thoroughly ease into your trip though, take a day or two at one of the town’s best lodges relaxing by the Thamalakane River that provides a hint of the waterways ahead. Or get up close and personal with the resident giraffes at Thamo Telele, meet the elephants at Elephant Havens, stretch your legs on a walking trail or capture the Okavango and Kalahari vastness in a helicopter trip - an unforgettable view of the spectacular landscape that stretches as far as the eye can see.
In town, Maun is a great base for gathering last-minute safari essentials, checking out local basket weavers or sipping a beer at the town’s microbrewery. Linger for a day or two to get a taste of Botswana’s pace and character, and a warm and welcoming start to our Delta adventure.
Our top safari holidays in Botswana
Here are 26 great Botswana safaris to inspire you.
Wild Dog Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.
US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person
Porcupine Safari
11 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.
US$10,710 - US$16,860 per person
Spring Hare Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.
US$7,290 - US$13,320 per person
Large-spotted Genet Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.
US$10,930 - US$23,640 per person
Red Lechwe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.
US$10,800 - US$28,240 per person
Steenbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.
US$7,260 - US$13,480 per person
Pangolin Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Three relaxed, local feeling camps in pristine settings – the Kwando Reserve and Okavango Delta. Guided by a driver and tracker at each, this a great trip for spotting Botswana’s top predators.
US$7,760 - US$16,190 per person
Bushbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Discover three of Botswana’s best game-viewing regions with stays in the private Linyanti, Chitabe and Vumbura reserves. Intimate, smart camps offer a range of activities by which to discover these stunningly varied habitats.
US$13,570 - US$31,740 per person
Reedbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Focussing on the Okavango Delta and combining the crème de la crème of Botswana’s camps – Zarafa, Vumbura Plains and Mombo – this is one of the finest safari experiences in Africa.
US$18,160 - US$36,280 per person
Tsessebe Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit three sister-camps in and around Moremi Game Reserve during this thorough exploration of the Okavango Delta. A range of activities provide excellent opportunity to observe the local birdlife, mammals and fauna.
US$7,790 - US$11,820 per person
Recent reviews of Maun
The starting point for nearly all of our Botswana safaris, Expert Africa travellers have plenty to say about their time in Maun.
The charm of Thamalakane River Lodge with its peaceful, waterfront setting; the wonderful walking trails and enchanting giraffe encounters at Thamo Telele, and the ability to simply explore a friendly African frontier town.
Click below to browse our 113 genuine traveller reviews of Maun, its accommodation options and our Botswana safaris.
The best places to stay in Maun
Maun's accommodation scene has evolved considerably from being a necessary stopover for Delta-bound travellers into a lively destination in its own right, with a range of excellent options. From boutique bed and breakfasts to safari lodges on private reserves, there are now some super spots, often along the tranquil Thamalakane River, to relax after a long flight, laze around after an exhilarating Okavango safari, or simply to linger a bit longer to explore Maun’s surroundings.
Thamalakane River Lodge
With its tranquil riverside location, Thamalakane makes an excellent buffer between a tiring long-haul flight and the magic of a safari.
Thamo Telele
On the outskirts of Maun, Thamo Telele is set in a private game reserve with walking trails and a giraffe experience: ideal at the start or end of a safari.
Riley's Hotel
In the heart of Maun, about 3km from the airport, Riley’s makes a relatively reliable stopover for one night.
Maun’s wildlife hotspots
Whilst not a primary destination for wildlife in itself, there are still plenty of opportunities to see animals and birds in and around Maun, especially along the riverfront.
Perhaps the most wonderful animal interactions are the fabulous giraffe encounters available at Thamo Telele alongside the ability to walk and horse-ride on the lodge’s lovely reserve trails, and the gently riverside birdwatching from Thamalakane River Lodge.
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The best time to visit Maun
The best time to visit Maun is during the dry season, from May to October. This period is ideal for wildlife viewing and birdwatching along the river as animals tend to congregate around permanent water sources, making them easier to spot. June to August are particularly popular months, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cool nights. September gradually warms up, whilst October can become very hot, with temperatures reaching over 35°C (95°F).
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Botswana in January
January is at the peak of Botswana’s rainy season. These rains are often in the evening and are short but heavy, with occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures will still be high but cooler than October–December. Animals are generally dispersed, and not easy to spot, with the best game viewing found in the north of Chief’s Island and on the eastern and southern sides of the Okavango Delta.
January is also one of the best months to see the zebra and wildebeest migration in the Makgadikgadi salt pans and at Nxai Pan. Migratory birds abound throughout northern Botswana, along with a large number of breeding flamingos in the flooded salt pans. Rates are generally relatively low, making this a good time to visit on a budget.
- Temperatures are still warm, with occasional thunderstorms
- The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
- Big game is dispersed
- Zebra & wildebeest migration at its height
- Availability in lodges and camps is often very good
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Botswana in February
The weather in February is very similar to January, with heavy rain most days – often towards evening – and temperatures on the high side, albeit cooling off from the rains and surface water. Across northern Botswana, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, the rains have created pools and waterholes in the bush and thicker vegetation and tall grass makes it trickier to spot larger animals.
Further south, the game viewing is beginning to pick up in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Visitor numbers remain low, with attendant rates and availability in camps and lodges.
- Temperatures still warm with occasional thunderstorms
- Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
- Big game is dispersed
- Game viewing picking up in the Central Kalahari
- Visitor numbers are low, so camp availability can be very good
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Botswana in March
March usually sees Botswana’s main rains starting to tail off. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun raising temperatures. On some days clouds will build, and the late-afternoon may see a short thunderstorm. Across the country, the landscape is green and alive. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young. Much of the migration is now moving north towards the Savute area or Chobe National Park, though thick vegetation still makes it trickier to spot even larger animals.
March is one of the best times to be in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where many of the pans fill up and animals come to drink, closely followed by predators. With few visitors in most areas, rates may still be relatively low.
- Variable weather: rains tailing off but still hot
- Occasional small thunderstorms
- Many animals finish raising their young; birdlife still spectacular
- The best time to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Botswana in April
During April the rains have usually stopped, though there may be still be the odd late downpour. This results in clear skies and a lovely green, lush landscape. Night-time temperatures usually start to drop during April with this being most noticeable in the Central Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi areas. The Central Kalahari is really coming into its own at this point and from April through to May/June the Savute region is a particular favourite of ours, with good predator/prey interaction.
In much of northern Botswana, the camps are coming into their “shoulder” season, so rates are on the rise but still relatively low.
- Evening temperatures cooling with just the odd shower
- Northern Botswana is green and lush
- Many animals still with young; good predator/prey interaction
- Central Kalahari and Savute the best places for wildlife
- A popular shoulder season time to book. Rates relatively low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Botswana in May
May is a very popular month to visit Botswana, often the last month of the “shoulder” season before camp rates hit their peak. While there is very little chance of rain, the annual floods from Angola are starting to make their way through the northern part of the Delta, and will eventually reach the majority of the Okavango late June.
With cooler temperatures morning and evening, predator activity tends to be higher, although tall grasses can still obstruct game viewing. With cool crisp evenings, and the game viewing really picking up, this is the favourite time to visit for many of our team – and camp bookings throughout Botswana are snapped up quickly.
- Cool mornings and evenings with little chance of rain
- Game viewing is beginning to pick up
- Predator activity increasing, though grasses still quite high
- Last month of “shoulder” season for most camps
- Availability goes quickly throughout Botswana
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Botswana in June
June is the real start of the dry season. Temperatures are still cool in the morning and evenings with night-time temperatures sometimes reaching freezing, rising to 25–30 degrees Celsius during the day, with blue skies. Along with this comes a certain clarity to the air, favourable for serious photographers. Surface water and waterholes begin to dry up during this period and many animals begin to congregate around the remaining areas with water.
Visibility is improving as the grass is beginning to die back, and game viewing is very good everywhere, with particular improvement in the Kwando–Linyanti areas. Not surprisingly, camp availability is becoming scarce and rates are high.
- Warm, comfortable days; cold nights, morning & evenings
- Air clarity favours serious photographers
- Wildlife is gravitating to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
- Grasses beginning to die back
- Most camps are into peak season, with rates correspondingly high
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Botswana in July
Evenings and mornings are still cool in July, and this combined with great game viewing makes it one of the most popular times to visit Botswana. Vegetation is really thinning out now making game easier to spot, with the few remaining waterholes attracting lots of wildlife. The north-eastern side of Chobe National Park, along the Chobe River, is also very rewarding, although this area can become very busy.
Game viewing is extremely good in the Khwai areas, too, but again, this is a public area and – unlike in the private concessions of the Delta – vehicle numbers can be high. Camps are now very much into the peak season, and tend to be full.
- Comfortable days; cold nights, morning & evenings
- Game viewing very good as vegetation dies back and waterholes dry out
- Chobe Riverfront and Khwai areas become very busy
- Private concessions helps to avoid potentially high vehicle numbers
- Now very much into peak season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Botswana in August
August is a popular time to visit Botswana, coinciding with the European summer holidays, and camp availability is difficult. Temperatures are generally cool at night, and comfortable during the day, although towards the end of the month they can rise above 35 degrees Celsius (albeit with low humidity). Cloudless skies bring spectacular star-gazing. Wildlife has congregated around the few remaining water sources, and much of the vegetation has now died back, so wildlife viewing tends to be varied and rewarding, particularly in the Okavango Delta.
Depending on the rains in Angola this can also be one of the best times to see the delta floods at their peak.
- Dry, warm days, with mainly cool nights
- Cloudless skies with spectacular stars at night
- A fantastic time for wildlife watching, particularly in the Okavango
- Traditionally one of the best times to see the Delta in full flood
- Peak season: so high rates and many lodges full
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Botswana in September
September is another favourite month for some of our team members. Daytime temperatures are getting warmer, but nights remain cool. With the drier conditions, most of the greenery has faded from the landscape, and dust or even smoke create hazy conditions that aren’t great for photographers – though this does result in fantastic sunsets.
This is another extremely good month for game viewing, with large numbers of elephant and buffalo congregating in the Chobe region and migrant birds begin to return to Botswana. Rates remain high – and availability correspondingly low.
- Warmer days and cool nights
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing
- Large congregations of elephant & buffalo in the Chobe region
- Hazy conditions less good for photographers, but brilliant sunsets
- High season rates; many lodges & camps are full
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Botswana in October
October is the one of the hottest months of the year, and usually one of the driest. Towards the end of the month the chances of rain can increase, and along with this can come greater humidity. The air is usually dry and hazy, making photography more challenging, but the lack of water and vegetation result in very good big-game viewing.
Water levels are now much lower, so water-based activities such as boating, mokoro trips and fishing cease in many of the camps which are not on major tributaries.
- Hot temperatures, with the chance of rain towards the end of the month
- Great big-game viewing
- Less opportunity for water activities in camps as floods recede
- Hazy air not great for photographers
- Final month of the peak season in camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in October
Botswana in November
November usually marks the end of the dry season in Botswana, when increasing temperatures drive a rise in humidity, sometimes culminating in the first rains. These are often short but very heavy showers in the late afternoon or during the night, and can be spectacular. The rains lower the temperatures slightly but bring a flush of green back into the dry landscapes. As waterholes in surrounding areas fill, wildlife will gradually begin to disperse as it is not restricted by the availability of water.
November is a great time for birdwatching, with the arrival of many migrant birds. The first couple of weeks are very popular with travellers looking for great game viewing at lower rates as Botswana enters the “shoulder” season.
- Hot in the middle of the day; sometimes humid
- Heavy showers increasingly likely as the month progresses
- Wildlife watching still good, but less reliable once it rains
- Migrant birds start to arrive
- “Shoulder” season brings mid-range rates in camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Botswana in December
The rains in Botswana have now started, bringing some respite to the high temperatures. Game viewing becomes harder as wildlife is more dispersed but great sightings can still be had in the right areas such as Khwai and the Kwara and Mombo concessions.
Areas such as the Makgadikgadi Pans change completely with the salt pans becoming covered in a shallow layer of water attracting large numbers of breeding flamingos. Low-season rates at many camps are a draw.
- Temperatures starting to fall from the highs of October/November
- Very high chance of rain, usually large heavy storms for short periods
- Flamingos return to breed at the Makgadikgadi Pans
- Wildlife more dispersed, so game viewing more challenging
- Typically low-season rates in the camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
Maun: In Detail
Maun
Maun has grown from a traditional village to a bustling safari town, featuring a mix of modern facilities from lodges to restaurants and souvenir shops. Despite its growth, it retains a laid-back charm, with traditional thatched-roof huts seen alongside newer buildings, and a down-to-earth atmosphere shaped by its proximity to nature and its significant resident population of old-time safari and conservation connoisseurs.
Why stay in Maun
It's a laid-back and welcoming place, with the Thamalakane River flowing quietly through town, creating a peaceful backdrop. And accommodation options are good value, so it’s worth considering if these more budget-friendly choices mean you can stretch your Botswana stay.
With comfortable lodges, good dining options, the chance to explore local attractions or pick up any last-minute safari essentials, a gentle start to your holiday in Maun may just enhance your overall safari experience, so perhaps consider Maun as more than just a stop-over…
Eating out in Maun
From quirky cafés to stylish eateries, there’s no shortage of places for a memorable meal these days. So if you’re staying in town for a couple of days or passing time waiting for a connecting flight, do check out our favourite Maun eateries. For a small town, it’s an unexpectedly delightful place to eat out.
Beside the airport:
- The Duck Café Bar near the airport is ideal for pre- or post-flight coffee and light bites, with sugar-dusted almond croissants, homemade quiche, and steak frites on offer. Live music evenings and art exhibitions lend a creative edge to this cosy café.
- Dusty Donkey Café’s terrace is a local favourite, with tempting iced teas, milkshakes, and a daily menu of Buddha bowls, Asian wraps, and towering burgers. Just minutes from the airport, it’s a convenient spot to start or end your Maun adventures, with handmade crafts and souvenirs to browse.
- Hilary’s Coffee Shop is a Maun institution, serving deliciously fresh, homemade meals for nearly 30 years. The shady, pot-plant-filled patio offers a tranquil setting for breakfast or lunch, with options ranging from hearty sandwiches to gluten-free and vegan specials.
- The Arts Café @ Motsana Cultural Centre combines a relaxed courtyard vibe with fresh bread, pancakes, and great coffee. It’s perfect for a leisurely breakfast or lunch, with a couple of craft shops adding to its appeal.
- Bull and Bush @ Okavango Craft Brewery. Alongside Maun’s award-winning microbrewery, this pub serves craft beers, wood-fired pizzas, and BBQ dishes with a backdrop of the brewing process itself. Live music, international sports screenings, and talks on conservation make this a pretty social hangout.
- Kwa Ga Ncinci is the place if you’re interested in trying some more local fare. Owned by the engaging Ncinci, this welcoming place serves up traditional specials at feet-in-the-sand wooden tables. If you’re in Maun on ‘Braaiday Friday’, enjoy steak and sausage with pap (a local, smooth maize porridge) and a cocktail hour.
- Marc’s Eatery is an absolute gem just outside town, blending fresh global flavours with a charming garden setting. From innovative salads to mouth-watering pastas, Marc’s is a highlight, with a deli offering baked treats and takeaway options too.
- Tandurei Maun serves up authentic Indian flavours under a thatched roof near the airport. Known for its butter masalas, kebabs, and fresh rotis, this spot’s quirky decor – including an old rescue plane – makes it a unique choice for a memorable meal.
Maun’s top activities
- Explore Local Culture: Get a taste of traditional Botswana life with a visit to the Hambukushu or Sexaxa Cultural Villages. At Hambukushu, visitors can try basket weaving, learn about local farming methods, and play traditional games in a recreated village setting. Sexaxa, set on the outskirts of Maun, offers insights into Bayei culture and is ideal for those curious about urban life with a traditional twist.
- Nhabe Museum: This small but vibrant venue is more of an art gallery than a museum, featuring rotating exhibits from local artists, alongside artefacts like musical instruments and hunting tools. It’s a wonderful way to learn about Botswana’s history and creativity through its people’s art.
- Thamalakane River Cruise: Float along the peaceful Thamalakane River, keeping an eye out for the area’s many bird species. A gentle boat trip offers a fresh view of Maun’s surroundings, with the potential for great birdwatching experiences.
- Horse Riding Adventures: For a more active exploration, Maun offers guided horseback rides along the Thamalakane and Boro rivers, with a super centre based at Thamo Telele lodge. Whether you’re a novice or experienced rider, these rides are a unique way to explore the area’s landscapes, with the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
- Elephant Havens: Just an hour’s drive from Maun, Elephant Havens sanctuary is home to orphaned elephants, providing care with the aim of eventual rewilding. Visitors can observe and photograph these young elephants up close, while learning about conservation efforts and the work being done to mitigate human-elephant conflict in the region.
- Scenic Flights Over the Delta: For the ultimate aerial view, a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta reveals its vast beauty in a way that’s hard to grasp from the ground. With options ranging from small planes to helicopters, these flights provide sweeping views of winding waterways, islands, and the diverse wildlife below – it’s magical!
Safaris near Maun
Okavango Delta
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible via charter flights, is a top destination due to its unique ecosystem of water channels, islands, and lagoons. Known for its mokoro (canoe) safaris and diverse wildlife, the Delta offers sightings of elephants, hippos, and a rich variety of bird species. The Okavango's waterways, particularly around Chief's Island and the central Delta, are a core draw for nature enthusiasts.
How to get to the Okavango Delta from Maun: The Delta's proximity to Maun varies depending on the specific area you’re visiting. However, most lodges within the Delta are accessible only by air, with charter flights from Maun taking about 20 to 30 minutes. Flying – by light aircraft or helicopter – is by far the most common way to make this journey.
Moremi Game Reserve
Situated within the eastern part of the Delta, Moremi is renowned for its incredible biodiversity, with landscapes that range from floodplains to forests. It hosts an impressive array of wildlife, including leopards, wild dogs, and large herds of buffalo and elephants. Many travellers consider Moremi a must-visit due to its well-protected environment and reliable wildlife sightings.
How to get to Moremi Game Reserve from Maun: Located about 155km north-east of Maun, light aircraft fly from Maun to airstrips within Moremi, taking around 30 minutes.
Chobe National Park
Located to the north-east, Chobe is especially famous for its riverfront, where vast herds of elephants gather. Visitors often enjoy boat safaris along the Chobe River, providing close views of elephants, hippos, and other animals drawn to the water. The park's varied ecosystems, from floodplains to dry savannas, support a wide range of wildlife, including substantial predator populations.
How to get to Chobe National Park from Maun: Situated around 600km northeast of Maun, driving to and through Chobe takes several days, and is commonly undertaken with stops and game viewing on a private mobile safari. Charter flights direct from Maun to Kasane, the closest gateway to northern Chobe, take about 60-90 minutes.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)
South of Maun, CKGR offers a different experience with its arid landscapes and desert-adapted wildlife, such as the Kalahari lion and oryx. This remote reserve is ideal for adventurous travellers looking for solitude and an authentic wilderness experience.
How to get to the Central Kalahari from Maun: Approximately 250km south of Maun, flights to airstrips within CKGR have flight times of around 45 minutes.
Makgadikgadi Pans
These vast salt flats, located southeast of Maun, offer unique desert landscapes and seasonal wildlife migrations, including zebras and flamingos. During the wet season, the pans become a shallow lake, attracting various bird species, while the dry season transforms them into expansive, white salt flats. The area is also home to colonies of habituated meerkats, adding to its unique appeal.
How to get to Mkgadikgadi Pans from Maun: Located about 240km east of Maun, flights to airstrips for the lodges near the pans take around 30 minutes.
Our top 3 hotels and places to stay in Maun
While fine old camps have lost much of their atmosphere, they may still be more interesting than some of the rather bland hotels that have sprung up to serve the business market. More appealing than these are a handful of small-scale ventures, such as a clutch of small self-catering establishments, which we have listed for you below. Ask us for more details of what's where, and what's likely to suit you best!
Thamalakane River Lodge
With its tranquil riverside location, Thamalakane makes an excellent buffer between a tiring long-haul flight and the magic of a safari.
Thamo Telele
On the outskirts of Maun, Thamo Telele is set in a private game reserve with walking trails and a giraffe experience: ideal at the start or end of a safari.
Riley's Hotel
In the heart of Maun, about 3km from the airport, Riley’s makes a relatively reliable stopover for one night.
Excursions in Maun
Optional, extra day-trips and excursions that are possible while you’re staying in Maun. Talk to us: these excursions are usually best arranged before you go.
Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter Flight
Frequently Asked Questions
Maun FAQs
How do you get to Maun?
International Flights
- Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (ADD): Ethiopian Airlines provides a direct flight between Addis Ababa and Maun, connecting East Africa with Botswana in around 5 hours. This service is a good option for travellers coming from European and Middle Eastern regions, thanks to the airline’s extensive global network.
- Cape Town, South Africa (CPT): Direct flights from Cape Town to Maun run daily, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. This direct route offers a convenient choice for travellers combining Botswana with South African adventures on the Garden Route or Western Cape Winelands.
- Johannesburg, South Africa (JNB): Johannesburg is the primary gateway for most international arrivals to Maun, and the daily, direct flights take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. This short flight makes it the most popular route for those coming from Europe, North America, and other long-haul destinations.
- Kasane, Botswana (BBK): Located near Chobe National Park, Kasane is about 600 km north of Maun. Flights between Maun and Kasane take approximately 1 hour, providing an easy connection for travellers wishing to experience both the Okavango Delta and Chobe’s renowned wildlife.
- Gaborone (GBE): Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, is about 860 km from Maun. Daily flights with Air Botswana and other carriers cover the route in roughly 1.5 hours. This is a convenient option for those travelling within Botswana or transiting from South Africa.
Safari lodges and camps across the Okavango Delta and key safari areas often have private bush airstrips, making light aircraft the preferred method of transfer to and from Maun. These charter flights generally range from 20 minutes to an hour in length, depending on the distance from Maun and the specific location within the Delta. Charter flights also operate from Maun to smaller regional airstrips like Nxai Pan and Khwai, enhancing access to Botswana’s key safari areas.
For those looking to combine destinations, Maun’s central location and reliable air connections make it an ideal starting point for exploring Botswana’s diverse wilderness regions and combining trips here with South Africa or Victoria Falls.
Our team area all well-versed in the local and international flight schedules and will carefully plan all of your safari travel arrangements to ensure smooth journeys throughout your trip.
What is Maun airport like?
Recently modernised, the terminal now offers expanded facilities, including a longer runway that can accommodate larger aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Inside, increased check-in counters, separate screening for international and domestic flights, spacious departure halls, and updated flight display boards provide a smoother experience for travellers.
Although the airport has a café, many prefer to step across the street to The Duck Café Bar or Dusty Donkey Café for barista-quality coffee, fresh meals, and a relaxed atmosphere.
For those travelling light, luggage storage options are limited, but most safari companies offer to collect and securely store any additional baggage for those transferring to regional camps. Car hire is conveniently available within and around the terminal, making it easy for visitors who wish to explore Maun and its surroundings before or after their Delta adventures
Is Maun a safe place?
Crime and safety
Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and theft are invariably more common in urban than rural areas. Visitors are advised to remain vigilant, especially in crowded places, and to avoid overtly displaying valuables. It's recommended to avoid walking alone at night and to use reputable transportation options, such as those confirmed by your safari camp or lodge.
Wildlife considerations
Given Maun's proximity to wildlife areas, encounters with animals are always possible. It's essential to follow local guidelines and maintain a safe distance from wildlife. When participating in safaris or other wildlife activities, always adhere to the instructions provided by guides.
Health precautions
Our travellers to Botswana very rarely have any health issues as the food and care within the safari camps and lodges is generally very good – and the dry-season climate is generally a very pleasant one. As in many counties, travellers should guard against heat stroke in the hotter months by covering up, applying a high-factor sunscreen to any expose areas and drinking plenty of non-alchoholic drinks to stay hydrated.
Check with your own doctor or physician for up-to-date, personal advice on vaccines necessary for your safari, based on the time of year and locations you plan to viist. Routine vaccines which may be recommended include those for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio, as well as Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR).
Maun is located in a malarial region, and you should take appropriate measures, including consulting healthcare professionals about anti-malarial medication well in advance of travel, and using insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing in the evenings, and sleeping under mosquito nets.
Transportation
Road conditions in and around Maun are generally good, but caution is advised when driving, especially at night, due to the possibility of stray wildlife and livestock on the roads.
Can I organise a self-drive safari in Maun?
However, if you’re keen to drive yourself around, it is possible to organising a self-drive trip from Maun to embark on an independent Botswana adventure. Be aware that these trips are not for the faint-hearted – they involve remote travel and an expedition mindset: they require a lot more of you than any conventional holiday. If you plan to undertake this kind of trip, they require serious African bush knowledge, competent 4WD driving skills and the ability to be self-reliant.
These travel itineraries themselves need advance planning and we’d advise purchasing the latest edition of the guidebook written by Expert Africa’s Managing Director - the Bradt Safari Guide to Botswana (2024) - for detailed information on 4WD vehicle hire, camping options, routes complete with GPS points, safety information and in-depth information on the country’s key safari areas.
Do consider your own abilities and African experience before embarking on this kind of adventure – and think about how you will manage challenges or emergencies in remote, inaccessible areas. It is quite possible to go for days without seeing another vehicle or person in some of these areas and being prepared is crucial.
It's essential that you plan your route in advance and secure bookings at campsites within the parks, as access can be competitive and limited.
Maun internet and mobile phones
Most accommodation has WiFi for guests, though connection speeds may be slow, particularly in peak tourist seasons or during high-demand hours. Public WiFi is less common, so international visitors often rely on mobile data for reliable internet access.
For those seeking uninterrupted mobile connectivity and cheaper rates, local pre-paid SIM cards are easily available at stores around Maun, or e-SIMs can be purchased prior to departure. These providers offer reasonable coverage within Maun and other larger towns, though network availability in rural areas and national parks remains very limited.
