Maun

Maun sits at the southeastern tip of the Okavango Delta, where the Thamalakane River runs through town before disappearing into the sand. Once a small cattle-post town, Maun has transformed dramatically since the 1980s as international safari tourism took hold, and today it functions as Botswana's adventure tourism nerve centre. Its airport is one of the busiest in southern Africa by number of aircraft movements, with a constant traffic of light aircraft ferrying guests to wilderness camps across the delta and beyond.

Despite its growth, Maun retains a distinctive frontier character. The main road is lined with tour operators, safari outfitters, curio shops, and supermarkets serving both overland travellers and remote camp staff stocking up on supplies. The Thamalakane River provides a scenic backdrop, and several lodges along its banks offer comfortable base camps for those exploring independently.

Maun is an excellent base for organising Okavango Delta excursions. Numerous operators offer budget mokoro day trips into the delta fringes, as well as full fly-in safari packages to the more remote areas. Scenic flight and helicopter tours over the delta are also available and highly recommended — the aerial perspective of the labyrinthine channels and wildlife below is truly unforgettable.

The town also provides practical services for overlanders: vehicle hire, 4WD hire, camping equipment rental, banking facilities, a well-stocked Pick n Pay supermarket, and medical services. It is a useful stopping point on the northern Botswana overland route and makes an excellent first or last night destination before or after a safari in the delta or beyond.