'''Maun''' is an important village (with town status pending) in Botswana, and major gateway to the Okavango Delta.
Get in
By plane
Air Botswana [http://www.airbotswana.co.bw] operates regular services to Francistown, Gaborone, Kasane the South African cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg, as well as to Windhoek in Namibia.
Your can get to Maun using the highway from Francistown
Get around
If you want to hire a 4x4 to get around in the parks, kitted out 4x4s equipped for camping can be rented from Maun Self Drive 4x4. http://maunselfdrive4x4.webs.com/
See
Maun Education Park is easy walking distance from downtown and well worth 2 to 3 hours either early morning or late afternoon. It is the hidden jewel of Maun - with over 10 giraffes, wildebeest, kudu, impala, zebras, lechwe, warthogs and great birding.
Nhabe Museum has regular exibitions and friendly staff to answer your questions or give advice. Don't miss their gift shop.
see an ancient bridge that is supported by living trees in Matlapaneng,on your way to Moremi Game Reserve. The bridge is in a poor state and you might be the last to see it.
Do
'''Maun''' is a prime take-off location for mobile safaris into the Okavango Delta, Parks and Game Reserves.
'''Moremi Game Reserve''', a world class game reserve, is only 80 km away, It offers undisturbed game viewing in varies woodland plains environments.
'''Afro Trek Safaris''' operates from Maun. [http://afrotrek.blogspot.com] Trips generally range from overnight to 10 days.
'''Bush Camp Safaris''' [http://www.bushcampsafaris.com] is another excellent mobile safari company. Many travelers consider mobile safaris the best way to see Botswana and the big game it has to offer.
Buy
=Buy=
Baskets @ P50 <br>
Tswee - alocal vegetable
Eat
'''Bon Arrivee''' is just across the street from the airport. International breakfasts, lunches , dinner and a full range of refreshments await you.
'''Audi Camp''' has a great open kitchen, where you can watch your meal being cooked. You eat under one of the largest thatch roofs you may ever see.
Try '''Hilary's Coffee Shop''' near the airport - cheap and cheerful, a regular lunchtime spot for locals because the menu is full of delicious homemade dishes. The menu shows real imagination. Whether planning to eat outdoors on the verandah or inside get there early to enjoy the greatest selection.
'''Sports Bar''' is good for a more formal, European style dining experience.
Try '''local dishes''' such as ''papa'' (maize meal- the staple food), ''magunya'' (Fried dough balls- available for around 50 thebe), ''seswa'' (shredded meat- usually beef or goat), ''morogo'' (green, leafy vegetable similar to spinach). These foods are available ready made at most supermarkets or at local eateries such as "Choice" across from Riley's Garage. If you're feeling adventurous, in season, '''mopane worms''' (the caterpillar of the mopane moth) are also available in many different forms- dried and salted, stewed or fried.
'''Buck and Hunter''' bar with pub style food, friendly owners. Popular with pilots and ex-pats. Down the road from Bon Arrivee with view of airport runway.
Food is also available at '''River Lodge''', '''The Bridge Backpackers''', and '''Crocodile Camp''' all of which, along with Audi camp, are popular places to stay for backpackers.
'''French Connection''' serves bistro style food, croissants etc. Don't be put off by the simple-looking entrance and sign - this place is awesome. The owners are very friendly, and they grind all their own herbs and spices and prepare all food from scratch. Their shawarmas are to die for and coupled with their home-made lemonade there is nothing better you could ask for in the sunshine. The eating area is well shaded and relaxed, with basic furniture and serene atmosphere.
'''RAW''' serves smoothies, wraps and other healthfood. Nice, different concept for Botswana, doesn't feel like it is in the middle of an African village.
Drink
Trekkers Nightclub
Okavango River Lodge
Audi Camp
Bar 2000
Back to the Bridge Backpackers
Buck and Hunter - Previously a bull and bush, this venue attracts a lot of ex-patriates. They have a wide selection of drinks (I would recommend any of the Hunters range of ciders) and the food menu is also delicious, even if simple. The sloppy joe pizza is incredible!
Sedia Hotel
Sleep
'''Sedia Riverside Hotel''' is on the banks of the Thamalakane River, 8 km from the airport, tel: +267 6860-177, Email : info@sediahotel.com, [http://www.sediahotel.com/]. You can stay in comfortably appointed rooms, spacious chalets or pitch your tent in their well wooded campsite. Features include the largest swimming pool in town, a terrace bar, picturesque indoor bar, dining room and bird watchers paradise.
'''Audi''', Tel: +267 6860-599 , [http://www.okavangocamp.com/audi-camp.htm]. Offers, camping, bedded tents, and a self catering house for larger groups.
'''Okavango River Lodge''', Email:info@okavango-river-lodge.com, [http://www.okavango-river-lodge.com/]. simple accommodation, camping, trips into the Okavango Delta. Good if you enjoy a party but can be noisy.
'''Back to the Bridge Backpackers''', email:thebridge@botsnet.bw, [http://www.maun-backpackers.com/]. A unique, comfortable and historic surrounding and friendly owners. Bar can be noisy.
'''Crocodile Camp''', tel:+267 680 0222 (sales@crocodilecamp.com), [http://www.crocodilecamp.com/]. Beatiful chalets, peaceful atmosphere and campiste for overlanders/backpackers.
'''Motsentsela Tree Lodge''', Tel: +267 686 0822/3 (Email: reservations@motsentselatreelodge.com), [http://www.motsentselatreelodge.com/]. Perfect if you are looking to get away from it all. In a bush setting, peaceful, luxurious and pristine.
'''Riley's Hotel'''. Mauns oldest hotel is centrally located and ideal for the business traveller with conference rooms etc. it has a small pool with a abr and plenty of seating. The restaurant does amazing traditional meals and also the regulars. Oxtail and pap or chicken mayo sandwiches with chips - absolutely delicious. There is also a curio shop at reception, and the hotel is only a stones throw away from Riley's garage and a couple of the local shops.
Get out
Maun is known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta and this is a must see when in Botswana. Many tour operators are available and from Maun, self drive in a 4x4 is possible to either Khwai community area (booking office in Maun) or Moremi with careful research and planning. Other beautiful national parks in Botswana are :
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Chobe National Park
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Khutse Game Reserve
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Nxai Pan National Park