Maun the gateway to the Okavango

Maun Safari Guide

Okavango mokoro safari Big 5 Okavango Delta Scenic Delta flights Okavango elephants from above Makgadikgadi Pans Maun botswana Mokoros in the delta near maun Botswana safari
Why Go? When to Go? Popular Safaris See the Map Related Blog Posts All 122 Safari Tours Tour Departures

Why Go?

Maun is the perfect gateway to Botswana’s most iconic wilderness areas, including the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Khwai, and the nearby Makgadikgadi region. Its unique blend of frontier character, safari infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to world-class wildlife makes it a top choice for adventurers. Maun also offers excellent value for travellers booking budget safaris or seeking more affordable ways to explore the Delta and surrounding parks.

Okavango mokoro safari
Okavango mokoro safari

Maun Highlights

A lively safari hub surrounded by world-class wilderness.

  • Gateway to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Easy access to Moremi Game Reserve and Khwai River
  • Thamalakane River sunsets, birdwatching, and riverside lodges
  • Scenic flights over the Delta’s channels and islands
  • Cultural tours and village experiences
  • Wildlife encounters on game drives, walking safaris, and boat trips
  • Markets, craft shops, repair centres, and outfitters for travellers
  • Day trips to Nxai Pan National Park and the Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Excellent base for road trips to Chobe, CKGR, and the Kalahari

Big 5 Okavango Delta
Big 5 Okavango Delta

Best Safaris Near Maun

Maun’s location makes it one of southern Africa’s greatest safari hubs, offering effortless access to a mix of wetlands, woodlands, and desert landscapes.

  • Okavango Delta: Mokoro trips, walking safaris, remote camps, boat excursions
  • Moremi Game Reserve: Big cats, wild dogs, classic floodplains
  • Khwai Community Concession: Affordable yet outstanding wildlife viewing, night drives, and strong predator sightings
  • Nxai Pan National Park: Iconic baobabs, salt pans, seasonal zebra migration
  • Makgadikgadi Pans: Flamingos, meerkats, quad biking, moonlike landscapes
  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Remote wilderness, black-maned lions, stark desert beauty

Scenic Delta flights
Scenic Delta flights

Best Things to Do in Maun

Maun offers a mix of safari adventure and relaxed river-town atmosphere, giving travellers plenty to enjoy before or after exploring the Delta.

  • Scenic Flights over the Okavango Delta
  • Mokoro Trips along quiet channels
  • Game Drives in Moremi, Khwai, or community reserves
  • Boat Cruises on the Thamalakane or Boro Rivers
  • Cultural Tours to local villages
  • Maun Markets & Walkabouts for crafts and local life
  • Visit the Nhabe Museum for art and history
  • Excursions to Nxai Pan or Makgadikgadi Pans

Okavango elephants from above
Okavango elephants from above

Top Maun Safari Activity: Scenic Flight Over the Okavango Delta

The best thing to do in Maun is to take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. These flights offer breathtaking views of the Delta’s waterways, islands, and wildlife, giving you an unmatched perspective of this extraordinary ecosystem.

Operators near the Maun Airport make it easy to compare deals, although you’ll need your passport to fly. Travellers can choose between planes or helicopters, as well as different durations and departure times. Helicopters, while pricier, offer open-door photography and unbeatable visibility. Fixed-wing flights typically run 45 minutes to an hour and are more budget-friendly.

Morning and late-afternoon departures offer the best light, though weather can affect schedules. If your lodge transfer includes a scenic flight, you’ll get beautiful views, but a dedicated sightseeing flight is still well worth the experience. Costs can be shared by connecting with other travellers, and it’s best to book early to secure the ideal time slot.

Makgadikgadi Pans
Makgadikgadi Pans

Maun Combines Well With…

Maun sits at the centre of northern Botswana’s safari network, making it an ideal starting point for multi-park journeys and overland routes across neighbouring countries.

Maun botswana
Maun botswana

Is Maun Safe?

Maun is considered safe for travellers, especially when visiting with reputable safari operators. It’s a relaxed, tourism-focused town where visitors feel welcome, although normal travel precautions still apply. Stick with trusted guides, stay informed about travel advisories, and treat it like any busy adventure hub.

Mokoros in the delta near maun
Mokoros in the delta near maun

Need Help Planning Your Maun Safari?

Our friendly safari experts know Maun and the Okavango Delta inside out. Whether you want an affordable camping safari, a classic Delta lodge adventure, or a multi-country overland trip, we’ll help you find the best-value options and plan a route that suits your travel style. Contact our team of safari experts and start planning today

Botswana safari
Botswana safari

When Is the Best Time to Visit Maun?

The best time to visit Maun is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing is excellent, temperatures are cooler, and Delta access is at its best.

Seasonal Guide for Maun

  • The Dry Season from May to October:

Clear skies, minimal rain, excellent wildlife viewing. Ideal for exploring Moremi and Khwai. High demand and higher rates.

  • Green/Wet Season from November to April:

Lush scenery, dramatic thunderstorms, superb birding, fewer visitors, and more affordable safaris. Some areas become harder to access.

  • The Shoulder Seasons are from April to May & in November:

Pleasant temperatures and good value. Wildlife patterns shift as rains begin or end, offering varied experiences.

Map of Maun