Maun

This dusty, sprawling town has been the start of safari expeditions since the turn of the century. Maun is made up of modern buildings at its centre and traditionally built, thatched rondavel huts (sometimes with tin cans inside the actual walls), out in the suburbs.

Maun has for years been the tourist capital of Botswana. There are numerous safari and air-charter operations are based here, running trips into the legendary Okavango Delta. Maun is also the place to get organised for those organising self-drive safaris.

The town has grown rapidly in the past two decades, while still managing to retain its rural atmosphere. Local tribesmen still bring their cattle into Maun to sell. The community is spread along the banks of the Thamalakane River where you can see red lechwe graze next to the local domestic farm animals.