This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Maun.
Maun is the gateway to one of Africa’s greatest landscapes, the Okavango Delta. As the primary base for organising "mokoro" (canoe) trips into the Okavango Delta, your stay in Maun will be quite important. This town sprawls out over a few kilometres, whilst lacking a real city centre. Accordingly, don’t stress where your Maun hostel is located -- this city is all about relaxing and embracing nature in one of its greatest forms. Many of Maun’s hostels have enviable riverside locations, ensuring that your stay in Maun is a real Botswanan experience.
As Botswana’s primary tourist hub, your Maun hostel will be very helpful in organising trips into the Okavango Delta. Whether you’re looking for a one-day canoe trip, or a multi-day inner Delta camping trip, your Maun hostel will be able to link you up with some of Botswana’s most professional travel agencies and safari companies. For those searching for a bird’s eye view, many Maun hostels will also be able to help arrange charter scenic flights over the Okavango Delta. If you have the extra cash, this is one experience you don’t want to miss!
Maun is also a convenient access point to the Moremi Game Reserve, with most Maun hostels offering guided safaris into the reserve. Moremi overlaps significantly with the Okavango Delta, providing a high concentration of African game (including the Big Five) with the backdrop of the Delta. The most ideal time of year for visiting Moremi is the later dry season between July and October, when water sources are limited and animals have no choice but to resort to the waterholes.
Given that Maun is very spread out, your Maun hostel will likely have an accompanying kitchen or restaurant. Regardless, your best bet for eating out will be a recommendation from your Maun hostel on a local joint. For the skeptical travelers, Maun is dotted with many South African chain restaurants and supermarkets. Just ask your Maun hostel for some directions, or hop in one of the ubiquitous Maun taxis.
Maun hostels are also invaluable sources of information about onward travel in Botswana; whether you’re considering a visit to Chobe National Park or the wilds of the Kalahari, your Maun hostel will update you with the latest travel information. Maun hostels are available year-round, with peak times being the dry season (July to October) and South African holidays.
Written by local enthusiast for Maun hostels
@dhersz
