Situated in the north-west of Botswana the village town of Maun is located. The town is linked by road to Francistown and has an airport. Maun is derived from the San word “maung”, translated meaning “the place of short reeds”. Maun has grown from a rural village into Botswana’s tourism capital and is the administrative centre of Ngamiland. The town boasts a few good shopping centres, petrol stations, restaurants, hotels, and a variety of different types of lodges. The town is an eclectic blend of modern buildings and traditional huts, yet it has retained its rural feel and atmosphere. Maun is the headquarters of a multitude of safari and air-charter operators which have their offices dotted all over town, and towards the airport. Being a prime take-off location for tourists going on safari, Maun offer powerboat, car, and 4-wheel drive vehicle hire. Within walking distance from downtown the small hidden gem of Maun Game Reserve is located. Visitors can view giraffes, kudu, impalas, warthogs, and a variety of birds. Day cruises up the Thamalakane River in Maun are extremely popular and visitors can enjoy fishing and swimming as there are no crocodiles in the area. The Nhabe Museum has regular exhibitions, friendly and informative staff, and a splendid gift shop. Being the gateway to Botswana’s tourist attractions, Maun is the ideal stopover and base en route to Okavango Delta, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Makgadikgadi and Nxai saltpans, and Lake Ngami. The Okavango Deltas’ unique and diverse ecosystems are formed as a result of the many islands that emerge from its waterways and are home to a vast number of game, different species of fish, and birds. Moremi Game Reserve is one of the most beautiful and impressive reserves in Africa and with its woodland and acacia forests, floodplains and lagoons, host a diversity of plant and animal life. It is a Garden of Eden for the over 550 species of birds and offer outstanding game viewing opportunity throughout the year. The reserve is home to lion, elephant, hyena, kudu, and impala and on the sandy riverbanks and wetlands frequent sightings of hippo and crocodile are possible. Maun might not be the main attraction in the area, but plays an important role by fostering good tourist relations which can lead to progress and growth that will benefit the community and the infrastructure of the town.
