Maun Outdoor Adventures: Your Top 5 Activities in Botswana

Maun, often regarded as the jumping-off spot for exploring Botswana’s Okavango Delta, is way more than just that, alright? You’ll find a bunch of cool outdoor things to get into. Think of it almost as this totally unique hub that’s sitting at the edge of one of Africa’s neatest landscapes. It is also more like a place that prepares you, fills you with anticipation and excitement for what’s to come, I feel. This article will show you the top 5 outdoor activities you simply can’t miss around Maun. Pack your bags, because we are about to have some fun.

1. Gliding Across the Okavango in a Mokoro Canoe

So, first off, you just have to try drifting quietly through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, a sort of traditional dugout canoe. That’s such a chill way to soak up the incredible natural surroundings. The mokoro is typically crafted from a single, sizable tree trunk or, quite often these days, from fiberglass (good for protecting the trees, see?). You get to slide through channels packed full of water lilies, reeds that sway gently, watching vibrant birds, maybe even seeing a lechwe gracefully leaping about, too it’s almost like something out of a movie. You’ll probably get guided by a local poler who knows every bit of the Delta; they’re total pros. Honestly, hearing just the soft splash of the pole and the sounds coming from the wild makes it unbelievably serene and, yeah, a memory that sticks with you for good.

2. Taking a Scenic Flight Above the Delta

Next up, think about hopping on a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta because, let me tell you, seeing it from up above gives you this totally different viewpoint. That vast maze, that endless watery thing looks spectacular when you’re high up in the air. Is that winding waterways, tiny islands scattered around, and those sprawling floodplains create just an insanely impressive sight. That chance to snap pictures? Off the charts, really! Spotting wildlife roaming below as the light plays with all the water and the grasslands…man, it’s quite special, isn’t it? This one’s that ultimate treat; definitely splurge for it if you’re able.

3. Thrilling Game Drives in Moremi Game Reserve

Alright, so you’re heading into Moremi Game Reserve, because trust me, you do not want to miss out. This is where you can experience some absolutely amazing game drives, yet it is one of Africa’s very best spots for checking out wildlife. The landscape varies wildly—think woodlands that are thick and lush and floodplains that stretch forever, plus lagoons that sparkle—making a fantastic home for a range of animals. You might see prides of lions chilling in the shade, elephants moving in herds, and if you look carefully, perhaps even catch sight of that elusive leopard. Don’t forget those wild dogs either! When it comes to really diving deep, consider camping; it’ll put you smack dab in the heart of all the action—the sounds of the bush all around you at nighttime? Simply epic, actually.

4. Bird Watching Expeditions

Then, for anyone keen on birds, taking part in a bird watching expedition around Maun is an absolute must, by the way. Given its position near the Okavango Delta, there are a massive number of bird species all over. The area acts a little bit like that safe haven to both migratory birds and local feathery residents alike. Think colorful African fish eagles and those small but impressive malachite kingfishers, or even look for some hidden Pel’s fishing owl that could be sitting pretty in trees along the waterways. Get a local guide so they can take you straight away and really show what there is to see—you might just bump into a few hidden local treasures and learn the really interesting tidbits on the different species! That’s just ideal, is that not?

5. Venture to the Makgadikgadi Pans

Next on our list, why not try something utterly unique and travel to the Makgadikgadi Pans? You can take that trip from Maun, but make sure to set aside a couple days for that trip, and there are great reasons to see the pans! Think vast salt flats as big as can be – totally mind blowing visually speaking! During the dry months they glimmer white with almost nothing happening on the horizon at all. Come the rainy season these transform for sure, filling up with water and turning a paradise where you find migratory birds plus animals all gather – wildebeest among them! That experience feels sort of surreal like stepping into an alien story altogether – seriously gorgeous scenery for photos indeed so get ready! I think they’re well worth looking, actually. The sense that you could get from going so far just sets the stage that it makes other destinations lack, too it’s almost magical.