Maun, Botswana – Where the Okavango Journey Begins or Ends
Maun is not a city that overwhelms you with beauty at first sight. Instead, it slowly grows on you. Known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, Maun plays a crucial role in almost every journey through northern Botswana. Whether you are heading into the Delta or coming out of it, Maun is the place where routes cross and adventures pause — if only briefly.
The town itself feels raw and real. Dusty roads, small shops, safari vehicles everywhere, and wildlife never far away. Maun is not about sightseeing; it’s about transition. It’s the place where travelers prepare, reflect, and reorganize after days spent deep in the wilderness.
Staying in Maun: A Pause After the Wild
We stayed at a campsite just outside Maun, which felt like the perfect place to unwind after long days on the road. Simple, quiet, and surrounded by nature, it offered a much-needed moment of rest.
Camping here felt different from camping inside national parks. It was calmer, more grounded, and ideal for catching up on sleep, enjoying a relaxed meal, and reconnecting with a bit of normality before continuing our journey.
Two Routes, One Gateway
What makes Maun so important is that it offers travelers two very different options.
The first option is to start your Okavango Delta adventure from Maun. Many travelers arrive here, rent a 4×4, or board a small bush plane to fly directly into the Delta. For them, Maun marks the beginning of one of Africa’s most iconic wilderness experiences.
The second option — and the one we chose — is to exit the Okavango Delta and use Maun as a transition point. We had already driven through the Delta from Kasane, spending a full day navigating sandy tracks, water crossings, and wildlife-rich landscapes. Reaching Maun felt like emerging from the wild, marking the end of an intense and unforgettable stretch of our journey.
From Maun Towards Namibia
After our overnight stay, Maun became a practical and symbolic stop before moving on. From here, we continued our journey towards Namibia, leaving Botswana behind but carrying the memories of the Okavango Delta with us.
Maun was the place to refuel, restock supplies, and mentally shift gears once again — this time away from the wetlands and wildlife, and toward a new country and new landscapes.
Why Maun Is More Than Just a Stopover
Maun may not be the most scenic destination on your route, but it is one of the most important. It connects regions, routes, and experiences. It allows travelers to either dive deep into the Delta or slowly return to civilization after days spent in nature.
For us, Maun represented the end of our Okavango Delta journey and the beginning of the next chapter. And that is exactly what Maun does best — it bridges worlds.
Sitatunga Camp
Sitatunga Camp, located just outside Maun, is a comfortable and convenient campsite, making it an ideal stopover during a journey through northern Botswana. The campsite offers spacious camping areas and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after long days on the road.
One of the highlights of Sitatunga Camp is its on-site restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink without having to leave the property. At the back of the campsite, a short walk leads to a swimming pool, which is a welcome luxury, especially on warm days.
Surrounded by a beautiful natural area, the camp feels peaceful while still being close to Maun’s facilities. It’s a great place to rest, recharge, and prepare for the next leg of your trip — whether you’re heading into the Okavango Delta or continuing onward to another destination.
