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Maun Tours & Safari Packages

179 Tours from Maun, ordered shortest to longest trip. Prices are from R26097 $1360 £1101 €1276 A$2108 C$1863 NZ$2297 to R224800 $11715 £9486 €10995 A$18158 C$16051 NZ$19785 per person. Use our Tour Search → to filter by price, duration, start point, travel style and more. View all scheduled Maun departures to find tours departing in 2024 & 2025.

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4 Day Okavango Delta Botswana Safari (Moremi & Khwai)

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5 Day Botswana Safari: Okavango Delta Mokoro Safari

5 Day Tented Botswana Safari - Delta, Moremi & Savuti

5 Day Chobe & Okavango Delta Lodge Tour

5 Day Tented Botswana Safari

6 Day Moremi & Okavango Delta Tented Safari

Kalahari Desert Botswana Safari (Camping)

Botswana Safari Camping in Okavango Delta & Chobe

7 Day Victoria Falls to Chobe & Okavango Delta Safari

Budget Okavango Delta & Savuti Safari in Botswana

Botswana Lodge Safari: Okavango Delta to Chobe

Botswana Lodge Safari: Chobe to Okavango Delta

7 Day Moremi & Mababe Camping Safari in Botswana

Botswana Safari Camping in Chobe & Okavango Delta

7 Day Botswana Safari - Okavango Delta & Chobe

7 Day Botswana Safari - Chobe & Okavango Delta

Kalahari & Okavango Delta Lodge Safari in Botswana

Okavango Delta Walking & Savuti Safari in Botswana (Lodge)

7 Day Tented Botswana Safari - Moremi, Delta & Savuti

7 Day Chobe, Okavango Delta & Moremi Lodge Tour

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Our TrustPilot Reviews for Maun

Unsure of where, when or what to book talk to a friendly human.

Our team has the destination knowledge to help you plan an unforgettable African adventure. We're based in Cape Town and ready to help.

We can also plan you an affordable private group or tailor-made tour . We built our business on turning luxury travel into affordable travel.

Why Travel to Maun ? by Landia Davies

As the safari hub of Botswana Maun offers a wide variety of safari options, mostly centered on  Okavango Delta Safaris into the world's largest inland delta.

Maun Fly-In Delta Safaris

Fly-in Okavango Delta Safaris from Maun are very popular, as are scenic flights over the Okavango from Maun . Maun is ideally located for flights into and over the untamed delta and flying over this watery wilderness area is a excellent way to appreciate the scale and beauty of this remarkable wetland system.

Maun to Delta Safaris

Camping is a superb way to truly experience the wild delta with several affordable tours from Maun taking you deep into the delta bush. If you are looking for more comfort and prefer an accommodated safari, there are also budget lodge safaris into the delta, via Maun.

Overland Safaris from Maun travel into the delta by 4x4 safari vehicle and when water levels are high enough by motorboat, or in traditional dug-out canoes, called mokoros. For the mokoro rides you will be taken to a mokoro station from Maun and poled into the delta by an experienced local.

African Safaris via Maun 

African Budget Safaris offers plenty of longer safari trips that travel via Maun through Botswana and other southern African countries. Many of the most popular Botswana budget safari options combine Maun, the Okavango Delta, Chobe Park and Victoria Falls, and even Moremi Reserve.

Longer safari routes including Maun as a stop, frequently explore the neighbouring countries of Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and more.

Find out more with our Maun safari travel guide page.

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• Maun Safari

The ultimate guide to your next Maun Safari

Get to know maun.

Maun is a bustling frontier town featuring a mix of the modern and traditional, where air safari charter specialists operate alongside rural cattle herders

While not really a tourism destination itself, Maun is considered the tourism capital of Botswana. Travelers fly into Maun International airport or drive in, en route to the Okavango Delta or Moremi Game Reserve. Maun offers a number of modern hotels, lodges, restaurants and shopping centres.

How it Works

View our recommended safaris for inspiration and get ready to plan your dream safari

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

• Gateway to the Okavango Delta, where a mokoro (dugout canoe) trip is a must do.
• Outfitting spot for safaris to the renowned Moremi Game Reserve, 80km away
• Shopping opportunities
• Cultural visits to local villages

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect african safari for your adventure., 24/7 support, personalized, popular maun safaris, these recommended tours for maun can be tailor-made to match your budget..

Exciting Okavango Delta, Khwai and Victoria Falls

Southern Africa Botswana Maun Okavango Delta Moremi Zimbabwe

From $ 8290 /USD

1 Maun Safari to choose from

Stay for 9 - 9 days

Experience our Tailor-made Tours in Maun

Looking for something unique.

Walking Safaris in Africa

Photographic Safaris in Africa

Birding Safaris in Africa

Family and Kid-Friendly Safaris in Africa

Honeymoons in Africa

Mobile Camping Safaris in Africa

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their africa trips with discover africa safaris, susan was extremely responsive and helpful when a few issues arose.

14 Day South Africa And Victoria Falls Review

Barb, United States 14 Feb 2024

Extremely helpful, responsive and very enjoyable to work with.

11 Day Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Chobe Combo

Diane, United States 05 Jun 2023

Friendly and efficient..

Chobe & Okavango Safari Review

Jennifer, South Africa 30 Aug 2021

Amazing trip with a well paced itinerary and everything went off without....

Water based and Savannah Safari Review

Sean, United States 13 Oct 2018

Our agent was very efficient and replied to our emails without any....

Review of South African Safari

Madeline & Raymond Goodman, Australia 13 Jun 2015

Your support and planning was amazing. we will come back.

An African Safari Tours Review

Danny Meadows-Klue, United Kingdom 01 Dec 2013

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari.

Susan Swanepoel, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Faqs about maun.

Moremi Game Reserve,

Okavango River

• Yes, Maun is found in the Northern part of Botswana.

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DISCOVER AFRICA SAFARIS

2nd floor, Tygervalley Chambers One, 27 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town , 7530

Discover the beauty of a water-based safari

Our tranquil lodge is nestled in the heart of these UNESCO wetlands, situated on the idyllic ilala-palm-fringed Xaxaba Island. We're the perfect spot to explore the watery wonderland of the Okavango Delta, whether by mokoro (wooden canoe), barge, motorboat, helicopter or on a walking safari.

At A Glance

• ACCOMMODATION 12 luxury tented rooms, lodge capacity of 24 guests
• DINING All-inclusive breakfast, lunch and dinner in an open-air lounge, dining area and bar, including Boma rituals and campfire dining
• FEATURES Spa treatments, curio shop, TV lounge, reference library and splash pools in all rooms
• ACTIVITIES Game drives, star gazing, birdwatching, visit to a local village, spa treatments, walking safaris, water and helicopter safaris, horseback and helicopter safari
• LOCATION Private island in the heart of the Okavango Delta

Eagle Island Lodge

Flying High

Private heli-pad.

From our private heli-pad, embark on a scenic helicopter safari for a birds eye view of the stunning Okavango Delta below.

Your Arrival

Private airstrip.

Just a five minute drive to the lodge, our private airstrip heralds the start of your safari adventure.

The Perfect Nightcap

Fish eagle bar.

With a tipple in hand, listen out for the whistle of the titular Fish Eagle at one of the most romantic bars in Africa.

Fireside Celebrations

Gather around a roaring fire for sundowners and special occasions with extraordinary views of the delta.

A Warm Welcome

After your travels, ease into your safari adventure at our reception.

Dine Divine

Embrace open-air dining with a series of unique culinary experiences in the heart of Botswana.

Getting Around

• As soon as you land in Maun or Kasane, leave it to us to take care of all your inter-camp transfers.
• From Maun to Eagle Island Lodge: 20 minutes
• From Eagle Island Lodge to Khwai River Lodge: 25 minutes
• From Eagle Island Lodge to Savute Elephant Lodge: 45 minutes
• From Eagle Island Lodge to Kasane: 1 hour
• From Kasane to Livingstone: 24 minutes
• From Maun to Kasane: 1 hour 5 minutes

Different. Better. Special.

Endless exploration awaits in the Okavango Delta. Here are just some of the features that make us stand out from the crowd.

Bush Concierge

Our bush concierge is on hand to tailor your safari adventure to you. Soar in the skies with an exhilarating helicopter safari. Drift away on a mokoro canoe for a tranquil water safari adventure. Or saddle up and ride on horseback through the beautiful delta. Whichever you choose, unparalleled adventure awaits.

Eagle Island Lodges offers a wide variety of water-focused game-viewing activities. Whether you choose to venture out by motorboat, on a barge cruise or gliding silently on a wooden mokoro, the breathtaking Okavango Delta is yours to explore. Alternatively, how about a walking safari on a remote palm-fringed island, or the ultimate air safari experience: in an open-sided helicopter?

Eagle Island is surrounded by abundant birdlife and guests will have the opportunity to spot the elusive Pels Fishing Owl, the majestic Fish Eagle and the brilliantly coloured malachite kingfisher. There are also plenty of larger animals to be found in this area, including elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodile. Elusive big cats have made this island their home and can sometimes be seen swimming in order to catch their prey.

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Okavango Adventures

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Take Me To The River

Embark on the ultimate adventure and discover the breathtaking beauty of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to our three Belmond Safaris.

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Safaris From Maun - Compare 168 Tours

7-Day Luxury Botswana Safari Tour

$6,254 to $8,463 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Luxury Lodge & Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Central Kalahari GR, Okavango Delta, Chobe NP, Kasane (End)

4.9 /5  –  149 Reviews

6-Day Okavango Delta Experience (Fly-in Safari)

$3,460 to $6,040 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Mid-range Tented Camp & Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Maun (End)

Gondwana Tours & Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  78 Reviews

7-Day Botswana Low-Key Fly-in Safari

$3,550 to $3,820 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Budget Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Chobe NP, Kasane (End)

Indigo Safaris

4.8 /5  –  125 Reviews

1-Day Mokoro Trail on the Okavango Delta Waterways

$171 to $176 pp (USD)

Botswana: Day tour Shared tour (max 8 people per group)

Mosu Safari Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  31 Reviews

2-Day Camping Safari in Moremi Game Reserve

$847 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Camping

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

Shipungo Safari & Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  52 Reviews

6-Day Okavango Delta Combo

$2,310 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 12 people per group) Budget Camping & Chalet

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Boro River, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

Moonlight Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  43 Reviews

4-Day Okavango Delta Moremi Short Vacation

$2,750 to $3,025 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 8 people per vehicle) Camping

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

Early Kingfisher Safari   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  21 Reviews

11-Day Expedition Safari to Botswana

$2,530 to $2,970 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Budget Camping

You Visit: Maun Airport (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti Channel (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Kasane (End)

Okavango Exploration Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  6 Reviews

7-Day Exceed Your Expectations About Nature

$3,278 pp (USD)

Botswana & Zimbabwe: Shared tour (max 15 people per vehicle) Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Maun Airport (Start) , Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Victoria Falls (End)

Tony Mobile Safari   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  79 Reviews

8-Day Botswana Family Trip - Okavango Delta to Salt Pans

$10,154 to $18,277 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Tented Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Makgadikgadi Pans NP, Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

5.0 /5  –  42 Reviews

7-Day Botswana Exceptional Wildlife Luxury Vacation

$10,450 to $10,670 pp (USD)

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Chobe NP, Maun Airport (End)

5.0 /5  –  122 Reviews

11-Day Northern Explorer Trip

$6,655 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Mid-range Camping & Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Khwai (Okavango Delta) , Savuti (Chobe NP) , Kasane (End)

Wild For Game Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  17 Reviews

7-Day Last Minute Deal - Kalahari / Linyanti / Okavango

$4,752 to $4,884 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Linyanti, Okavango Delta, Central Kalahari GR, Maun Airport (End)

Savanna Safaris and Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

5.0 /5  –  16 Reviews

5-Day Botswana Boteti Delta Safari

$1,500 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Luxury Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Okavango Delta, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

Safari With Us

5.0 /5  –  217 Reviews

3-Day Okavango Delta & Boteti River Tented Safari

$677 to $748 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 10 people per group) Lodge

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Boteti, Moremi GR (Okavango Delta) , Maun (End)

The Mzansi Experience

4.8 /5  –  63 Reviews

6-Day The Best of Okavango and Moremi

$2,475 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Mid-range Camping & Tented Camp

5-Day Popular Botswana Safari Through the Delta

$3,800 to $7,150 pp (USD)

Discover Africa Safaris

4.9 /5  –  420 Reviews

1-Day Moremi Game Reserve Tour

$363 pp (USD)

Botswana: Day tour Private tour

Steenbok Safaris   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

4.8 /5  –  5 Reviews

5-Day Botswana Tour

$1,788 pp (USD)

Botswana: Private tour Budget Camping

Walking Stick Travel & Tours   Tour operator has an office in Botswana

4.8 /5  –  73 Reviews

7-Day Chobe & Delta Fly-in

$4,080 pp (USD)

Botswana: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle) Luxury Lodge & Tented Camp

You Visit: Maun (Start) , Chobe NP, Okavango Delta, Maun (End)

4.7 /5  –  186 Reviews

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Maun, Botswana: wildlife, safaris and local crafts

Deb Hendricks

• Maun, Botswana: know before you go

Planning a trip to Maun? Here are our top picks...

Stay: Boteti Tented Safari Lodge

Experience: Okavango Delta mokoro tour

Safari: 3-day Okavango Delta safari

One-day safari: Moremi Game Reserve

Maun, Botswana is an entryway to the world of Northern Botswana. It lies on the edge of the spectacular Okavango Delta, and is often overlooked as a destination in its own right.

As well as having easy access to the Okavango Delta, which contains the incredible Moremi Game Reserve, Maun is a starting point for other wildly popular excursions.

These include the famous and exquisite Chobe National Park and the equally irresistible Central Kalahari Game Reserve. It’s easy to see how the village of Maun can get lost in the shuffle.

But there is a lot to see in and around the town itself, and this guide to exploring Maun is going to make sure that you see it all!

Why Maun is a don’t-miss destination

The village of Maun is located on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, about 850 km (528 miles) northwest of Botswana’s capital city of Gaborone. This puts it in the northern quarter of Botswana, where the desert transitions into the lush green wonderland of the Delta.

Though it used to have a bit of a lawless “Wild, wild west” sort of reputation, in the last few decades Maun has settled well into its position as the centre of the safari industry. 

If you are planning a safari into the Okavango Delta and the Moremi Game Reserve, or a trip through Chobe National Park, Maun will be your starting point. It might be a stopping point midway, as well, if you’re also touring the Central Kalahari Game Reserve .

Now that Maun has grown out of its backwater-town beginnings, it’s home to a wide selection of accommodations, restaurants, and shops. You should be able to find whatever supplies you might need if you’re planning an independent trip into the Delta.

Unfortunately, many people do just bounce through, spending only enough time in Maun to meet up with their tour group or to load their rental vehicle up with food and water. This is a mistake and you won’t regret setting aside at least a few days to spend exploring the town and its surrounding area. 

You’ll get the opportunity to meet some of the friendly Tswana people, become familiar with the town that more than 85,000 of them call home, and have a chance to say that you stopped on the highway to watch an elephant or a giraffe snack nearby.

You can expect to see donkeys milling around town, and wake up to the sounds of their braying. And nobody bats an eye if a small family of horses wanders along a side street or is seen grazing along a centre median.

Maun is a town with an interesting degree of dichotomy in other areas, as well. While it has modern lodges, homes, and rental accommodations, with conveniences like indoor bathrooms with running water, it also has areas of tin-roofed, cinder-block houses. These may have electricity, but no indoor plumbing. Although, you’ll only rarely see one without a satellite dish outside. 

You can learn a lot simply by wandering around Maun and chatting to the people you meet, but there is also the option of doing a cultural tour if you prefer.

Best time to visit Maun

There really is no bad time to explore Maun! There are year round water sources and perennial wildlife populations, if that’s where your interest lies. Saying that, depending on what you’re looking for, there are better times to visit for certain activities.

May though August brings cool, dry winter temperatures. The lowest temps tend to be in July, when temperatures will be around 9-26ºC (48.2-78.8ºF). At times they can even dip below freezing. 

At the other end of the spectrum, November through March is all summer heat and rain. You can expect summer temps of about 21-38ºC (69.8-100ºF), though highs of up to 44ºC (111ºF) do happen. January and February see the heaviest rains.

The rainy months are not a constant deluge every day, but if you’ll be driving on dirt roads, for example, things do get a little sloppy. But if you’re hoping to see the amazing birdlife in the area, this is the perfect time to do it.

Peak tourism season in the area is wintertime, from July through October. This is when the weather is the best and the animals are easiest to spot. It’s also when there is the largest selection of activities available at the lodges, and the most need to book them as early as possible ! 

Although, prices go up, safari vehicles are plentiful throughout the Okavango Delta and the national parks. 

During these months, the streets of Maun are teeming with safari goers, shopping for supplies and killing time until their tour starts.

Things to do in Maun

See the okavango delta with a scenic flight.

This is an amazing way to explore Maun and see the Okavango Delta in its entirety. The sight of the nearly 5 million acres of waterways and floodplains that make up the world’s largest inland delta is heart-stoppingly beautiful.

Whether you choose a small plane or a helicopter tour, it’s an incredible experience. In addition to the stunning scenery, there’s no end to the possible wildlife sightings you could have while you soar through the air.  

Nhambe Museum

While you explore Maun, a great first stop is the small Nhabe Museum on Sir Seretse Khama Road. Its purpose is to encourage current local artists and to conserve the Ngamiland culture that their creations are built on.

Here you’ll find historical crafts, traditional clothing, and musical instruments, as well as artwork and photographs. The museum is also the location of Bailey’s Art Centre, a workshop for local artists and outlet where they can sell their creations.

Experience the Okavango Delta from the water

A mokoro trip along the waterways of the Okavango Delta is an something you don’t want to miss!

A mokoro is a local canoe, traditionally carved from an African ebony or sausage tree, though now usually made of fiberglass. Local tribes use them to navigate through the Delta and along the Chobe River.

You can arrange a trip through your accommodation or directly through the community trust, and see what it’s like to float through the papyrus, tall reeds, and water lilies.

Your poler will do all the work while you relax and enjoy listening to the birds and keeping a lookout for wildlife!

Check out the Local Arts and Crafts

Directly across the road from the Maun airport is the upscale African Arts and Images shop. You can get some beautiful photographic prints, African carvings, art, and a small selection of lovely books on Botswana .

Right next door is the more casual Bushman Craft Shop. In addition to the crafts and the tourist T-shirts is some good quality safari wear, hats, and sunglasses, and some useful books and maps.

The Craft Centre, on Mophane Road is also worth a stop. The centre has workshops and occasionally small exhibitions, and there is a kiln on site. 

Paper is also made on the premises. You can buy the locally made pottery and paper products, as well as textiles and paintings.

Meet the baby elephants at Elephant Haven

This elephant orphanage is a 35 minute drive - or taxi ride - outside of Maun. This is amazing opportunity to get up close and personal with their little charges.

You can also learn about the baby elephants and their stories, and hear what goes into their care from their expert care givers. 

See meerkats in the wild!

Take a trip out to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, about a 2 and a half hour drive southeast of Maun. Here you will find wild meerkats who are accustomed enough to the presence of people that you can walk among them and they won’t run away.

This is an incredible opportunity to observe these funny little creatures yourself and see the antics they get up to.

You can take a drive through the park yourself, or arrange a trip through any of the lodges in the area. Planet Baobab is a favourite!

How to get to Maun

Getting to Maun, from elsewhere in Botswana or from your home country, couldn't be easier.

Its position as the centre of tourism for the area means that Maun has its own little international airport. The airport is located right at the edge of town, and you might even be able to walk to your accommodation when you arrive. 

If you’re travelling to Maun from Gaborone or elsewhere in Botswana, another option is to ask a local taxi driver to take you to Maun. This is a service that some drivers offer, and is a great way to go if you can negotiate a price that suits you both. It’s about a 600 km (360 mile) trip.

Public buses are also available to travel to Maun from Gaborone or other African towns. There are a few choices when it comes to bus service, including AT and T Monnakgotla Transport and NKK Express.

Another popular option if you’re already in Botswana is to rent a car and drive yourself. A few words of advice if you decide to go this route.

First, watch for wildlife on the road! Second, try not to be on the highways at night. Animals like elephants are incredibly difficult to see in the dark. In fact, some rental companies include a clause stating this in their contract.

And finally, get the tire insurance. Botswana’s potholes are epic, and can cause real damage to a car, even beyond a puncture. That damage can get expensive.

Where to stay in Maun

Make it easier to explore Maun by staying close by. There are many lodges, guest houses, and campsites in and around town for every budget.

Boteti Tented Safari Lodge is an excellent choice on the banks of the Boteti River, and is only 14.5 km (9 miles) from the centre of Maun.

Aside from having an airport shuttle, a pool, and free WiFi, they offer a fantastic range of activities, from mokoro trips and game viewing to scenic flights and spa procedures.

A more budget friendly option is Staymorr Boutique Guesthouse . This highly rated spot is only 5.5 km (3.4 miles) from the town centre. They too offer free WiFi, pool and free parking.

You can also make use of their barbeque grills or the self-serve laundry. The rooms are clean, cool, and comfortable; a lovely respite after busy days of exploring.

• Final thoughts

Don’t make the mistake of bouncing through Maun without seeing what it has to offer. If you don’t have time to visit each place on this list, pick one or two. And then try to squeeze in one more!

• Introduction
• Things to do
• Getting there
• Where to stay

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Author - Deb Hendricks

After years of travelling, Africa is the one place that Deb can’t get enough of. According to Deb, there’s no place in the world that has more to offer a traveller.

Last Updated 4 September 2023

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9 Days - Okavango Delta Tour, Chobe National Park (Botswana) , Livingstone (Zambia) wildlife-focused safari

• Partially Guided

Animals You Might See

• Experience a life-enriching encounter in the world-renowned Okavango Delta in Maun Botswana.
• Enjoy the wildlife spotting excursions in Southern Africa’s major national parks in Botswana (Chobe), Zambia (Mosi-oa-Tunya), and Zimbabwe (Hwange).
• Indulge in adventurous activities in Livingstone, the tourism capital of Zambia.
• Explore the Livingstone Museum, the largest and oldest museum in Zambia.
• Tour the Smoke That Thunders, also known as Victoria Falls.
• Introduction
• Day 1 You arrive in Maun, tourist hub of Botswana
• Day 2 Travel for a Day Trip Makoro/Dugout Canoe excursion in the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO world heritage site.
• Day 3 Exciting Full day Game Viewing in the Moremi Game Reserve
• Day 4 Travel from Maun to Kasane via Nata (Distance: 605 km)
• Day 5 ACTIVITIES IN CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
• Day 6 Livingstone: Tour the mighty Victoria Falls, National Art Gallery and the Livingstone Museum
• Day 7 Morning game drive in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Livingstone. In the afternoon travel to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest National Park.
• Day 8 Free open Day of activities in Livingstone, tourism capital of Zambia
• Day 9 End of an exciting 10-day safari tour covering three Southern African countries (Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe .

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What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Reviews About This Operator

• Tour Operator Lochinvar Safaris 4.4
• C · 7th December 2023 November 2023 Wij hebben een prachtige reis gehad. Mark was onze gids en komt uit de omgeving, dat is een pré! Hij... Show more
• Katherine · 24th November 2023 Excellent. Well organised and efficient. Nothing was too much trouble.
• Lukas · 22nd November 2023 The trip delivers what the title promises. The best of three countries in one package. Mark and his team took great... Show more

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• February 2026
• -30% Tuesday 7 May, 2024 Wednesday 15 May, 2024 English , French, Spanish +2 more Multiple Room Types €2,676 €1,873 + €125 local payment costs Confirm Dates
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• -30% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 28 Jul, 2024 Monday 5 Aug, 2024 English , French, Spanish +2 more Multiple Room Types €2,676 €1,873 + €125 local payment costs 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• -30% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 11 Aug, 2024 Monday 19 Aug, 2024 English , French, Spanish +2 more Multiple Room Types €2,676 €1,873 + €125 local payment costs 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• -30% Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 24 Aug, 2024 Sunday 1 Sep, 2024 English , French, Spanish +2 more Multiple Room Types €2,676 €1,873 + €125 local payment costs 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates
• -30% Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 8 Sep, 2024 Monday 16 Sep, 2024 English , French, Spanish +2 more Multiple Room Types €2,676 €1,873 + €125 local payment costs 0% Interest Instalments Only Pay 10% Deposit Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

This a 10-day unforgettable travel experience from Botswana in Maun (Okavango Delta) to Livingstone, the Tourism and Adventure capital of Zambia. This also covers travel to Botswana to the Chobe National Park and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.

This tour starts from Botswana in Maun home of the Okavango Delta.

After 10 days, the tour ends in Livingstone, the tourism capital of Zambia.

It is a Group Budget Tour.

Yes, you can request for Personalized adventure tour at good rates. This will give you the complete freedom to customize this tour, from changing start and end dates to adding extra activities.

As per our African culture, all senior citizens on this tour are given preferential treatment.

You can either fly in through Maun’s International Airport in Northern Botswana.

The sheer size and beauty of the Okavango Delta will leave you mesmerized. It is one of the world’s largest Inland River Delta.

You will sleep in nice safari camp tent with intact waterproof tent floor and wide window protected windows. It has nice raise up camping beds with comfortable mattresses and bed linen. The sanitation facilities of toilets and showers are adequate to make your camping excursion an enjoyable experience.

Beautiful, extremely clean budget lodges, three-star lodge and Safari Tent camps with squeaking clean bed linen, at most with air-condition or fan. The ensuite toilets and showers will certainly meet and suit your needs.

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Good to Know

• Currencies $ US Dollar P Pula Botswana

As a traveller from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for types D, M, C, E, F, G. As a traveller from England you will need an adaptor for types D, M, C, E, F. As a traveller from South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F, G.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Botswana and Zambia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Botswana and Zambia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Botswana and Zambia. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Botswana and Zambia. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Botswana and Zambia. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Botswana. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Cholera - Recommended for Zambia. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Meningococcal meningitis - Recommended for Zambia. Ideally 3 weeks before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 26th May 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 26th May 2024, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Lochinvar Safaris. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 33 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Lochinvar Safaris will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Lochinvar Safaris" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Lochinvar Safaris. Please familiarise yourself with the Lochinvar Safaris payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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• Africa from Maun
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• 9 Days - Okavango Delta Tour, Chobe National Park (Botswana) , Livingstone (Zambia) wildlife-focused safari Tours in Botswana
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A Traveler’s Guide to Maun: The Gateway to Botswana Safaris

To the rookie traveler, Maun holds little interest. At face value, it’s an outback town of tour operators and nondescript buildings sprawled out over kilometers with not much of a discernible center. The cows and dogs will look both ways before crossing the dust-laden roads ‒ but donkeys and goats don’t give a tinker’s damn.

Maun may be many things, but a pretty face it is not. It takes a seasoned adventure traveler to see the town for what it is – Southern Africa’s own ‘Wild West’ . Founded in 1915 as the tribal capital of the Batawana people, this frontier whistle-stop is where contemporary cow-boys with bush battered 4WDs begin their trips south to the Kalahari Desert or north to the Okavango Delta . And, although the rise of luxury safaris has stripped away some of the ye-old charms, the rough-and-tumble feeling of being at the crossroads between wilderness and civilization remains.

Maun has a strange kind of magic that leaves you spellbound. If you’ve been here once then you’re sure to return but if it’s your first time exploring Botswana’s safari frontier , here’s a helpful guide to get you started.

Best Trips Starting in Maun:

R 64,575

+ Local Payment USD 300

13 Day Botswana Adventure Comfort Tour (Small Group)

R 42,285

11 Day Botswana Adventure Semi Camping Tour

R 75,150

11 Day Classic Botswana Overland Comfort Tour

Things to do in and around maun:, 1. learn traditional weaving at botswana quality baskets.

Art is at the heart of Botswana’s historical-cultural life; from the San, who painted the world they lived in on the rock walls of their shelters to poets by the likes of Barolong Seboni who pioneered the country’s contemporary literature scene. Of all mediums, Botswana is most famous for the basketry produced in the northwestern regions of the Okavango Delta by Wayeyi and Mbukushu women.

These intricate baskets have, for hundreds of years, been an essential component of life in the watery environs of the Delta. The work is incredibly skillful and the weaving so tight that some of them were also used as beer kegs.

One of the best places to purchase a basket is the Shorobe basket Cooperative in Shorobe, north of Maun. But, if you wish to get to know the community better and give back then spend a day learning traditional weaving skills at Botswana Quality Baskets . You may not be able to finish a whole basket during your class, but you will have the materials to continue weaving after the lesson is over.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnMF8CeDcwD/

2. Visit the Nhabe Museum

From WWII surveillance post to artist’s hub, the Nhabe Museum is a must-see while you’re traveling in Maun. Situated in the town’s northern district, this historic building is one of Botswana’s best-kept secrets, abounding with an interesting collection of displays about the history of the Ngamiland district and its people.

In addition to having artifacts such as traditional clothes used for ritual, music instruments and hunting tools on display, the museum hosts poetry slams and exhibition space for local contemporary artists to promote cross-cultural awareness and understanding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxRzBalHGrW/

3. Get a taste of Botswana’s cuisine

If you are what you eat then the Batswana are bursting with vibrancy. Whether you’re a steadfast vegetarian or prefer to put your canines to use, Botswana’s cuisine has a little something for everyone.

Two main dishes are considered local. Seswaa is meat (beef, mutton, or game) that is boiled for hours until tender, then served with maize meal (called pap) and greens. Herbivores will find plenty to graze on in the open-air markets where farmers sell an array of freshly plucked wild vegetables, as well as delectable fruits such as wild melons and baobab, which grows on the ancient, majestic trees indigenous to the region.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqx3JuCAEUX/

For the more adventurous palate, there are mopane worms, which are pinky-size caterpillars of the mopane moth. This local delicacy is first boiled then fried and taste, at least to me, like dirty leaves. You can find them from street vendors that sell food under small canopies.

4. See the Thamalakane River

En route to the famous Moremi Game Reserve , you’ll find a long winding river with no discernable beginning or end. This is the Thamalakane River, which began to form about two million years ago by the geological process of rifting that is currently splitting Africa apart along the East African Rift.

Just 19kms away from Maun, this reed-lined river is your first glimpse into the beauty that awaits in the Okavango Delta . The tree-lined Thamalakane River is as scenic as it is abundant with wildlife. A large variety of wildlife roams the reserve, including giraffe, zebra, kudu, eland, gemsbok, springbok, impala and ostrich, all of which are easily approached while on a horseback safari.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs_ABLalOF8/

5. Explore the outdoors

The frontier appeal of Maun makes it an adventure travelers haunt. In every direction you turn, once-in-a-lifetime experiences abound. To the east of Maun, rising dramatically from the Kalahari scrub bush, the Tsodilo Hills beckons with remnants of the San, the original inhabitants, and the Hambukushu who have periodically occupied the hills for the past 200 years.

In the north, the Moremi Game Reserve boasts the most spectacular game-viewing areas in southern Africa. Known as “Predator country” these lush lands are teeming with the world’s most popular hunters – cheetah, wild dog, lion, leopard and hyena – and a plethora of ever-elegant antelopes. Large herds of elephant and buffalo also roam the areas, seeking water and refreshment, and over 560 recorded bird species grace the blue skies.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtA28WFHzbc/

At the heart of it all, the majestic Okavango seamlessly holds together this thriving ecosystem. Coming from the Angola Mountains, there’s nowhere else on Earth quite like this UNESCO World Heritage site. And, the best way to take it all in is by sitting in a canoe, pulled along by an African gondolier.

Best time to travel:

The best time to visit Maun is during the winter months from May to October when there is little or no rainfall and the days are warm and cloudless. The nights can be cold, so take something warm. Moremi, Okavango, and Chobe are the most popular destinations around Maun and offer year-round wildlife viewing . They are at their best during the dry season (June to October) when wildlife is easier to spot, and the Okavango is flooded. November to April can be very hot, with most of the rainfall between December and February.

Getting around Maun:

Maun is a fairly small town and the core of it, from Riley’s Hotel to the airport, is easily explored on foot – if you can take the heat. Any further than that, you will want to get a ride. There are plenty of local taxis and combis about that will get you around town.

Banks and money

Explore both botswana and namibia on these adventures:.

R 78,900

Southern Africa Adventure (25 Days)

R 73,780

Namibia & Botswana Tour (Inclusive/Comfort) – TOP PICK

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Scheduled Services Botswana

Mack Air Scheduled Services

Due to a significant demand from a number of our valued clients, we initiated our Mack Air scheduled services. The scheduled services link Southern Africa’s finest safari destinations. Our mission to show our passengers their dream destinations is personified through linking Southern Africa’s Safari capitals.

Maun is the third largest town in Botswana – an eclectic mix of modernity and rusticity with contemporary buildings and rural huts. Considered the jumping-off point for ventures into the Okavango Delta, Maun is Botswana’s tourism capital and headquarters for various safari operations. With good reason, as during the seasonal floods, the Okavango Delta becomes a vibrant wildlife habitat – home to hippos, predators, and many fascinating animals. This makes Maun a natural destination for our clients.

Our scheduled flights transport passengers between incredible destinations, in the comfort of a fully air-conditioned Cessna Grand Caravan EX. A series of scheduled services are initiated as a result of collaboration with several key clients, who intend to seamlessly link safaris between Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

As the first private commercial operator in Botswana to be granted an International Scheduled Service License, we plan to provide flight between Maun and our neighbouring countries.

We are excited to announce that our daily flights between Kasane and Victoria Falls have commenced.

Schedule – Kasane and Victoria Falls

These prices are subject to additional special terms and conditions listed as follows:

• Airline seat rate of US$245 per person each way – excluding departure tax.

For all enquires and reservations contact us!

Destinations 

Kasane – Vic Valls

• Destinations

Safari in Maun

Maun is often the starting and end point of a safari in Botswana. Maun is located in the heart of the Ngamiland District and is the fifth largest town in Botswana.

This Botswana town is renowned as the tourism capital of the country and can be easily accessed by road or air transfers.

Maun is the transit destination for the Okavango Delta but is vibrant enough to for an enjoyable overnight stay. Although Maun is a fast-developing village with shopping centres and other modern developments, villagers can still be seen selling their cattle. Maun’s highlights include a profusion of birds, riverside views and cultural tours. 

Maun accommodation is offered at luxury lodges and hotels. Activities in Maun includes game drives, mokoro safaris, walking safaris, birdwatching and cultural tours. See below for Maun Botswana safari tours. 

Birding in Botswana - Specialist Birding Safari Tour

Botswana 4x4 Self-Drive Safari - Chobe Savute and Moremi

Botswana Mobile Safaris - Maun

Botswana Self-Drive Safari - Maun Self-drive Past and Present

Maun Travel Guide

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The village of Maun offers many activities

Be in the bush whilst in Maun

Comfortable camps await you in Maun

“The gateway to the Okavango”: it’s a heady title for this small, unassuming town at the southern tip of the Delta.

For most visitors, that “gateway” equates to a small, relaxed airport with just a handful of flights, and perhaps a night in transit, either before or after a safari. So relaxed is the airport that it’s literally a stone’s throw from some attractive gift shops, with a handful of small cafés and bars just a few steps down the road, and some excellent light lunches on the menu. For most visitors, this laid-back setting represents a first encounter with Botswana, a welcome antidote to the stresses inherent in international hubs. Most travellers with a night in hand head straight for one of the town’s lodges, hotels or campsites, almost all within sight of the pretty Thamalakane River. While water levels are by no means predictable, some mokoro expeditions start from here, a tantalising introduction to the Delta, even for just a day trip. For an entirely different perspective, take to the air in a helicopter or light aircraft. Just an hour’s flight will give you a feel for the sheer scale of the wilderness laid out below, threaded with narrow channels glistening in the sun, and dotted with elephants and buffalo. In town itself, Maun is the place to get organised, with banks, shops and garages, as well as many safari company offices. If attractions are harder to come by, it’s worth seeking out the basket weavers based at one of the cultural villages, or checking out the birdlife along the river, or even trying a spot of horseriding. Or simply wander round the town and get a feel for everyday life in this rapidly changing town.

Maun: in detail

Our top safari holidays in Botswana

Here are 26 great Botswana safaris to inspire you.

Wild Dog Safari

13 days • 5 locations • 1 country KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.

Visiting Chobe, Moremi and 2 other areas

US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person

Read more about the Wild Dog Safari

Porcupine Safari

11 days • 4 locations • 1 country MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.

Visiting Chobe, Central Kalahari and 2 other areas

US$10,710 - US$16,860 per person

Read more about the Porcupine Safari

Spring Hare Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.

Visiting Chobe, Okavango Delta

US$7,290 - US$13,320 per person

Read more about the Spring Hare Safari

Large-spotted Genet Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.

Visiting Okavango Delta, Kwando-Linyanti

US$10,930 - US$23,640 per person

Read more about the Large-spotted Genet Safari

Red Lechwe Safari

Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.

Visiting Moremi, Okavango Delta and 1 other area

US$10,800 - US$25,210 per person

Read more about the Red Lechwe Safari

Steenbok Safari

A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.

Visiting Chobe, Okavango Delta and 1 other area

US$7,260 - US$13,480 per person

Read more about the Steenbok Safari

Pangolin Safari

8 days • 3 locations • 1 country MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Three relaxed, local feeling camps in pristine settings – the Kwando Reserve and Okavango Delta. Guided by a driver and tracker at each, this a great trip for spotting Botswana’s top predators.

US$7,760 - US$16,190 per person

Read more about the Pangolin Safari

Bushbuck Safari

Discover three of Botswana’s best game-viewing regions with stays in the private Linyanti, Chitabe and Vumbura reserves. Intimate, smart camps offer a range of activities by which to discover these stunningly varied habitats.

US$13,570 - US$31,740 per person

Read more about the Bushbuck Safari

Reedbuck Safari

Focussing on the Okavango Delta and combining the crème de la crème of Botswana’s camps – Zarafa, Vumbura Plains and Mombo – this is one of the finest safari experiences in Africa.

US$18,160 - US$36,280 per person

Read more about the Reedbuck Safari

Tsessebe Safari

7 days • 3 locations • 1 country MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Visit three sister-camps in and around Moremi Game Reserve during this thorough exploration of the Okavango Delta. A range of activities provide excellent opportunity to observe the local birdlife, mammals and fauna.

Visiting Okavango Delta, Moremi

US$7,790 - US$11,820 per person

Read more about the Tsessebe Safari

View all holidays to Botswana

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Our travellers’ wildlife sightings in Maun

This is their success for sightings in Maun. Click on a species for more detail. How we work this out.

100% success

67% success

25% success

Map of Maun

Choices for where to stay in Maun

Most recent reviews of our trips to Maun

Click below to browse all 104 reviews from Maun. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.

Arrived 29 Oct 2023, 31 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

Overall rating: Excellent

Arrived 27 Sep 2023, 9 nights

"Botswana Sep 2023 trip"

Arrived 31 May 2023, 19 nights

"My June 2023 trip"

Arrived 2 May 2023, 12 nights

" May 2023 - Central Kalahari and the Salt Pans"

Arrived 9 Nov 2022, 11 nights

"A wondrous safari in Botswana"

Arrived 1 Oct 2022, 15 nights

"My Oct 2022 trip"

Arrived 3 Oct 2022, 28 nights

Arrived 10 Oct 2022, 13 nights

Arrived 30 Aug 2022, 18 nights

"My Aug 2022 trip"

Arrived 22 Apr 2022, 37 nights

"Our extended southern Africa trip"

See all Maun reviews

When to go to Maun

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Maun in Botswana

Botswana in January

January is at the peak of Botswana’s rainy season. These rains are often in the evening and are short but heavy, with occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures will still be high but cooler than October–December. Animals are generally dispersed, and not easy to spot, with the best game viewing found in the north of Chief’s Island and on the eastern and southern sides of the Okavango Delta . January is also one of the best months to see the zebra and wildebeest migration in the Makgadikgadi salt pans and at Nxai Pan . Migratory birds abound throughout northern Botswana, along with a large number of breeding flamingos in the flooded salt pans. Rates are generally relatively low, making this a good time to visit on a budget.

• Temperatures are still warm, with occasional thunderstorms
• The bush feels alive; birdlife is at its most spectacular
• Big game is dispersed
• Zebra & wildebeest migration at its height
• Availability in lodges and camps is often very good

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Botswana in February

The weather in February is very similar to January, with heavy rain most days – often towards evening – and temperatures on the high side, albeit cooling off from the rains and surface water. Across northern Botswana, the landscape feels green and alive; insects and smaller animals are more easily seen, and many birds and animals are raising their young. However, the rains have created pools and waterholes in the bush and thicker vegetation and tall grass makes it trickier to spot larger animals. Further south, the game viewing is beginning to pick up in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Visitor numbers remain low, with attendant rates and availability in camps and lodges.

• Temperatures still warm with occasional thunderstorms
• Many animals with young; birdlife at its most spectacular
• Game viewing picking up in the Central Kalahari
• Visitor numbers are low, so camp availability can be very good

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Botswana in March

March usually sees Botswana’s main rains starting to tail off. Many days will be clear, with a strong sun raising temperatures. On some days clouds will build, and the late-afternoon may see a short thunderstorm. Across the country, the landscape is green and alive. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young. Much of the migration is now moving north towards the Savute area or Chobe National Park, though thick vegetation still makes it trickier to spot even larger animals. March is one of the best times to be in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, where many of the pans fill up and animals come to drink, closely followed by predators. With few visitors in most areas, rates may still be relatively low.

• Variable weather: rains tailing off but still hot
• Occasional small thunderstorms
• Many animals finish raising their young; birdlife still spectacular
• The best time to visit the Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Few tourists visit during March, so rates often low

Weather in March

Botswana in April

During April the rains have usually stopped, though there may be still be the odd late downpour. This results in clear skies and a lovely green, lush landscape. Night-time temperatures usually start to drop during April with this being most noticeable in the Central Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi areas. The Central Kalahari is really coming into its own at this point and from April through to May/June the Savute region is a particular favourite of ours, with good predator/prey interaction. In much of northern Botswana, the camps are coming into their “shoulder” season, so rates are on the rise but still relatively low.

• Evening temperatures cooling with just the odd shower
• Northern Botswana is green and lush
• Many animals still with young; good predator/prey interaction
• Central Kalahari and Savute the best places for wildlife
• A popular shoulder season time to book. Rates relatively low

Weather in April

Botswana in May

May is a very popular month to visit Botswana, often the last month of the “shoulder” season before camp rates hit their peak. While there is very little chance of rain, the annual floods from Angola are starting to make their way through the northern part of the Delta, and will eventually reach the majority of the Okavango late June. With cooler temperatures morning and evening, predator activity tends to be higher, although tall grasses can still obstruct game viewing. With cool crisp evenings, and the game viewing really picking up, this is the favourite time to visit for many of our team – and camp bookings throughout Botswana are snapped up quickly.

• Cool mornings and evenings with little chance of rain
• Game viewing is beginning to pick up
• Predator activity increasing, though grasses still quite high
• Last month of “shoulder” season for most camps
• Availability goes quickly throughout Botswana

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Botswana in June

June is the real start of the dry season. Temperatures are still cool in the morning and evenings with night-time temperatures sometimes reaching freezing, rising to 25–30 degrees Celsius during the day, with blue skies. Along with this comes a certain clarity to the air, favourable for serious photographers. Surface water and waterholes begin to dry up during this period and many animals begin to congregate around the remaining areas with water. Visibility is improving as the grass is beginning to die back, and game viewing is very good everywhere, with particular improvement in the Kwando–Linyanti areas. Not surprisingly, camp availability is becoming scarce and rates are high.

• Warm, comfortable days; cold nights, morning & evenings
• Air clarity favours serious photographers
• Wildlife is gravitating to waterholes, making game-viewing productive
• Grasses beginning to die back
• Most camps are into peak season, with rates correspondingly high

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Botswana in July

Evenings and mornings are still cool in July, and this combined with great game viewing makes it one of the most popular times to visit Botswana. Vegetation is really thinning out now making game easier to spot, with the few remaining waterholes attracting lots of wildlife. The north-eastern side of Chobe National Park, along the Chobe River, is also very rewarding, although this area can become very busy. Game viewing is extremely good in the Khwai areas, too, but again, this is a public area and – unlike in the private concessions of the Delta – vehicle numbers can be high. Camps are now very much into the peak season, and tend to be full.

• Comfortable days; cold nights, morning & evenings
• Game viewing very good as vegetation dies back and waterholes dry out
• Chobe Riverfront and Khwai areas become very busy
• Private concessions helps to avoid potentially high vehicle numbers
• Now very much into peak season

Weather in July

Botswana in August

August is a popular time to visit Botswana, coinciding with the European summer holidays, and camp availability is difficult. Temperatures are generally cool at night, and comfortable during the day, although towards the end of the month they can rise above 35 degrees Celsius (albeit with low humidity). Cloudless skies bring spectacular star-gazing. Wildlife has congregated around the few remaining water sources, and much of the vegetation has now died back, so wildlife viewing tends to be varied and rewarding, particularly in the Okavango Delta. Depending on the rains in Angola this can also be one of the best times to see the delta floods at their peak.

• Dry, warm days, with mainly cool nights
• Cloudless skies with spectacular stars at night
• A fantastic time for wildlife watching, particularly in the Okavango
• Traditionally one of the best times to see the Delta in full flood
• Peak season: so high rates and many lodges full

Weather in August

Botswana in September

September is another favourite month for some of our team members. Daytime temperatures are getting warmer, but nights remain cool. With the drier conditions, most of the greenery has faded from the landscape, and dust or even smoke create hazy conditions that aren’t great for photographers – though this does result in fantastic sunsets. This is another extremely good month for game viewing, with large numbers of elephant and buffalo congregating in the Chobe region and migrant birds begin to return to Botswana. Rates remain high – and availability correspondingly low.

• Warmer days and cool nights
• One of the best months for wildlife viewing
• Large congregations of elephant & buffalo in the Chobe region
• Hazy conditions less good for photographers, but brilliant sunsets
• High season rates; many lodges & camps are full

Weather in September

Botswana in October

October is the one of the hottest months of the year, and usually one of the driest. Towards the end of the month the chances of rain can increase, and along with this can come greater humidity. The air is usually dry and hazy, making photography more challenging, but the lack of water and vegetation result in very good big-game viewing. Water levels are now much lower, so water-based activities such as boating, mokoro trips and fishing cease in many of the camps which are not on major tributaries.

• Hot temperatures, with the chance of rain towards the end of the month
• Great big-game viewing
• Less opportunity for water activities in camps as floods recede
• Hazy air not great for photographers
• Final month of the peak season in camps

Weather in October

Botswana in November

November usually marks the end of the dry season in Botswana, when increasing temperatures drive a rise in humidity, sometimes culminating in the first rains. These are often short but very heavy showers in the late afternoon or during the night, and can be spectacular. The rains lower the temperatures slightly but bring a flush of green back into the dry landscapes. As waterholes in surrounding areas fill, wildlife will gradually begin to disperse as it is not restricted by the availability of water. November is a great time for birdwatching, with the arrival of many migrant birds. The first couple of weeks are very popular with travellers looking for great game viewing at lower rates as Botswana enters the “shoulder” season.

• Hot in the middle of the day; sometimes humid
• Heavy showers increasingly likely as the month progresses
• Wildlife watching still good, but less reliable once it rains
• Migrant birds start to arrive
• “Shoulder” season brings mid-range rates in camps

Weather in November

Botswana in December

The rains in Botswana have now started, bringing some respite to the high temperatures. Game viewing becomes harder as wildlife is more dispersed but great sightings can still be had in the right areas such as Khwai and the Kwara and Mombo concessions. Areas such as the Makgadikgadi Pans change completely with the salt pans becoming covered in a shallow layer of water attracting large numbers of breeding flamingos. Low-season rates at many camps are a draw.

• Temperatures starting to fall from the highs of October/November
• Very high chance of rain, usually large heavy storms for short periods
• Flamingos return to breed at the Makgadikgadi Pans
• Wildlife more dispersed, so game viewing more challenging
• Typically low-season rates in the camps

Weather in December

Botswana fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Maun.

Botswana general info

Essential info for travelling in Botswana

Botswana safari guides

Info on some of Botswana's top guides

Flights to Botswana

How to get to Botswana

LGBT Travel in Botswana

Attitudes, the law & our experiences

Migrations in Botswana

Seasonal wildlife migrations

Okavango Delta Flood

Year on year flood water levels

Tipping in Botswana

Expectations & guidelines for tipping

Types of Botswana safaris

Types of safari experiences

Weather & climate

The best time to visit Botswana

Excursions in Maun

Optional extra day-drips and excursions possible whilst your staying within Maun. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.

Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta. You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.

Other areas in Botswana

Okavango Delta

Kwando-Linyanti

Kalahari Salt Pans

Central Kalahari

North-west Kalahari

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Wilderness Air’s Flying for Three Decades

Experiences

Melissa Siebert

Flying in a small bush plane over spectacular wilderness, with wildlife gathering or galloping below, is one of the greatest safari thrills. For 30 years our aviation partner, Wilderness Air, has been transporting our guests, enhancing their journeys, as well as ferrying staff and delivering supplies. Since its modest inception as Sefofane in 1991 – operating with just one aircraft servicing two camps in Botswana’s Okavango Delta – Wilderness Air has expanded to Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It has gained a reputation for steadfast operations and excellent guest service, respected for its varied fleet of light aircraft suited to land on dirt airstrips in remote areas and for its team of passionate, professional pilots dedicated to guests’ safety, comfort, and satisfaction.

More than just a connection, today Wilderness Air flies carefully orchestrated circuits, allowing you, for instance, a morning’s dreamy mokoro ride in the Delta followed by an adventurous afternoon game drive in Zimbabwe’s Hwange or Zambia’s Kafue National Park . By optimising each aircraft’s movements, Wilderness Air reduces your waiting time for connecting flights, as well as its carbon footprint. To celebrate Wilderness Air’s three decades, we asked the Wilderness Air Teams to share some of the company’s highlights over the years:

Flying just one Cessna C206, Sefofane is established as a partnership between Wilderness and Neil and Suzy Lumsden to supply reliable, safe, and professional air transport to guests and staff. The company initially operates out of Mombo Camp , Okavango Delta , Botswana.

Sefofane moves to Maun, Botswana, to operate from the old Wilderness offices and stays there when Wilderness Safaris moves to its existing premises. The company starts operating a variety of light aircraft, including two C206s, a C210, a C176, and two Britten Norman Islanders, as well as leasing a C208B Grand Caravan from Ngami Air, a charter operator based in Maun. Sefofane also moves away from fully charter-based flights and starts offering seat rates to Wilderness.

- Sefofane Operations Manager at the time, Motswana Barbara Braithwaite, is assisted in hour-building on non-commercial empty flight legs towards obtaining her commercial licence, and becomes the company’s first female pilot; she later goes on to serve the company as Chief Pilot in Namibia, Chief Pilot in Botswana, and General Manager and Chief Pilot in Zambia.

Sefofane opens a branch in Malawi to supply the two camps there managed by Wilderness. This branch operates for four years, closing when Wilderness ends its contract with those lodges.

Sefofane purchases Northern Air Maintenance to have aircraft maintenance under its control, moving into the hangar at Maun International Airport where the existing offices are still located.

Ray Rothlisburger (Botswana Chief Pilot) moves to Windhoek to open Sefofane Namibia, using C210s and operating out of the Wilderness offices there, where they remain to this day.

- Sefofane General Manager Ian Hardy moves to Harare to open Sefofane Zimbabwe, taking two C206s from Botswana to start up. After a year they start operating out of Wilderness’ office at Victoria Falls, where they still operate from, having expanded their aircraft fleet to three C206s and one C182.

The first three C208B Grand Caravans are purchased from the United States and ferried across the Atlantic into Maun by Sefofane pilots, one being Barbara Braithwaite.

Through Sefofane and Children in the Wilderness (CITW), our non-profit partner teaching leadership skills and conservation education to disadvantaged children in the rural areas where we operate, the first flights are offered to some of these children in communities around the Okavango Delta . Flying for the first time, many have never even seen an aircraft, and run and hide in the bush initially as the aircraft lands , before experiencing the wonder of flight themselves.

Sefofane South Africa is started at Lanseria by Mike Brinkcate, another Botswana Chief Pilot, operating PC12s, a C208, and several twin piston aircraft. They become one of the first companies to offer the Cessna Mustang jet for charter in South Africa.

Northern Air Maintenance receives Zimbabwean Civil Aviation Maintenance approval to assist and offer all maintenance activities and support our Zimbabwean operations.

Sefofane Flight Training Centre is registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana as the first flight school in Northern Botswana. The aim is to train up Motswana pilots in the Okavango Delta so that they are completely Delta-trained by the time they receive their commercial licence. Boss Masala (Wilderness Air’s current ‘meet and greet’ supervisor) is given the opportunity to do his Private Pilot’s Licence with the Centre.

Sefofane Zambia opens its doors out of offices in Lusaka, with a small office at the airport, to service Wilderness’ camps in Kafue and South Luangwa National Parks. Aircraft operated are a Cessna 310 and Cessna 210s, progressing in later years to the C208B.

- The first diesel-powered C172 is operated in Maun, using the Thielert engine, in an attempt to move away from Avgas engines using lead for lubrication. A plan to replace all C206 engines with Thielert’s 4 H Model 206s is thwarted when Thielert goes out of business.

- Northern Air Maintenance gets additional South African, Namibian, and Zambian Civil Aviation Maintenance approval to support our regional operations with aircraft maintenance.

Wilderness Air Namibia fleet has expanded to twelve owned and leased C210s and four C208Bs.

Sefofane signs a contract with the United Nations World Food Program (UNWFP) to provide a C208B Grand Caravan for humanitarian aid work in the Sudan. After a few tours, the Grand Caravan is required back in Botswana as tourism is on the rise.

- Sefofane purchases Okavango Helicopters and bases a helicopter and pilot at Wilderness Safaris Vumbura Plains Camp in the Delta.

- Airport lounges open at the Windhoek International Airport for the exclusive use of Wilderness’ guests.

On Sefofane’s 21st birthday, new branding comes into effect, as well as the name change to Wilderness Air. Flight circuits are introduced, first in Botswana then Namibia and Zimbabwe, to streamline the flight routes, give guests specific times to work on for arrivals and departures, and cut down on flying time and thus our carbon footprint.

- Wilderness Air Zimbabwe’s first C208B is registered in Zimbabwe and starts operating the flying circuit.

Northern Air Maintenance receives Cessna accreditation for its maintenance facility in Maun.

Northern Air Maintenance opens a Line Maintenance facility based at Victoria Falls International Airport to support the Wilderness Air Zimbabwe business.

Wilderness Air purchases four Australian Airvans, or Gippsland Aeronautics GA8s, in an attempt to upgrade from C206s, which are ageing and no longer manufactured. The Airvans have the advantage of easier access and improved visibility.

Wilderness Air celebrates Botswana’s 50th Anniversary at the Gaborone Air Show on Saturday, 24 September, offering 39 children from underprivileged homes the opportunity to enjoy a short flight over Gaborone. Subscribing to the same sustainability values as Wilderness’, Wilderness Air demonstrates its ongoing commitment to making a difference in local communities, including introducing children to the joys of flying.

- Wilderness Air Namibia leases in four F406 twin turbine aircraft, with speed and guest comfort as the driving force for the flying circuit servicing Wilderness' Namibian camps.

Wilderness Air receives the Institute of Risk Management of Southern Africa (IRMSA) Award in the Transport and Logistics category. The award recognises Wilderness Air for its efforts in leading safety management systems and strategies in aviation. Our Wilderness Air teams embrace an ever-developing safety culture of which we are extremely proud, including an ongoing focus on safety reporting, with the ultimate objective of identifying hazards before they become incidents.

- Wilderness Air Zimbabwe’s second C208B is registered in Zimbabwe and added to the existing fleet of one C208B and three C206s.

Wilderness Air Botswana decides to retire the C206s and Airvans and use only their fleet of 12 C208B Grand Caravans for guest transport, guaranteeing our guests improved comfort, speed, and reliability. These large, air-conditioned aircraft are perfectly suited to our operation and to the airstrips found in the remote locations where we operate. The Cessna Grand Caravan was designed to be simple, rugged, and reliable and thus, for Wilderness Air, it proves to be the best passenger-carrying ‘bush’ aircraft in our fleet, for sectors from 20 to 300 km. Large wheels, a very efficient wing, and a powerful engine enable the C208B to operate from all the bush airstrips we service, while the spacious air-conditioned cabin and unrestricted views make the Caravan popular with passengers. The full-length underslung cargo pod gives the Caravan an adequate luggage-carrying capacity.

- Wilderness Air receives the Institute of Risk Management of Southern Africa (IRMSA) Award in the Transport and Logistics category for the second year running.

- Northern Air Maintenance opens a new satellite maintenance base and builds a hangar at the Kasane International Airport to better support the Zimbabwe, Zambian, and Botswana business.

Three Motswana operations staff – Gomotsang Yanaro, Thuto Mmolai, and Othile Nthebula

– are trained in dispatch in accordance with the Civil Aviation Authority Botswana regulations, giving them internationally recognised dispatchers’ licences.

- Airport lounges open at the Wilderness Air offices in Maun and Kasane International Airport exclusively for the use of Wilderness Safaris’ guests.

- Wilderness Air launches a ‘fly for free’ offer for guests: full-paying guests booking a minimum of six nights receive three complimentary flights, and guests booking a minimum of eight nights receive four complimentary flights during their trip.

Another Wilderness Air Lounge joins the portfolio when it opens at the new Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe.

COVID-19 lockdown starts, and the pandemic continues. During its peak, Wilderness Air supplies Wilderness’ camps’ skeleton staff and caretakers with freight on a monthly basis. Wilderness Air also assists with the donation of food hampers and deliveries of essential supplies to our community partners in remote areas of the Delta, as well as helping with vaccinations of camp staff wishing to be vaccinated.

- While Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek goes through a rebuild/refurb, Wilderness Air Namibia reopens its new airport lounge, offering further exclusivity to Wilderness’ guests.

- Wilderness Air continues to assist with supply delivery as needed. And as tourism starts to recuperate, we’re all delighted to be flying guests to the Wilderness camps once more.

Written by Melissa Siebert

Let’s plan your next journey

When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.

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getting here

Getting to brave africa.

A Brave Africa safari is a memory that will last a lifetime. From the moment you arrive, we take care of everything else. The problem is … you still have to get to us. But it’s not as difficult as you think .  While there are relatively few international flights directly to Botswana, it’s incredibly easy to fly into Johannesburg or Cape Town in neighboring South Africa and then take a short, connecting flight to Maun.

Getting to Maun, Botswana

Maun, Botswana is the gateway airport to getting to the Okavango Delta. We recommend all of our guests fly to Maun and then catch a charter flight from there.

FROM JOHANNESBURG There are two nonstop flights per day from Johannesburg to Maun on two different carriers Air Botswana and South African Airways (Operated by Airlink).

FROM CAPETOWN There is one nonstop flight per day fro m Cape Town to Mau n on South African Airways (Operated by Airlink).

• Board Members
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• Aviation Safety Oversight
• Aviation Standards & Safety Oversight
• Aviation Security & Facilitation Oversight
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• Sir Seretse Khama International
• Maun International Airport
• P. G. Matante International Airport
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• RPA- Drone Registration

Non-scheduled Air Operators

A non-scheduled flight is that offers unscheduled air transport services of passengers or goods at an hourly or per mile / kilometer charge for chartering the entire aircraft along with crew. These in Botswana are;

•  Kalahari Air Services
•  Wilderness Air
• Major Blue Air
• Kavango Air
• Helicopter Horizon
• Air Shakawe

Non- Scheduled Air Operators

List of aoc holders contact.

 Travel Far, Be Local

Explore the Air

• 45 min Helicopter Scenic Flight
• 60 min Helicopter Scenic Flight
• 60 min Light Aircraft Scenic Flight

Explore the Bush

• Moremi Game Reserve Day Trip

Explore the Water

• Sunset Boat Cruise on the Thamalakane River
• Full-Day Boating Safari into the Okavango Delta
• Half-Day Mokoro Experience
• Full-Day Mokoro Experience
• Overnight Mokoro Experience

Explore Culture and Conservation

• Elephant Havens Orphanage Visit
• Lunch at Elephant Havens Orphanage
• Maun Town Tour

Explore Flavour

• Okavango Brewery Tour & Tasting

Explore Active

• Horse Riding by the Hour
• Breakfast Horse Ride
• Thamalakane River Horse Ride

Explore Adventures

• Helicopter over the Delta with Okavango Craft Beer
• Helicopter Scenic with Palm Island Gin Stop
• Helicopter Champagne Stop
• Helicopter and Mokoro Adventure
• Elephant Havens and Helicopter Scenic Adventure
• Scenic Helicopter Flight and Lunch in the Wilderness
• Life with Elephants Adventure and Scenic Helicopter Transfer
• Tsodilo Hills Adventure and Scenic Helicopter Transfer
• Full-Day Safari and Helicopter Adventure
• Delta Overnight Adventure with Helicopter Transfers

Explore Maun

• Explore The Panhandle

Explore Maun is an independent travel agency, with founders living and working in Botswana, so what better way to be introduced to local life, than by locals themselves.

Exclusive, hand-picked experiences like a half day tour in a mokoro, taking in the beauty of the Okavango Delta combined with lodges and camps on the banks of the Thamalakane River, tasting the local cuisine delights offered in Maun. This town offers one of the richest cultural experiences you will ever have.

In fact, the Explore Maun team takes it a step further. How about getting transported into the heart of the unexplored Panhandle? Discover rare beauty that few others have seen and tread lightly where others dare only to dream. All this, only possible through Explore Maun and Explore The Panhandle.

Travel Far. Be Local.

Embrace the adventure. You will feel like a local in no time.

exploremaun

• (+267) 78 079 580
• [email protected]
• Opposite Maun Airport Entrance

© 2022 Explore Maun

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• Hot Air Balloon Safaris

discover more about balloon safaris across Africa

Certainly not for the budget-conscious traveller, hot air  balloon safaris are an expensive way to see the African wilderness, but provide unrivaled views and an experience you’ll never forget. There are a number of companies in East and Southern Africa offering balloon safaris – particularly around the flat heavily touristed areas of the Masai Mara and Serengeti plains – and it can make a truly exhilarating add on to any land-based safari. Balloon safaris are easily incorporated into any existing safari itinerary which includes at least one night at a national park or reserve where they’re offered, and just as easy to arrange if you’re an independent traveler as transfers fro your lodge to and from the launch and landing site are generally included. The price for a balloon safari depends on location, time of year and company you book with, but expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 per person.

Balloon safaris begin with a pre-dawn wake-up call and quick, light breakfast at your safari lodge or tented camp. You’ll then be picked up and transferred to the balloon launch site for between 6 am and 6.30 am. Balloon flights typically leave around or just before sunrise, as this is the best time of day for ballooning conditions. Later in the day as the sun the land thermals and wind generally get stronger, making for a bumpier ride. An early start also gives you the best chance of seeing African wildlife in action. As with any safari, game viewing can’t be guaranteed, but with an experienced captain and guide on hand to spot the game below, you’ll have a very good chance of seeing a variety of wildlife from a whole new perspective.

Once airborne, the balloon is blown by prevailing winds across the landscape. Aside from the occasional blast of the burners, the flights are magically silent and peaceful. The pilot controls the height of the balloon – generally between 500 and 1,000 meters – and will descend for a close-up view of any wildlife spotted. On landing, you’ll generally be offered a brunch and drink whilst waiting for the vehicle for your return transfer – a game drive with the possibility of seeing the same herds of wildlife or dozing lions you spotted from the air. By 9.30 am you’re back at your safari lodge or tent ready to relax or take a nap before lunch.

A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti

Best Places in Africa for a hot air balloon safari

As hot air balloons are at the mercy of the wind and can travel a great distance in the hour they’re in the air, for a specific combination of climate and habitat is required. Savannas and deserts make ideal locations for balloon safaris, the lack of foliage allowing for optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. The best places for balloon safaris in Africa are:

East Africa

• Well developed for tourists, the great plains area of East Africa ( Masai Mara National Park in Kenya and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania ) provide a wide choice of balloon safari operators and some classic safari scenery and wildlife. This area, in particular, gives the opportunity of seeing one of nature’s greatest sights from the air – the great wildebeest migration, along with accompanying gazelles, zebras, lions  and hyenas. There’s even a slim chance of spotting the big five in an hour from the air!
• Elsewhere in East Africa the giant Selous Game Reserve and Lake Manyara National Park – both in Tanzania – have a choice of balloon safari operators, along with spectacular landscapes to take in.

Southern Africa Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia each provide their own unique environment for balloon safaris:

• The wetlands of Botswana’s Okavango Delta are green year-round, and a haven for wildlife and bird-life. Balloon safaris here can be arranged from the tourist capital Maun, or through your lodge.
• Taking a balloon ride over the Namib Naukluft desert of Namibia you can see the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei stretching hundreds of miles and up to 300 meters high. Alongside the scenery, there’s plenty of wildlife clustered together around water sources, with the chance of spotting the famous Namib Desert elephants.
• Zambia’s Kafue National Park contain the vast Busunga Plains, home to huge herds of grazers, plenty of large predators… and jaw-dropping scenery.
• If you fancy a break from or extension to your safari time,   Cape Town in South Africa has a range of hot air balloon rides over the Cape Winelands area . This gives a birds-eye view of the beautiful wine growing regions, with vineyards as far as the eye can see.

Tips for taking a balloon safari

• During peak season it’s advisable to try and book your balloon safari at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Shop around before you book – if you’re arranging your trip independently you’ll find that some balloon safaris are packaged with accommodation.
• It will be cold in the early morning and high in the air, so wear layered clothes – you can then remove or add as required.
• Sandals and open-toed footwear are not recommended as you will be doing at least some walking to and from the balloon. A comfortable pair of sneakers is recommended.
• Keep an eye out for any game you’re most interested in viewing, and if you spy it ask your driver/guide to take you via there on the way back to your hotel.
• Check what’s included with the company running the balloon safari. Transfers to and from your lodge, and some sort of brunch after touching down are fairly standard.
• As always, the more pictures you take the higher the chance of snapping the “perfect” picture.
• Aerial photography can lead to blurring or vibration effects, so  use a fasr shutter speed, enable any auto-image stabilization your camera has and/or increase your camera’s ISO.

Balloon safari resources

• Sun Fun Africa Safaris , offering hot air balloon safaris over the Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa.
• Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris in South Africa.
• Namib Sky , specializing in balloon safaris across Namibia. Can also help out with Botswana balloon safaris.
• Serengeti Balloon Safaris , across the Serengeti National Park, Kenya.
• Mara Ballooning , across the Masai Mara National Park, Kenya.

Safari inspiration

• Canoe Safaris
• Desert Safaris
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• Luxury Safaris
• Night Safaris
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• Self Drive Safaris
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Safari guides by country

• Botswana safaris
• Kenya safaris
• Namibia safaris

Rwanda safaris

• South Africa safaris
• Tanzania safaris
• Uganda safaris

Zimbabwe safaris

African safari companies

Botswana safari companies

Kenya safari companies

Namibia safari companies

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South Africa safari companies

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Top countries for safaris

Safari basics.

• Safari animals
• How to find the right safari company
• When to go on safari
• What to take on safari
• Safari clothing – what to wear
• Safari rules & etiquette
• Wildlife spotting tips

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Africa’s best game reserves

• Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Etosha National Park, Namibia
• Kruger National Park, South Africa
• Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
• Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana
• Okavango Delta, Botswana
• Serengeti National Park, Tanzania