Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $6–15 | $30–80 |
| Food | $8–15 | $20–40 |
| Transport | $3–10 | $15–40 |
| Activities | $15–60 | $80–180 |
| Drinks & Extras | $3–8 | $10–20 |
| Daily Total | $40–70 | $100–250 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Entry & Visas
- Most Commonwealth, EU, and US citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date with 2 blank pages
- Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country
Health & Safety
- Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended — Maun is in a high-risk zone especially during wet season
- Drink bottled or boiled water only — tap water in Maun is not reliably safe
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential — nearest major hospital is in Gaborone
Getting Around
- Maun is small enough to walk between central areas — the main strip is along Tsheko-Tsheko Road
- Combis (shared minibuses) run to Shorobe and nearby villages from the bus rank for 10–20 BWP
- Car hire is available but 4x4 is essential for any travel beyond paved roads — rental from $60/day
Connectivity
- Buy a Mascom or Orange SIM card at the airport or in town — data bundles are affordable at 50 BWP for 2GB
- WiFi is available at most lodges and backpackers but speeds are slow — do not expect to stream video
- Phone signal drops completely once you enter the delta — download offline maps and guides before departing
Money
- ATMs available at Barclays and FNB in central Maun — Visa and Mastercard accepted
- Carry cash for markets, combis, and village purchases — cards only work at lodges and supermarkets
- US dollars are widely accepted for safari activities — bring clean, post-2006 notes
Packing Tips
- Neutral-coloured clothing for bush walks — khaki, olive, and brown blend with the landscape
- A warm fleece or jacket for early morning game drives — delta mornings can drop to 5°C in winter
- Insect repellent with DEET, sunscreen SPF50, binoculars, and a headlamp are essential for bush camping
Cultural tips
Greetings Are Important
Batswana greet each other warmly before any conversation. Dumela (hello to one person) or Dumelang (hello to a group) followed by Le kae? (how are you?) shows respect and is always appreciated. A handshake is standard.
Respect the Delta
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fragile ecosystem. Never litter, do not disturb wildlife, and follow your guide's instructions at all times. The delta survives because local communities protect it — honour that stewardship.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in villages. Most Batswana are happy to be photographed but consider it rude if you do not ask. Offer to show them the photo afterwards — it builds connection.
Support Community Tourism
Choose community-based mokoro operators and village tours run by local cooperatives. Your money goes directly to families who live alongside the delta wildlife. Botswana's community-based natural resource management model is a global example of conservation success.
Wildlife Safety
Never approach wildlife on foot without a guide. Hippos and elephants are responsible for the most injuries in the delta. On mokoro trips, keep hands inside the canoe and remain still when hippos are nearby. Follow your guide's lead at all times.
Botswana Time
Things move at a relaxed pace in Maun — transport departs when full, not on a fixed schedule, and activities may start later than planned. Embrace the pace, carry a book, and enjoy the unhurried rhythm of northern Botswana.
