Maun, Botswana ๐ง๐ผ
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
๐๏ธ City | Maun is known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, featuring a unique blend of wildlife and rural life. |
๐ฅ Population | Approx. 60,000 |
๐ป Internet Speed | Average 15 Mbps |
๐ธ Currency & Banking | Botswana Pula (BWP). 1 USD โ 12 BWP. |
๐ฐ Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
๐ Power | 230V, 50Hz, ๐ Type C/D sockets. |
๐ถ SIM Card | Providers include Mascom, Orange, and BeMobile. |
๐ณ Banking for Expats | Standard banking services available; accept international cards. |
๐ Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, lodges, and Airbnb. |
๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Moderate; primarily cash but cards accepted at main establishments. |
๐ Short Term Rentals | Available on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. |
๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Places like Nata Lodge offer affordable rates. |
Working and Networking
๐ข Best Coworking Space | Maun Lodge offers a conducive working environment. |
โ Best Cafe for Work | Thamalakane River Lodge Restaurant. |
๐ผ Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by local expat groups. |
๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Facebook group for Maun expats hosts regular gatherings. |
Transportation
๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt is available in Maun. |
๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; inquire locally. |
๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | Lake Ngami, approximately 30 minutes away. |
โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Air Botswana. |
โ๏ธ Top International Airline | South African Airways. |
๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | A3 highway connects Maun with major cities. |
๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; bus services connect to other regions. |
๐ Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; local buses are inexpensive. |
โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis connect Maun to neighboring towns. |
Health and Wellness
๐ฅ Best Hospital | Maun Private Hospital. |
๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Safari Yoga Studio offers classes. |
๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | There are a few local gyms like Fitness Depot. |
๐งบ Laundry Services | Laundromats available at various guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Jamila delivers meals from local restaurants. |
๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Biltong and Mopane worms. |
๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Mokoro Lodge offers vegetarian meals. |
๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Mocha Restaurant for their cakes. |
๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Maun Farmer's Market on Saturdays. |
๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Limited, but you can find some local products on social media. |
๐ Grocery Delivery | Check local stores for delivery services. |
๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | The River Walk area has several bars. |
๐ป Local Brewery | Kgalagadi Breweries Company. |
๐ท Wine Bars | Local restaurants serve a selection of wines. |
๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Local markets serve Samosas and Roasted Meat. |
๐ Popular International Cuisine | Pizza and pasta at Maun Pizza. |
Culture and Attractions
๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | Okavango Delta, local craft markets. |
๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | Maun Education Centre. |
๐ฐ Historical Sites | Old Fort ruins and BaTswana Cultural Village. |
๐ Religious Sites | Maun Christian Fellowship. |
๐ Annual Events | Maun International Arts Festival. |
๐จ Cultural Districts | Local craft stalls near the airport. |
๐ญ Theater Venues | Local community centers host performances. |
๐๏ธ Local Markets | Maun Market offers local crafts and produce. |
๐ผ Music Scene | Live music occasionally at local bars. |
๐จ Street Art | Limited; some murals around town. |
๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer traditional cooking classes. |
๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Local art exhibitions held in community centers. |
๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | Traditional huts and buildings around Maun. |
๐ด Local Heritage | Maun's connection to the Kwena people. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve. |
๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park (a few hours' drive). |
๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking trails along the Thamalakane River. |
๐ Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints along the river are breathtaking. |
๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | Okavango Delta is a UNESCO world heritage site for birdwatching. |
๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in campsites along the river. |
Other Services and Amenities
๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available. |
๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics stores provide basic repair services. |
๐ Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may have table tennis facilities. |
๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Local tutors offer Setswana language lessons. |
๐ Libraries & Study Spots | Maun Public Library. |
๐๏ธ Community Centers | Various centers host events and services for locals. |
๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | Limited; local cafes might have some gaming spaces. |
๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; local bars offer simple gaming options. |
Business
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 4,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = BWP 160,000) |
๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 3,200 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = BWP 128,000) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 3,800 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = BWP 228,000) |
๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 3,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = BWP 180,000) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BWP 3,500 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = BWP 280,000) |
๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BWP 2,800 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = BWP 224,000) |
๐ผ Corporate Tax | 22% |
๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | 7.5% |
๐ฆ Tax System | Territorial basis, focusing on income earned within Botswana. |
๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
๐งพ VAT | 12% |
๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applies to foreign entities. |
๐ Property Tax | Based on value; typical assessments conducted every few years. |
๐ Property Transaction Tax | 5% transfer duty on property purchases. |