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Maun, Botswana 🇧🇼
#375
,
Nomad Score:
53%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Maun is the tourism capital of Botswana and serves as a gateway to the Okavango Delta. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-20 Mbps in urban areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BWP (Botswana Pula) ≈ 0.085 USD. Local banks include First National Bank and BotswanaSavings Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally drinkable but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz. 🔌 Type D and M sockets are used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Mascom, Orange, and BTC with good coverage in the region. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks accept payments via debit/credit cards widely, including Visa and Mastercard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses; platforms like Airbnb and local agencies are available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, many businesses accept cards, but carrying cash is advisable. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available through Airbnb; average cost is around 600 BWP per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and budget lodges such as Maun Backpackers, starting at approximately 200 BWP. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Shorobe Road area is popular due to proximity to local attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying along the Thamalakane River for scenic views and peaceful environment. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Maun Hub offers coworking spaces with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Choppies Cafe provides a work-friendly environment with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Attend monthly meetups organized by local business groups in Maun. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the Expatriates in Maun Facebook group for events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt operates in Maun, offering convenient ride-hailing options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer bike rentals for exploring the area. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Okavango Delta offers scenic spots but no traditional beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Botswana provides domestic flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | International flights are limited; connecting through Johannesburg is common. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads connect Maun to other regions, including the A3 highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Maun does not have a train service; transportation is mainly by road. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal public transport passes; minibuses are commonly used. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly between Maun and cities like Gaborone. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Maun Private Hospital offers various healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Maun hosts regular classes for practitioners of all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Serowe Gym is one of the popular fitness centers in Maun. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Spotless Laundry offers washing and ironing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Bolt Food and Uber Eats are available in Maun. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Biltong and Seswaa (shredded meat) are must-try local delicacies. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Pula's Restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Deli’s Diner is known for its delicious desserts, including local sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Maun Mall and local markets are great for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Takealot.com is popular for various online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Botswana's grocery stores offer delivery services; check Pick n Pay. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Maun Lions Club and The Tsodilo Hills Bar are lively nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Botswana Breweries produces various local beers that can be found in most shops. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Some upscale restaurants offer a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | There are several vendors offering local snacks around main markets. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Curry Village serves a mix of Indian and continental cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Thamalakane River and Okavango Delta are breathtaking natural landmarks. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Botswana Craft Centre showcases local arts and crafts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the Old Maun Cemetery for a glimpse into the area's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Maun Mosque is an important community site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Maun Festival occurs annually, celebrating local culture and traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore local craft markets for handicrafts and souvenirs. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local community theaters host events and performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Maun Market is popular for local produce and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can often be found at local bars and restaurants. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals and art installations can be found around town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Offered at some community centers for those interested in local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Few galleries showcase local talent, notably at the Botswana Craft Centre. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The original buildings from colonial times can be found near the town center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Ngwato Tribal Authority is significant in the cultural hierarchy. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Okavango Delta is just a short trip away, offering stunning wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Moremi Game Reserve is nearby and known for its incredible biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The paths along the river offer beautiful scenic views for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Lookout points along the delta provide spectacular sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Okavango Delta is renowned for birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camping sites near the delta allow for bonfires at night. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal service provide parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops offer repair services for common devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers and clubs have facilities for table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Check local schools for Setswana language classes for beginners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Maun Public Library offers study spaces and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various centers provide ample space for activities and social gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming facilities; most gaming occurs at home. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Maun; however, nearby Gaborone has options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,200 BWP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 72,000 BWP) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 900 BWP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 54,000 BWP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800 BWP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000 BWP) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 BWP per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000 BWP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,000 BWP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 160,000 BWP) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,700 BWP per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 136,000 BWP) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 7.5% applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Botswana operates on a source-based tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 14%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Botswana has regulations but they are relatively friendly. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Botswana offers no tax on foreign income for non-residents. |