Maun is a village with an airport - the center of tourism in Botswana. It’s an interesting place, where locals mingle easily with expats and tourists. Set next to Okavango Delta, on the bank of Thamalakane River, Maun will be on the list of most people who are travelling around Botswana. Since it’s generally such a busy place, there are many restaurants and cafes, most of them serving international or Western food. Funnily enough, it’s not easy to find a local restaurant in Maun. Here are a few recommendations to consider.
1. The Old Bridge Backpackers
Situated about 8 km (5 miles) away from the village, The Old Bridge Backpackers is not only one of the preferred destinations of independent travelers, but also one of the spots where locals and expats like to hang out. The kitchen works from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and offers a range of international meals. Due to the fact that one of the owners is vegan, this is one of the few vegan-friendly restaurants around. Make sure to try their vegan coconut and lemon tart.
The Old Bridge Backpackers
Address: Maun, Okavango/Moremi, Botswana
Website: The Old Bridge Backpackers
2. Okavango River Lodge
About 13 kilometers (8 miles) away from the village on the road that leads to Moremi Game Reserve, there is yet another lodge where many of the expats living in Maun like to hang out. Ask around, chances are you can easily find at least 5 bush pilots. Okavango River Lodge has mostly international food on the menu. Their hamburgers and quesadillas are particularly popular.
Okavango River Lodge
Address: GPS co-ordinates: S19°55'45.44"; E23°30'48.33"
Website: Okavango River Lodge
3. The Tshilli Farmstall
In the heart of the village, across from the New Mall, The Tshilli Farmstall offers good food. They also have a wide choice range of natural fruit juice, smoothies and coffee. The specialty is their chili coffee - not recommended if you can’t take spicy food though.
The Tshilli Farmstall
Address: Sir Seretse Khama Rd, Maun
Facebook: The Tshilli Farmstall
4. Tandurei Indian Restaurant
Tandurei Indian Restaurant is among the few places in Maun where you can enjoy Indian food. The large outdoor yard gives the restaurant a very calm and relaxing atmosphere. The service is good and the food makes the trip worthwhile.
Tandurei Indian Restaurant
Address: Moeti Rd, Maun
Website: Tandurei Indian Restaurant
5. Wax Apple Cafe
Wax Apple is a small and cozy coffee shop next to the airport. Since they mostly serve wraps and sandwiches, it’s the perfect place for a quick lunch or afternoon snack. If you try their amazing coffee, make sure to have it with a fresh carrot cake. They also serve good and nutritious breakfast.
Wax Apple Cafe
Address: Airport Rd, Maun
Website: Wax Apple Cafe
6. Hilary's Coffee Shop
If you want a homemade meal without having to cook, Hillary’s Coffee Shop is the place to go. You can even enjoy homemade bread here, along with a variety of soups. This is ideal for lunch. Don’t consider it for dinner, though, as unfortunately it closes at 4 p.m.
Hilary's Coffee Shop
Address: Off Mathiba I St, Town Centre, Maun, Botswana
Website: Hilary’s Coffee Shop
7. French Connection
Although the official menu is rather short, they always have “specials” based on the vegetables that are in season. The outdoor garden full of trees creates a great shelter from the strong sun in summer. The service is prompt and the owners would often interact with the guests, making sure that everything is running smoothly.
French Connection
Address: Mophane Street, Maun, Botswana
Website: French Connection
8. Pizza Plus Coffee & Curry
Strategically located right across from the airport, this is not a simple pizza place. There is a high variety of cuisines on the menu - from Italian to Chinese to Indian. The name is actually rather misleading, as their Indian dishes are much more popular than the pizzas. In case you’re travelling in a group with different taste in food, this is the choice for you. Chances are high that everyone can find whatever it is they crave. Another advantage that Pizza Plus Coffee & Curry has is that it’s open long hours - they start at 8 a.m. and only close their doors as 10 p.m. and they usually don’t close during public holidays.
Pizza Plus Coffee & Curry
Address: cnr Airport Ave & Mathiba I St
Facebook: Pizza Plus Coffee & Curry
9. Motsana Arts Cafe
To get to Motsana from Maun requires maybe 10 or 15 minutes in the car. This is not just a restaurant, but also a place where you can find art work. They often organize art and cultural events: on Sunday’s there’s a craft market and on Thursday’s there’s a movie night. They offer a range of salads, wraps and steaks on their food menu. If you manage to link it with one of their events, you’ll enjoy your visit even more.
Motsana Arts Cafe
Address: Shorobe Rd to Moremi, Maun P.O Box 21439, Botswana
Day dreaming by the Thamalakane river bank
Of course that Maun is not just about food. Maun is the place to reflect while admiring the nature and counting birds from a mokoro, it’s the place to socialize with hippos and crocodiles (try not to get too close though). Even if you don’t make it all the way to Okavango Delta, even if you don’t afford a scenic flight over the delta, you can still walk along Thamalakane river. And if you make it to Moremi Game Reserve, you might even meet the lion and the leopard if you’re lucky.