Maun is widely celebrated as the gateway to the world-renowned Okavango Delta. In this regard, thousands of tourists pass through Maun annually into the Okavango Delta. While this is the case, recent heavy rains in the last quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 have taken a toll on the town’s road infrastructure, leaving many key routes riddled with potholes and difficult to navigate. Combined with a growing litter problem, this has become a cause for concern for both locals and visitors.
For many tourists, Maun is the first stop en-route to the pristine wilderness of the Okavango Delta. But the journey through the town itself has become increasingly challenging. Several main roads and secondary streets have been damaged by the prolonged rains, resulting in large potholes, some of which are dangerously deep and dangerous to vehicles. In this regard, drivers always exercise caution, especially if traveling in smaller vehicles.
The challenge is from visitors who come outside Maun and the district. In this regard, visitors are encouraged to consult local tour operators or accommodation providers for the latest road condition updates and the state of the roads not only in Maun but to most parts of Ngamiland and the Okavango Delta.
The deteriorating state of the roads in northerns Botswana and in Maun not only poses a safety risk but also threatens to impact the tourism experience. Local authorities have acknowledged the issue, but due to resource constraints and the extent of the damage, repairs have been slow to begin. For example, the A3 road from Francistown to Nata to Maun up to Shakawe is not in a good state and requires drivers to drive with maximum care.
Compounding the infrastructure woes is an escalating waste management problem in Maun. Littering in public spaces has become increasingly visible, with rubbish scattered along streets, open areas, and even near tourist lodges. Residents have expressed frustration over the poor waste collection services provided by the council, which has led some to dispose of their waste in non-designated areas.
This growing issue not only tarnishes the image of Maun as a tourism hub but also poses environmental risks, especially given its proximity to sensitive ecosystems like the Okavango Delta. Plastics and other waste materials can easily be swept into natural waterways during rains, endangering wildlife and polluting the fragile delta environment.
As Maun grapples with these challenges, there is a pressing need for collective responsibility required for both residents of Maun and visitors. Residents are urged to play a proactive role in keeping Maun clean by disposing of waste only in designated areas and reporting illegal dumping. Community clean-up campaigns and educational initiatives can also go a long way in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
Conversely, the council should speedily collect the waste and dispose it at the dumping site speedily. Tourists visiting Maun are advised to be patient and remain environmentally conscious during their stay and dispose their waste in designated areas.
Supporting local businesses and initiatives aimed at improving Maun’s infrastructure and cleanliness can contribute to positive, lasting change. Maun remains a gateway to one of the most beautiful natural wonders on Earth. Preserving its charm requires effort from both the community and visitors alike. Let’s all do our part to ensure that Maun remains not only a convenient tourism gateway for safaris into the Okavango Delta but also a clean and welcoming place for generations to come.
