I have been away from Maun for over a year. Upon my arrival this week, I was shocked at the number of potholes in Maun roads. Maun, often referred to as the tourism capital of Botswana, plays a critical role as the main gateway to the world-renowned Okavango Delta. Every year, thousands of international and domestic tourists pass through Maun on their way to safari destinations such as the Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, and surrounding wildlife areas.
Maun has grown rapidly over the years due to the expansion of tourism, hospitality businesses, and transport services. However, despite its importance to Botswana’s economy, Maun continues to face a serious challenge of potholes on many of its roads.
Potholes have become a common sight on major roads within Maun and on some access, roads leading to tourism facilities. The Disana-Matlapana Road down to Shorobe which is mostly used by tourists is bad. The many potholes in Maun roads are testament to the fact that during the rainy season, the situation becomes even worse as water damages road surfaces and creates deep craters that are dangerous for motorists. The poor condition of roads negatively affects both local residents and tourists who expect a smooth and safe travel experience in one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
Tourism depends heavily on infrastructure, especially roads and transport systems. When tourists arrive in Maun and encounter roads full of potholes, it creates a poor first impression of the town and the country. Many visitors travel in rental vehicles, safari trucks, or shuttle buses, and potholes increase the risk of vehicle damage, tyre punctures, and road accidents. This often leads to delays in travel schedules and increases operational costs for tourism companies.
Potholes also affect the comfort and satisfaction of tourists. International visitors pay significant amounts of money to visit Botswana’s tourism attractions, expecting quality services and infrastructure. Rough roads may discourage repeat visits and can damage Botswana’s image as a premium tourism destination. In an era where tourists share experiences on social media and travel review platforms, negative comments about poor roads can influence potential visitors from choosing other destinations in southern Africa.
The economic impact of potholes extends beyond tourism businesses. Local transport operators, taxi drivers, and delivery services spend more money on vehicle repairs and maintenance due to damaged suspension systems, tyres, and engines. This increases the cost of doing business in Maun and indirectly affects the prices of goods and tourism services.
Addressing the pothole problem requires both short-term and long-term solutions. Firstly, road maintenance should become a priority for local and national authorities. Its hightime budget priorities are made in relation to roads in Maun and health services. Quick response teams should regularly repair potholes before they become larger and more dangerous. Secondly, there is a need for improved drainage systems because stagnant rainwater is one of the major causes of road deterioration in Maun. In the long term, government investment in durable road infrastructure is essential. The Disana-Matlapana Road is fairly new and less than 20 years but it is dead and not usable. Roads in high-traffic tourism areas should be constructed using stronger materials that can withstand heavy vehicles and changing weather conditions. Public-private partnerships involving tourism companies may also help support infrastructure development, as the tourism industry directly benefits from better roads.
Finally, it is important to understand that Maun remains one of Botswana’s most valuable tourism hubs, blessed with natural beauty and wildlife attractions. Improving road conditions is necessary to protect the town’s reputation and sustain tourism growth. By addressing the pothole challenge, Botswana can strengthen Maun’s position as a world-class tourism gateway and improve the experience of both visitors and local communities.
