Maun: The Gateway to the Okavango Delta

• HelloDumela
  [doo-meh-lah]
• GoodbyeTsamaya sentle
  [tsah-mah-yah sehn-tleh]
• YesEe
  [eh]
• NoNnyaa
  [n-yah]
• Please/You're welcomeKe kopa
  [keh koh-pah]
• Thank youKe a leboga
  [keh ah leh-boh-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryKe kopa tshelete
  [keh koh-pah tshay-leh-teh]
• How are you?O kae?
  [oh kah-eh]
• Fine. And you?Ke tsogile. Le wena?
  [keh tsoh-gee-leh. leh weh-nah]
• Do you speak English?O bua Setswana?
  [oh boo-ah set-swah-nah]
• I don't understandGa ke itse
  [gah keh eet-seh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKe kopa go bona menu
  [keh koh-pah goh boh-nah meh-noo]
• I don't eat meatGa ke itse nyama
  [gah keh eet-seh nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Hlala pha
  [lah-lah pah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKe kopa go dira thepa
  [keh koh-pah goh dee-rah teh-pah]

• Help!Boitumelo!
  [boy-too-meh-loh]
• Go away!Tswela pele!
  [tsway-lah peh-leh]
• Call the Police!Bula Polase!
  [boo-lah poh-lah-seh]
• Call a doctor!Bula ndlovu!
  [boo-lah n-dloh-voo]
• I'm lostKe tshwerwe
  [keh tshwehr-weh]
• I'm illKe a bolawa
  [keh ah boh-lah-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Ke kopa go rekela...
  [keh koh-pah goh reh-keh-lah...]
• I'm just lookingKe a bonela fela
  [keh ah boh-neh-lah feh-lah]
• How much is it?E e leng?
  [eh eh leh-ng]
• That's too expensiveKe e le mahala
  [keh eh leh mah-hah-lah]
• Can you lower the price?O ka rekela sepe?
  [oh kah reh-keh-lah seh-peh]

• What time is it?Ke nako mang?
  [keh nah-koh mah-ng]
• It's one o'clockKe nako ya kwa
  [keh nah-koh yah kwah]
• Half past (10)Bo kete (10)
  [boh keh-teh (10)]
• MorningBontle
  [bohn-tleh]
• AfternoonKgotsa
  [koh-t-sah]
• EveningMosu
  [moh-soo]
• YesterdayNako ya gae
  [nah-koh yah gah-eh]
• TodayNako e tee
  [nah-koh eh teh-eh]
• TomorrowNako ya gompieno
  [nah-koh yah gohm-pee-eh-noh]
• 1Lefatsheng
  [leh-fah-tsheng]
• 2Bobedi
  [boh-beh-dee]
• 3Boraro
  [boh-rah-roh]
• 4Bone
  [boh-neh]
• 5Botswe
  [boh-tsway]
• 6Boroka
  [boh-roh-kah]
• 7Bosele
  [boh-seh-leh]
• 8Bono
  [boh-noh]
• 9Boraro le le nne
  [boh-rah-roh leh leh n-neh]
• 10Lese diaropa
  [leh-seh dee-ah-roh-pah]

• Where's a/the...?Kae...?
  [kah-eh...?]
• What's the address?Leina la kae?
  [leh-ee-nah lah kah-eh?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O ka nna o leka sepe (ka map)?
  [oh kah nah oh leh-kah seh-peh (kah map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Ene le kae (bus) e e nne?
  [eh-neh leh kah-eh (bus) eh eh n-neh?]
• A ticket (to ....)Thepa (go ....)
  [teh-pah (goh ....)]

Maun, often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Okavango Delta,' was founded in 1915. It was established as the tribal capital of the Batawana people, a subgroup of the Tswana. The name 'Maun' is derived from 'maung,' which means 'the place of short reeds.' The founding of Maun marked an important moment in Botswana’s history, as it became a central hub for trade and transport in the region.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Maun saw the arrival of various European explorers and missionaries. Notably, David Livingstone, the famous British explorer, passed through the area in his travels. These encounters brought new technologies and ideologies but also led to significant cultural exchanges and tensions.

Maun’s proximity to the Okavango Delta has always played a crucial role in its history. The Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas, attracts wildlife and tourists alike. Historically, the Batawana people utilized the Delta for fishing, hunting, and agriculture. The area’s rich biodiversity and natural resources have made it a focal point for both local livelihoods and conservation efforts.

In the late 20th century, Maun transformed into a thriving tourist destination. The establishment of safari lodges and tour companies turned the city into a bustling gateway for visitors exploring the Okavango Delta. This boom in tourism has significantly contributed to the local economy, providing jobs and fostering international interest in Botswana’s natural beauty.

Recent years have seen considerable development in Maun. Infrastructure improvements, such as paved roads and upgraded airport facilities, have made the city more accessible. While maintaining its traditional charm, Maun has also embraced modernity, with new hotels, restaurants, and cultural centers showcasing the blend of past and present.

Maun is accessible by air and road. The Maun International Airport (MUB) serves as the primary gateway, with regular flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Gaborone. Major airlines such as Air Botswana and South African Airways operate flights to Maun. By road, Maun can be reached via the A3 highway from Francistown or Gaborone. The drive offers scenic views but can be long and tiring, so ensure your vehicle is in good condition and carry enough fuel and supplies.

In Maun, transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and local minibuses known as combis. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or booked through your accommodation. For more freedom to explore, consider renting a car; several car rental agencies operate in Maun. Combis are a budget-friendly option for short trips within the town but can be crowded and less comfortable. Many lodges and safari companies offer shuttle services to various attractions.

The official currency in Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and major shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Maun, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into remote areas. Exchange facilities are available at the airport and in town.

Maun is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Notable areas to be cautious of include the Old Bridge neighborhood, which has experienced incidents of petty theft targeting tourists. Keep your belongings secure and be vigilant in crowded places. Avoid displaying valuables and use hotel safes for important documents and money.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 998 for fire emergencies, and 997 for medical emergencies. Maun has a hospital and several clinics for medical care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation if necessary. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas and when visiting local communities. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Botswana is predominantly Christian, traditional beliefs are also practiced. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Dumela' (hello). A handshake is common, and it's polite to ask about someone's well-being. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as seswaa (pounded meat) and pap (maize porridge). Accept food offerings graciously and avoid wasting food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Maun like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss a visit to the Nhabe Museum to learn about the area's heritage. For a unique experience, take a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) trip in the Okavango Delta. This offers a serene way to explore the delta's waterways and wildlife.