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North-West District
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Explore Botswana’s North-West District for the Okavango Delta, Maun’s safari gateway, Moremi wildlife and the ancient rock art of Tsodilo Hills.

Botswana’s North-West District is a vast, low-lying region shaped by water arriving from the Angolan highlands and spreading across the sands of the Kalahari. Its best-known feature is the Okavango Delta, where channels, lagoons, floodplains and islands create one of Africa’s most distinctive wildlife landscapes. The district also encompasses the town of Maun, the principal gateway to the delta, and the remote sandstone outcrops of Tsodilo Hills in the west.
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Maun is the practical and cultural centre of the district. It is a working town rather than a conventional resort, with safari outfitters, small hotels, craft sellers, cafés and essential services supporting journeys into the delta and surrounding conservation areas. South-east of Maun, the seasonal waters and grasslands of the Moremi Game Reserve provide habitat for elephants, lions, wild dogs, hippos and numerous antelope species. Access is often by four-wheel-drive vehicle, light aircraft or mokoro, the traditional dugout canoe whose modern versions are generally made from fibreglass.
The delta changes character across the district. Permanent waterways support boating and mokoro excursions, while drier islands and adjoining woodlands are explored on foot or by open-sided safari vehicle. Water levels vary seasonally, and the presence of animals depends on rainfall, flooding and local conditions. The experience is consequently less about ticking off a fixed list of sights than about understanding a living wetland whose channels move and whose wildlife disperses across a broad area.
Far to the west, Tsodilo Hills rise unexpectedly from the surrounding landscape. More than 4,500 known rock paintings and associated archaeological remains record a long human presence, including San cultural traditions and later settlement by other communities. The hills are a place of cultural importance as well as an archaeological destination, and visits are best made with a local guide. Elsewhere, villages and cattle posts reveal forms of life adapted to seasonal water, sandy soils and long distances between settlements.
North-West District rewards careful planning. The delta’s lodges and mobile camps can be costly, while community-based camps and activities offer different ways to support local livelihoods. A few days in Maun can be combined with a safari, a longer fly-in stay in the delta or a westward journey to Tsodilo Hills, but distances are substantial and roads may become difficult after rain. The district’s appeal lies in the meeting of inland water, wildlife, archaeology and contemporary Botswana rather than in a single urban attraction.

When is the best time to visit North-West District?

Best: May, August–September · 22–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January31100
February3195
March3075
April2850
May (best)2325
June205
July205
August (best)227
September (best)2715
October3030
November3150
December3280

Getting to and around North-West District

How to get there

Maun Airport is the main air gateway to North-West District and receives domestic connections from Botswana’s larger centres, with onward charter flights serving safari camps in the Okavango Delta. International visitors commonly connect through Johannesburg or another regional hub before continuing to Maun. Road travellers can reach Maun from the south and east via Botswana’s main highways, although distances are long; access to Tsodilo Hills requires a further westward journey and careful planning. Kasane, in neighbouring Chobe District, is sometimes used for combined northern Botswana itineraries but is not within North-West District.

Transportation

Maun has taxis, private transfers, car-hire options and local minibuses, but public transport is limited for reaching dispersed safari areas and remote cultural sites. A guided transfer, organised safari or suitable four-wheel-drive vehicle is generally the practical choice beyond the town. Inside the Okavango, travel may involve light aircraft, motorboats, mokoro excursions and safari vehicles, depending on the location and season. Roads can be sandy, corrugated or affected by flooding, and journeys take longer than distances on a map suggest. Independent drivers should carry adequate fuel, water, navigation equipment and recovery supplies.

Top city travel guides in North-West District

The cities of North-West District, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in North-West District

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in North-West District

The Okavango Delta is the district’s defining attraction, offering mokoro journeys through papyrus-lined channels, motorboat trips across open lagoons, guided walks on islands and game drives in drier areas. Experiences vary according to flood levels and the location of each camp, so visitors should read itineraries carefully rather than assuming that every lodge offers the same activities. Moremi Game Reserve, on the delta’s eastern side, is noted for a wide range of wildlife and combines floodplains, woodland, open grassland and seasonal watercourses. Maun provides access to river excursions, cultural activities, craft shopping and flights into remote safari areas, although its character is that of a busy regional town rather than a theme-park resort. Tsodilo Hills offers a very different experience: guided walks lead to rock-art panels, archaeological sites and viewpoints across the surrounding Kalahari landscape. Birdwatching is rewarding across the delta, particularly where permanent water attracts large and varied bird populations. Community-based tourism, fishing traditions and village visits can add context when arranged respectfully, while the district’s broad landscapes make early-morning and evening travel especially atmospheric.

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Best landmarks in North-West District

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Best restaurants in North-West District

Dining in North-West District ranges from practical cafés and takeaways in Maun to lodge restaurants serving international dishes alongside Botswana-inspired cooking. Menus may include beef, goat, chicken, freshwater fish where locally sourced, seasonal vegetables, rice, maize-based staples and seswaa, a slow-cooked shredded meat dish associated with Botswana more broadly. In Maun, visitors can find informal eateries, bakeries, supermarkets and restaurants catering to safari travellers, residents and workers from the tourism sector. Safari lodges usually provide set meals or menus designed around their location, with packed breakfasts and lunches for excursions. Local produce and traditional foods are more likely to be encountered through community activities or carefully arranged cultural visits than through a formal restaurant district. Botswana’s wider food culture also includes bogobe, a soft sorghum or maize porridge, and vetkoek-style fried dough sold in informal settings. Ask about dietary requirements before travelling into remote camps, where supplies arrive by air or long road transfer and choice is necessarily limited.

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Best bars in North-West District

Evening life is concentrated in Maun, where visitors can find hotel bars, informal drinking spots, restaurants with outdoor seating and occasional live music rather than a large, dedicated nightclub scene. The town’s nightlife serves residents and safari visitors alike, and the atmosphere can change considerably between busy weekends and quieter periods. In the delta, lodges generally offer a drink around a fire, a quiet bar or an evening meal after guided activities; noise and lighting are often deliberately limited to reduce disturbance to wildlife. Remote camps are not places to wander independently after dark, and staff guidance should be followed. Smaller settlements and rural areas have fewer visitor-oriented venues, so travellers should not expect late-night services outside Maun. Breweries, spirits and wine may feature at established lodges, but local evening culture is not defined solely by alcohol: storytelling, music, community gatherings and early starts for wildlife activities are equally important parts of a stay.

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Best nightclubs in North-West District

Evening life is concentrated in Maun, where visitors can find hotel bars, informal drinking spots, restaurants with outdoor seating and occasional live music rather than a large, dedicated nightclub scene. The town’s nightlife serves residents and safari visitors alike, and the atmosphere can change considerably between busy weekends and quieter periods. In the delta, lodges generally offer a drink around a fire, a quiet bar or an evening meal after guided activities; noise and lighting are often deliberately limited to reduce disturbance to wildlife. Remote camps are not places to wander independently after dark, and staff guidance should be followed. Smaller settlements and rural areas have fewer visitor-oriented venues, so travellers should not expect late-night services outside Maun. Breweries, spirits and wine may feature at established lodges, but local evening culture is not defined solely by alcohol: storytelling, music, community gatherings and early starts for wildlife activities are equally important parts of a stay.

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Best shops in North-West District

Maun is the principal shopping centre in North-West District, with supermarkets, practical high-street shops, craft outlets, galleries and small markets serving both residents and safari visitors. Basketry is among the most recognisable local crafts, with woven vessels and mats often made from indigenous grasses and shaped by regional traditions; quality and provenance vary, so buying directly from reputable makers or community organisations is preferable. Carvings, textiles, paintings, jewellery and safari clothing are also available, though visitors should confirm that natural materials and cultural objects can be legally exported before purchasing. Farmers’ stalls and food shops may offer fresh produce, dried goods and locally familiar staples, while lodges often stock curated crafts at higher prices. Outside Maun, retail is sparse and villages should not be treated as open-air souvenir markets. Cash is useful for small purchases, and respectful bargaining may be appropriate in informal settings but should not undermine the value of time-intensive craftwork.

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North-West District essentials

Currency and Payment
Botswana’s currency is the pula (BWP), used throughout North-West District. Cards are commonly accepted by established hotels, lodges, larger shops and many travel companies in Maun, but connectivity and payment facilities can be less dependable in remote camps and villages. Carry pula cash for small purchases, local transport, tips and community-run activities, while keeping cash secure. Some safari properties accept major foreign currencies or cards, but visitors should confirm arrangements before travelling into the delta or to Tsodilo Hills.
Safety
North-West District is generally a destination for organised outdoor travel, but normal precautions still apply in Maun and at transport points. Keep valuables discreet and use accommodation or trusted operators for late transfers. In the bush, never approach, feed or leave a vehicle to photograph wildlife unless a qualified guide has instructed you to do so. Heat, dehydration, sun exposure, insects, deep water and uneven ground are practical hazards. Follow boating and mokoro safety instructions, take care around flood channels and check seasonal road conditions before remote self-drive journeys.
Emergency Situations
Botswana’s national emergency numbers generally include 999 for police, 998 for fire services and 997 for ambulance services. Mobile coverage can be intermittent outside Maun, and remote safari areas may rely on a lodge radio, satellite communications or an operator’s evacuation arrangements. Keep your accommodation’s emergency contact details available, carry suitable travel insurance and tell someone about independent journeys. Serious medical evacuation from the delta or Tsodilo Hills can take time, so disclose relevant medical conditions to guides and carry essential medication.
Do's and Don'ts
Follow guides’ instructions around elephants, hippos, lions and other wildlife, and never take food or plastic waste into the bush or waterways. Ask before photographing people, villages, ceremonies, homes or cultural objects. At Tsodilo Hills, respect local guidance about sacred areas and do not touch or deface rock paintings. Dress practically for heat and sun, while choosing more modest clothing in villages and when visiting community facilities. Tipping is customary for good service in safari settings but should reflect the operator’s guidance; it is not a substitute for fair wages.
Local Tips
Use Maun as a practical base for supplies, local excursions and orientation rather than assuming that all delta experiences begin in the town itself. Ask operators whether an itinerary is water-based, land-based or a combination, since this makes a major difference to the experience. Community craft outlets and cultural activities can provide more direct local engagement than buying generic souvenirs at a transit point. For Tsodilo Hills, arrange transport, guiding and accommodation in advance, and avoid treating the site as a quick detour from Maun.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHello[Hello]
GoodbyeGoodbye[Goodbye]
YesYes[Yes]
NoNo[No]
Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome[Please/You're welcome]
Thank youThank you[Thank you]
Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Sorry[Excuse me/Sorry]
How are you?How are you?[How are you?]
Fine. And you?Fine. And you?[Fine. And you?]
Do you speak English?Do you speak English?[Do you speak English?]
I don't understandI don't understand[I don't understand]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseI'd like to see the menu, please[I'd like to see the menu, please]
I don't eat meatI don't eat meat[I don't eat meat]
Cheers!Cheers![Cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please[I would like to pay, please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![Help!]
Go away!Go away![Go away!]
Call the Police!Call the Police![Call the Police!]
Call a doctor!Call a doctor![Call a doctor!]
I'm lostI'm lost[I'm lost]
I'm illI'm ill[I'm ill]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I'd like to buy...[I'd like to buy...]
I'm just lookingI'm just looking[I'm just looking]
How much is it?How much is it?[How much is it?]
That's too expensiveThat's too expensive[That's too expensive]
Can you lower the price?Can you lower the price?[Can you lower the price?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[What time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[It's one o'clock]
Half past (10)Half past (10)[Half past (10)]
MorningMorning[Morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[Afternoon]
EveningEvening[Evening]
YesterdayYesterday[Yesterday]
TodayToday[Today]
TomorrowTomorrow[Tomorrow]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?[Where's a/the...?]
What's the address?What's the address?[What's the address?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?[Can you show me (on the map)?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[When's the next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[A ticket (to ....)]

History of North-West District

Early settlement and San rock art

Tsodilo Hills preserves one of the most important archaeological and cultural landscapes in southern Africa. Rock paintings, engravings and occupation evidence show that people have used the hills and their surrounding country over many thousands of years. San communities attach spiritual significance to the landscape, while archaeological research records changing patterns of hunting, gathering, ritual activity and settlement. The paintings are not simply decorative attractions: they form part of a living cultural inheritance and should be approached with respect. Tsodilo’s exceptional concentration of rock art and archaeological remains led to its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Migration and settlement around the Okavango

The modern cultural landscape of the district was shaped by the movement and interaction of several communities, including Bayei, Hambukushu, Batawana, Basarwa and others. The Okavango’s channels and floodplains supported fishing, hunting, livestock keeping and small-scale cultivation, while seasonal movement was central to making use of changing water and grazing. These histories are not reducible to a single settlement story: different communities developed distinctive relationships with the delta and its resources. Their presence remains visible in villages, languages, craft traditions, guiding knowledge and local approaches to wetland life.

The Bechuanaland Protectorate

In the late nineteenth century, the area became part of the Bechuanaland Protectorate established by Britain. Colonial administration was comparatively light in the remote Okavango, but it affected taxation, borders, public authority and relations between local rulers and the state. Maun grew in importance as an administrative and commercial centre, although the region remained distant from the main railway corridor in the south. The protectorate’s boundaries also helped create the territorial framework inherited by modern Botswana, even though local economic and cultural connections long crossed those lines.

Maun and the development of a regional centre

Maun developed from a settlement associated with the Batawana and the wider Okavango region into the district’s principal service town. Its growth accelerated after Botswana’s independence in 1966 as roads, air links, government services, tourism businesses and conservation organisations expanded. Maun now combines an urban population with strong connections to nearby villages, cattle posts and safari operations. The town’s importance reflects its strategic position at the edge of the delta: it is a supply base, employment centre, transport hub and point where international tourism meets everyday regional commerce.

Conservation and the creation of protected areas

Growing concern about wildlife conservation and the pressures of hunting, settlement and resource use contributed to the creation of protected areas in the Okavango region. Moremi Game Reserve was established in 1963 through the initiative of the Batawana, making it an important example of locally influenced conservation history. Later wildlife management areas and private concessions extended protection and supported safari tourism, although conservation has also raised difficult questions about access to land, livelihoods and the distribution of tourism income. The present landscape therefore reflects both ecological protection and continuing negotiations with resident communities.

Tourism, wetlands and international recognition

The Okavango Delta became an internationally recognised destination as improved air access, safari infrastructure and wildlife protection brought visitors to its seasonal waterways. In 2014, the Okavango Delta was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its ecological importance as an inland delta that does not reach the sea. Tourism has become a major part of the regional economy, creating guiding, hospitality, transport and craft opportunities while also making the district sensitive to environmental pressure and fluctuations in international travel. Current debates include sustainable water use, community benefit and the long-term resilience of the wetland.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to North-West District, Botswana

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  • Comprehensive history of North-West District
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