Maun, Botswana

Capital City

Maun may be the "tourism capital" of Botswana, but with a population of 85,293, it's hardly a sleepy village. This rapidly growing frontier town has shed much of its "Wild West" character, now boasting shopping centers, hotels, and car rentals - though it still retains a rural feel, with local farmers selling their wares curbside. However, the sweltering climate is no joke, with temperatures reaching a scorching 44°C. And while Maun serves as a gateway to the Okavango Delta, the bureaucracy around safari operations can be a persistent headache. For adventurous travelers looking to explore northern Botswana, Maun may be an appealing base, but its convenience comes at a price.