Is Maun safe?
Low violent crime for visitors. Petty theft, wildlife and road risks matter more; hippos, elephants and crocodiles are real dangers near water.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-06-16.
- Homicide rate in Botswana: 11.4 per 100,000 people (2021, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Botswana: 26.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 999 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 998.
Safety in Maun at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Opportunistic theft from tents, cars and unattended bags; occasional muggings after dark away from the centre. |
| At night | The centre is quiet after dark; use a taxi or lodge transport and avoid walking unlit roads with donkeys and cattle. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable. Expect friendly curiosity; use lodge transport at night and join group tours for remote areas. |
| Other risks | Hippos, crocodiles and elephants near water; Malaria in the wet season; Livestock on roads |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Unlicensed safari touts selling unclear packages
- Overpriced airport transfers from unofficial drivers
Take care
- Camps near river banks after dark: hippos
- Walking outside lodges at night
- Unlit roads with livestock
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug offences carry fines up to P500,000 and up to 25 years in prison.
- Photographing military or government installations is illegal.
- Hunting, buying or trading protected wildlife products brings severe sentences.
How Maun compares in Botswana
Quick answers
Is Maun safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable. Expect friendly curiosity; use lodge transport at night and join group tours for remote areas.
Is Maun safe at night?
The centre is quiet after dark; use a taxi or lodge transport and avoid walking unlit roads with donkeys and cattle.
What is the crime rate in Maun?
Opportunistic theft from tents, cars and unattended bags; occasional muggings after dark away from the centre. Nationally, Botswana records 11.4 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2021).
What number do I call in an emergency in Maun?
Police 999 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 998.
More about Maun
Going to Maun solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Botswana Tourism Organisation
- Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.