Being able to stay in one place for four weeks, you get the chance to explore and live like a local. We spent a month in Botswana housesitting before setting off on our 6-day safari, so I was able to explore the variety of restaurants and eateries that Maun has to offer. I
A wee bit about Maun
Maun (pronounced
Although there are a few shopping malls, Maun is not the most sophisticated of towns, and you will find donkeys, goats and cows meandering along the roads along with the occasional warthog, baboon or giraffe. But it is honest – what you see is what you get, and therefore I have a soft spot for it.
My Favourite Places to Eat in Maun
Tshilli Farmstall Coffee Bar

As you drive into Maun’s centre along Sir Seretse Khama Road, you can’t miss the powder-blue building on the right.
Tshilli also arranges live music and have just opened a gift shop selling candles, skincare, natural insect repellants and a variety of gifts and toys. Check out their Facebook page.

Address: Tshilli Farmstall Coffee Bar, Sir Seretse Khama Road, Maun
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tshillifarmstall/
Marc’s Eatery

Further along Sir Seretse Khama Road, on the outskirts of the town is Marc’s Eatery. Part restaurant, part delicatessen, part takeaway, Marc and his business partner Debbie, have a passion for providing top quality food. Whether you are looking for a place to stop for a coffee and cake, lunch or dinner, Marc’s Eatery is perfect.
The menu has a mix of international foods and a delicious range of freshly made salads, cakes and sandwiches and daily specials. They cater to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diets. You can even get your packed lunch ready to pick up in 30 minutes!
Address: Marc’s Eatery, Sir Seretse Khama Road, Maun, Botswana
Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/marcseatery/
Motsana Centre & The Arts Cafe

The
The food is an intriguing mix of local Botswanan and international dishes all freshly made. The salads are full of flavour: my favourite was a warm salad or butternut squash with peppers and tofu over leaves with a punchy dressing. Don’t miss out on the homemade cakes which are lush and delicious.

Address: Motsana Centre & The Arts Cafe,Shorobe Road, Maun, Botswana
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Motsana-Cultural-Centre-Maun/297865433586705
Old Bridge Backpackers

Overlooking the Thamalanke River and a hippo pool, the Old Bridge Backpackers is a relaxing place to hang out.
As one of the owners is vegan, there is a good selection of vegan and vegetarian food with salads and well-stacked lentil and bean burgers with abundant salad. For the meat eaters, there are steaks, ribs, burgers and even an African meat stew. If you are lucky, you will see one of the hippos in the river, but they are quite shy. Old Bridge Backpackers is the perfect place to sip Sundowners and watch nature do its thing!

Address: Old Bridge Backpackers, off Sir Seretse Khama Road, Maun
Website: https://maun-backpackers.com/
Hilary’s Coffee Shop

Nestled behind Mathiba I Street, Hilary’s Coffee Shop is a shaded sanctuary from the heat and bustle of central Maun. Opening at 8 am during the week and 8.30 am on Saturdays, Hilary’s is perfect for tea or coffee with homemade cake, or a light lunch of freshly made sandwiches, baked potatoes or one of the day’s specials from the board. Hilary’s caters for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diets. It is peaceful and I love the way the tea and coffee pots come with tea cosies!.
Address: Hilary’s Coffee Shop, off Mathiba I Street, Town Centre, Maun
Wax Apple

Part cafe part shop, Wax Apple is a great little place for breakfast, brunch or lunch. With plenty of outdoor seating, the food is generous and delicious. Sit and watch the world go by while you enjoy a freshly ground cup of coffee, milkshake, tea or soft drink while eating a bran muffin or a light lunch of baked potatoes, toasted sandwiches or homemade burgers. There
Address: Wax Apple & The Red Monkey, 1450 Airport Rd, Maun
Okavango River Lodge

The Okavango River Lodge is about 10km outside of Maun on the left-hand side of the road as you drive towards Shrobe. Sitting on the banks of the Thamalanke River, the restaurant is a peaceful haven to sit and watch for birds and wildlife. There is seating in the shaded indoor area or the outdoor area with benches and tables to enjoy the view.
The food was quite basic and pub grub with salads and stews, but generous portions and tasty.

Address: Okavango River Lodge, Shorobe Road, Maun
Website: https://www.okavango-river-lodge.com
Also Recommended Places to Eat in Maun
We were also recommended the following restaurants to eat in Maun, but didn’t get there, so can’t pass opinion:
- French Connection – Middle Eastern Fusion Food
Tandurei Indian Restaurant – Indian Food- Chutney Restaurant – Indian Food
- Il Pomodoro – Italian Food
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Larch lives a semi-nomadic life. Her life changed 20 years ago when a silly accident left her with restricted use of her right arm and neck and was told she would never work again. She turned her life around, retrained herself and set up as a self-employed website designer. This allowed her to work wherever she was in the world. Her passion for travel led her to start up her travel blog The Silver Nomad, to inspire over 40s to explore new destinations and expand their horizons. In 2019 Larch qualified as a CAA Drone Pilot which she combines with her travels.