I've read a few trip reports saying that theft from vehicles parked in Maun is very common, and to always leave one person in the vehicle if you go shopping etc or you'll more than likely have the vehicle broken into. Any personal experiences of this? Any comments from people who've spent any time there? We're not going to be put off going, and such crime happens everywhere, but it would be good to know if we need to be extra vigilant (and are there any other trouble spots in Botswana?)

We spent several days in Maun last year with a rented 4x4 and then drove from Maun to Chobe, spending two nights along the way. We never had a problem and we were not particularly vigilant--except not leaving anything in the vehicle at night. I was not aware of any danger and never heard of anyone having a problem. It's a great trip!
Jane

Hi JaneB
Where did you stay in Maun? We're still in the planning stages and would like a recommendation! (or did you camp? If so where?)
Thanks!

No camping for me!
We stayed at Riley's which was recommended in Lonely Planet and Bradt guides.

We stayed one night at Marina's lodge and one night at Maun lodge. Marina's is great but it was so hot at night and the ceiling fan didn't work so we transferred to a place with aircon. Both had comfortable rooms and safe parking. We parked at shopping areas all over SA and Botswana, and made sure the camera gear was hidden in the back, but there was always something visible in the car, and we never had problems.

i love your "tockoloshe" name, I never did know how to spell that! Is your bed on bricks?

Wildcatzoo,

I remember from previous posts that you went to the offices of Wilderness and maybe Kwando in Maun to check for last minute deals. Could you have done that without a car, staying at Marina's Lodge and Maun Lodge? Could you walk to the offices, take a taxi or something? Thanks.

Thanks for all answers about safety, I guess people only write about it when bad things happen so it gets publicised more. We've certainly never had a problem in SA or Namibia before, so aren't too worried, just wanted to check your experiences.

Wildcatzoo - Can you point me in the direction of your post atravelynn is referring to re last minute deals? Could be interesting as the Okavango lodges are way too expensive for us.

I think it should be 'tokoloshe' (no 'c') but I wasn't allowed to use that as a name so I improvised!
Never been keen on sleeping on the floor!

Maun has a bit of a crime problem, but this is mostly among the locals and has never been a issue to me. Use the parking lot guards and tip if you are worried. One camp, if you are camping,I recommend to avoid is Audi's, Every once in a while the campsite gets robbed. This has been going on for over 15 years to my knowledge. Just the neighborhood.And if you leave the vehicle unattended, its been known to happen things have been pinched periodically. Otherwise, go for it.

Lynn- both Marina's and Maun lodge would be taxi distance from WS and Kwando. Riley's would be more walkable. Both offices were by the airport so just see how far a hotel is from there.

Tockoloshe- my trip report is at
http://www.wildcatzoo.org/africa07/africa07.html

Last minute deals means just showing up at the travel office in Maun and taking what's available. It was much cheaper than rack rate but still not what I would call cheap!

Rileys to the airport is 1.5 kms.
Maun lodge is 4.5 kms.
Marinas is about 8.5 kms.

Thanks wildcatzoo, great photos and interesting report.
This might have been discussed before somewhere and is not the subject of the post now, but .... has anyone stayed at The Discovery Lodge (aka Betty's) in Maun and can recommend it?