After months of preparations, the colourful Maun carnival is finally here, beginning this Thursday, 29th September until October 1st, 2022.
Mophane avenue in Maun, along Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) road near the New Mall and Nhabe museum, will be closed off for the parade on Thursday, Maun Carnival organisers have confirmed.
“Where else would anyone want to be besides Maun this independence holidays?” asked chief organiser of the event, Emang Bokhutlo-Mutapati brimming with excitement.
The Maun carnival is one of Maun’s historic events, bringing you cultural celebrations in the form of performing arts and street parades.
Powered by Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), The Voice newspaper, H&C magazine, and Okavango cultural productions, the event aims to bring tourism excitement in the form of fun and enjoyable festivities through their inaugural carnival.
“The carnival provides a unique experience in terms of celebrating culture and music and at the same time it is in line with this year’s Tourism Day celebration theme, which is ‘ Rethinking Tourism for the people and the planet,” said Mutapati who went on to add that, ” Maun is no ordinary village but a top tier tourism destination, which is why it is fondly dubbed, “Maun ka monatyi (“Maun a place of fun)
“Coming to the carnival will be killing two birds with one stone, you get to enjoy more than you paid for,” Mutapati noted.
On the 29th, the parade begins at the main mall followed by an official opening at the Power Station and a night of poetry and comedy featuring creme dela creme of Botswana poets at the Okavango Craft Breweries.
On the 30th, a music festival headlined by both local and regional artists will keep revellers on their feet all night at Fish Boro grounds.
Among leading artists billed to thrill at Fish Boro are the legendary Stika Sola, Big Pun, Lizibo and Berry Heart from Botswana, Sulu from Zimbabwe and Mafikizolo from South Africa.
October 1st is reserved for mokoro and boat activities where visitors get the opportunity to explore Maun further and the water channels surrounding the village, which is located at the entrance of the Okavango Delta.
Other places to visit around Maun include Chanoga, Lake Ngami, crocodile farm in Tsanekona area, Moremi Game reserve, Matlapana “beach” to mention but a few.