Plizio Visual Lab

Nhabe Museum

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Nhabe Museum in Maun serves as a vital cultural gateway to the Okavango Delta and the broader Ngamiland region. Opened in 1995, the museum is situated in a characterful colonial-era building constructed in 1939, which originally functioned as a military outpost and later a police station. Its mission is to document and preserve the rich natural and cultural heritage of North-West Botswana. The exhibits highlight the unique traditions of ethnic groups such as the Wayeyi, Hambukushu, and Batawana, focusing on their specialized fishing and mokoro-carving techniques. Additionally, the museum provides insights into the delta's complex ecosystem and the ongoing conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage site. The facility also features an art gallery showcasing local contemporary works and a craft shop that directly benefits community artisans. By bridging history, ecology, and art, the Nhabe Museum features an indispensable educational experience for anyone exploring Africa's premier inland wetland.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	26	24	21	18	17	20	25	29	29	28
Rain mm	121	104	75	28	2	3	0	0	2	15	49	102

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Nhabe Museum in Maun is open to the public, featuring exhibits on natural and cultural history. The rooms are air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible.

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Typical hours

The museum is typically open Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00, Saturdays until 12:00 only. Sundays closed; public holidays may have varied hours.

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Photography

Photography is allowed in most exhibition areas without flash. Special exhibits may have a no-photo policy - watch for signs.

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Time needed

Allow about one to one and a half hours for a thorough tour of the entire exhibit. For a quick overview, 30 to 45 minutes suffice.

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Combine with

The museum is centrally located in Maun, walking distance to Maun Gardens shopping center. Combine your visit with a boat trip on the Thamalakane River.

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Getting there

The Nhabe Museum is located in downtown Maun on the main road, easily accessible on foot or by taxi. There is a small parking lot behind the building.

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Insider tip

Ask at the ticket desk about the current special exhibition - it changes regularly and often features local art. The museum shop sells handmade jewelry from the region.