Nhabe (Maun) Museum — The Heartbeat of Ngamiland Culture

Situated in Maun—the tourism gateway to the Okavango Delta—the Nhabe Museum (also known as Maun Museum) is a delightful trove of local heritage, community creativity, and Delta wisdom.

Here’s what makes it rewarding:

Historic Roots: Housed in a building originally constructed in 1939 by the British military as a WWII surveillance outpost, the museum itself carries a fascinating backstory .

Cultural Richness: Its exhibits showcase Bayei fishing nets, Hambukushu baskets, San tracking tools, traditional musical instruments, ritual attire, and even old hunting rifles—offering a layered narrative of Ngamiland life .

Living Arts Hub: The on-site Bailey Arts Centre supports local artists through rotating exhibitions, craft demonstrations (weaving, pottery, carving), plus a nursery selling indigenous plants alongside the museum’s gift shop .

Interactive & Educational: Guided tours—often by the knowledgeable docent “Tumero”—bring artifacts to life and offer insights into local customs, Delta ecology, and community history .

Community Connection: Open since the mid‑1990s, it operates as a community museum, managed by a local board and supporting livelihoods through craft sales and cultural preservation initiatives .



🎒 Visitor Tips

📅 Hours: Monday–Friday, 08:00–17:00; closed weekends and public holidays (or open by special arrangement) .

💸 Entry & Donations: Admission is free (but donations welcome). On-site crafts and plants make for meaningful take-home souvenirs.

👥 Best Experience: Ask to meet Tumero or another guide—guided visits often include demo sessions and weave insights.

🎯 Location: Centrally located on Sir Seretse Khama Road in Maun—easy to visit between safari schedules or flights.

🔄 Combo Pairing: Combine with a cultural village visit, craft markets, or a stop at the nearby Maun Wildlife Training Institute for a full educational experience .


Visiting Nhabe Museum isn’t just a pause before you head out on safari—it’s an immersion into the people, artistry, and Delta spirit that truly define Maun.

#NhabeMuseum #MaunBotswana #OkavangoHeritage #NgamilandCulture #CommunityMuseum #LocalCrafts #BasinHistory #InteractiveExhibits #MuseumBotswana #CulturalTours #DeltaStories #SupportLocalArt



Photo Credit: Museum Explorer

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Kim Jad @jadkim1215

The Nhabe Museum sounds like a fantastic spot for cultural immersion right before a safari! The combination of history, art, and community involvement makes it sound like an enriching experience. Don't miss checking out the Bailey Arts Centre—they're a real highlight. Bring back some cool crafts while you're there!
1 day ago

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