09 Apr 2013

If you have not yet been to Maun, go there tomorrow. Forget about the shortage of water synonymous with the place, there is plenty else to do.

The sudden urge for many fun lovers to abandon traditional trips to areas outside the country such as Swakopmund in Namibia, Maputo in Mozambique, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe as well as Durban in South Africa during holidays cannot go unnoticed.

Prior to the Easter holidays, Maun was on everyone’s lips. Numerous radio adverts on some of the country’s leading commercial stations and concerted marketing efforts via newspapers, pamphlets, stickers and banners just made everyone reschedule what they have traditionally been doing.

This north western village, whose population according to the 2011 Population and Housing Census stood at more than 60 000, has become the country’s playground. Not that it has not been attracting outside visitors before, but of late it has became a fanfare destination for everyone.

Tourists use the place as a spring pad into the world famous Okavango Delta. They also buy assorted goods in the numerous shops which they will need once they have gone deep into the country’s flora and fauna.

Ethnic groups found here, which include Batawana, Bayei, Hambukushu, Baherero, Basarwa and others are very fond of horses.

They have for years been rearing horses amongst their other livestock, and have held various competitions amongst themselves to see which one is the fastest horse. The competitions grew in size, attracting other horse racers from Ghanzi and Kgalagadi districts.

Fast forward everything to the 21st century, as the races became more commercialised and brought in mobile phone network provider in the mould of Mascom as sponsors, and everything becomes more exciting.

Over the past few years, the Mascom National Derby has attracted many and this year’s edition was no different, except maybe more exciting as it had thousands of fun lovers and revelers alike, like a swarm of bees, descending onto this tourist hub.

This race is the highlight of the numerous events that were lined up. The movement for revelers was between the dusty grounds of the Shashe Race Track and established entertainment areas such as Fresh Exclusive Nite club, Crocodile Camp and others sprawled across the village.

The hair rising horse races, coupled with musical pieces from various artists adds colour to this village every Easter holidays.

Sleeping is for the faint hearted. Those who claim to be brave will finally give in too, in the wee hours of the morning.

The fun can be too much for many, whilst the few that are first timers there swear to make a return trip in the next coming public holidays.

Given the rate at which people advertise the nation’s playground through social networks such as Twitter and Facebook, and through the word of mouth, it is not long that the numbers will overwhelm the place.

With the perennial Thamalakane River passing through the village like a snake, other water sport events could even be added to the list of the attractions and the town or village will become a complete playground. ENDS