Dry Thamalakane kills Maun vibe

Maun, the tourism village which is best known for its entertainment lifestyle, was not vibrant as usual during the just ended festive holidays.

This time around the number of people who travelled to Maun over the holidays were reportedly low owing to the drying of the Thamalakane River which has over the years been among the main source of attraction for revellers. For the past years Maun has been known for attracting thousands of both local and foreign tourists who wishes to take time from their busy schedules and unwind during the festive break.

But the on-going hydro-logical drought has somehow ruined fun for the masses who are used to unwind along the Thamalakane’s prominent spots known as the’ Beach’ as well as ‘Big Tree.’ The spots had so gone dry, and only that is left for those who have visited the areas before is the old good memories when the river was still alive.

“This year people did not come to Maun in large numbers and this was probably because of the dried Thamalakane River,” District No5 Officer Commanding Senior Superintendent, Peter Gochela told this publication in an interview.

Gochela also noted that this time around there were even few festival events hosted in the village something which he says made it easy for them as police to easily maintain law and order during the holidays.

The festivals, which included the Maun Summer Festival, Take It Easy Music Festival and the Fireworks Countdown Festival however kept Maun rocking despite all odds. The festivals had in addition to local musicians also lined up South African Artists such as Master KG, DR Malinga, Khuli Chana and TNS among others.

All was also not doomed as people also had the alternative of traveling to loosen up in Chanoga, a village which is about 30 kilometres from Maun. The small village is arguably becoming the new holiday destination as it has for about the past three years been attracting thousands of revellers across the country especially during Independence and festive holidays.   

Lek-A-Valley-Farm, which is situated along Boteti River, is the one attracting masses to Chanoga, and people continue to attest that the place is a very exciting and mind relaxing experience.