Where three rivers meet, so too did food, culture, community and celebration. Between U & I recently hosted its much-anticipated Maun Long Table Experience, welcoming 110 guests to the breathtaking river junction in Matlapana – the meeting point of the Boro, Thamalakane and Gomoti Rivers.
Set against a magical waterfront landscape, the experience was a powerful expression of gastronomy-led destination tourism, rooted in place and purpose. As the sun dipped and the rivers shimmered, guests were immersed in an evening that honoured Maun not just as a destination, but as a living, breathing source of story, flavour and community.
A Journey to the Table
The experience began with a surprise: a scenic boat cruise transporting guests to the long table itself. Cruising along the waterways before arriving at the riverside setting created a sense of anticipation and wonder; a journey that seamlessly connected the land, water and the culinary story that would unfold.
A Menu Grounded in Place
True to the Between U & I ethos, the menu was a celebration of local ingredients, regional sourcing and thoughtful technique. It included tswii arancini crafted using locally sourced waterlilies, Stella Artois battered fish tacos made with bream caught in the Ngami area. Smoked pork belly was served with creamy mashed potatoes, miso honey glaze and finished off with a herb and morogo wa dinawa oil. Cheesecake paired with lerotse ice cream made from locally grown lerotse added a sweet touch to the evening. Each course told a story of the region – from its waterways to its fields – elevating familiar ingredients into a refined, contemporary dining experience.
Under one beautiful Botswana sky and the calm of the surrounding waterways, Stella Artois became part of the atmosphere itself, adding a polished, celebratory layer to an already immersive riverside dining experience.
Stella Artois: Elevating the Beverage Experience
Global premium beer brand Stella Artois elevated the experience from arrival to final toast. As guests stepped into the riverside setting, they were welcomed with a refreshing Stella-based cocktail: the Stella Star Martini. Throughout the experience, a dedicated Stella bar served as a natural gathering point, where guests returned between courses to enjoy crisp Stella Artois pours and signature cocktails. Under one beautiful Botswana sky and the calm of the surrounding waterways, Stella Artois became part of the atmosphere itself, adding a polished, celebratory layer to an already immersive riverside dining experience.
Community at the Heart
Beyond the table, the impact of the Maun Long Table Experience extended deeply into the local community. Ingredients, décor, materials and resources were consciously sourced from the people of Maun, ensuring that the experience created tangible economic and creative opportunities for local suppliers, businesses and collaborators. This community-first approach underscores Between U & I’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive experiences that celebrate Botswana’s regions while meaningfully supporting those who call them home.
The Guests Who Completed the Magic
While the landscape set the scene and the food told the story, it was the guests themselves who brought the experience to life. Their presence, energy and shared appreciation for food, place and connection transformed the long table into a moment of collective magic, one that lingered long after the final course.
A New Chapter for Gastronomy Tourism
The Maun Long Table Experience stands as a compelling example of how gastronomy can drive destination tourism, spotlight local ecosystems and create immersive, high-value experiences rooted in authenticity. As Between U & I continues to reimagine dining across Botswana, this riverside gathering at the heart of Maun will be remembered as a moment where landscape, community, cuisine and celebration met; beautifully and intentionally.
Hitting the ground running in 2026, Between U & I will take its signature concept to Kazungula on February 28th, 2026. Set where four countries meet, the upcoming experience will continue to celebrate local flavours, community collaboration and fuse gastronomy and destination tourism.
