About Grays Eden
Tucked along the peaceful banks of the Thamalakane River, Grays Eden is Maun’s most elegant new retreat
It’s a place where soft breezes, serene views, and graceful design create a gentle pause at the start or end of your safari.
With whitewashed walls, mosaic-tiled corners and a nod to Mediterranean style, the lodge feels both fresh and timeless. Five spacious villas offer elevated river views, with four-poster beds, freestanding bathtubs, and wide glass doors that open onto private decks where you might sip coffee as hippos stir below. Inspired by local fisherman’s dwellings, seven cottages are cosy and characterful, with polished wooden floors, lantern light and handwoven textiles.
Linger by the shimmering infinity pool, unwind with a spa treatment in your room or at the tranquil onsite spa, or simply relax beneath a scalloped parasol with a cool drink in hand. The Cape Dutch-style lounge and riverside restaurant offer thoughtful, seasonal menus, while the intimate wine cave makes for a memorable evening.
Perfectly positioned for both a restful stopover and a longer stay, this chic riverside haven blends luxury, culture and comfort – setting the tone for your journey through Botswana.
Our view
With 12 stylish villas and cottages, a beautiful riverine setting and comfortable surroundings, Gray’s Eden is quickly establishing itself as one of the best places to stay in Maun. We love the relaxed atmosphere, tasty food and excellent service, and feel it is a great start or end point as part of a more luxurious safari in Botswana.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
5 villas; 7 cottages
Children
Fine for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
Boat trip
Helicopter
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the trips. See our 37 pictures of Grays Eden to get the candid view.
View galleryGrays Eden: Our full report
Perched on the serene banks of the seasonal Thamalakane River in Maun, Grays Eden is a luxurious boutique lodge.
It’s an ideal retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation before or after their safari adventures in the Botswana.
With an elegant, almost Mediterranean feel, Grays Eden opened in 2024 – and this is fast becoming one of our favourite places to stay in Maun. It is the sister property of Shinde Camp, Okuti and Kanana and is run to the same high standards.
Guests stay in spacious thatched villas or traditional-style cottages. Both have air conditioning and fans, which are particularly valued on hot days.
- Five spacious thatched villas are elevated to take advantage of the river views, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors creating light, airy spaces, and allowing uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. Villas #1 to #3 have a river view, while #5 and #6 are set behind. High ceilings, crisp linens and soft, neutral tones wish flashes of oceanic blues create a calm and airy atmosphere.
Each villa has a four-poster super-king or twin queen size beds draped with mosquito nets. Stylish wooden furnishings are set alongside comfortable seating areas, perfect for unwinding. A drinks station comes complete with with a mini-fridge and Nespresso machine.
The ensuite bathrooms feature a freestanding bathtub and walk-in rain shower. A private veranda extends out over the riverbank, offering a secluded space to enjoy your morning coffee as the sun rises, or watch hippos wallow in the waters below. - Seven cottages, inspired by the traditional fisherman’s dwellings of the region, are smaller but no less pretty. With a mix of king-sized or twin beds, four of these face towards the river while three are on a second row. The cottages are stylishly appointed with handwoven textiles, polished wooden floors, a large fireplace and soft lantern lighting, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. As with the villas, there is a drinks station in one corner, but here with a cafetiere rather than a Nespresso machine.
En-suite bathrooms in the cottages feature large showers and locally sourced bath amenities, ensuring a refreshing end to a day of exploration. Outdoor seating areas provide the perfect spot for private dining or quiet reflection while gazing across the tranquil waters.
Paved walkways lead to a sizeable infinity pool overlooking gardens and the river beyond, with whitewashed walls and blue-and-white mosaics appearing to draw inspiration from the Greek archipelago. Pairs of cushioned sunloungers fringe the pool, each with a scalloped parasol for shade. At one end is a shaded decking area with tables and soft seating, which is where a grazing menu can be served between 11.00am and 5.00pm.
From the pool, a set of steps leads down onto a grassy lawn where the Cape Dutch-style lounge and restaurant is located. To one side, a stylish bar serves a wide selection of drinks and cocktails; to the other, a cosy lounge invites relaxation, with deep sofas, high-backed chairs and a calming palette of white and navy. An architectural fireplace creates a natural focal point, while vintage maps of Africa lend a sense of character and place.
The restaurant is found on the wide terrace overlooking the Thamalakane River, set with individual tables, and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food here is excellent, with a varied à la carte menu that caters for both meat-eaters and vegetarians. Meals can be paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list, making dining a real highlight.
For something a little special, a private dinner in the wine cave is well worth considering. Set into the white cliff behind the lounge, this atmospheric wine cellar doubles as an intimate dining venue – ideal for a romantic evening or a celebratory meal with friends.
While most travellers spend just a night in Maun at the start or end of a Botswana safari, those with a little more time can take advantage of several activities arranged through Grays Eden’s activity desk, located at reception. These include an engaging cultural tour of Maun, with visits to local markets and a chance to sample traditional food. During the high flood season – typically from June to October – it’s also possible to explore the shallow channels of the Delta by mokoro, gliding through the waterways in a traditional dugout canoe.
Activities
Boat trip
Helicopter
Families & children
- Attitude towards children
- Grays Eden welcomes children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- Child-friendly meals and early dining options can be arranged with advance notice.
- Equipment
- Cots can be provided in the rooms.
- Generally recommended for children
- While there are no family specific rooms at Grays Eden, the lodge has a relaxed atmosphere and works nicely for a family safari in Botswana.
- Notes
- The swimming pool is unfenced and we advise that children are supervised during its use.
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Grays Eden is typically booked on a bed and breakfast basis, although the hotel offers an à la carte lunch and dinner menu. We were thoroughly impressed with the quality of the food on our last visit, finding dishes to be fresh, varied and incredibly tasty. Lunch is served between midday and 2.00pm, while dinner is 6.30–9.00pm. Additionally, picnic hampers can be provided for guests taking day trips.
Breakfast, served from 6.00am, consists of a continental buffet with a selection of freshly made breads and pastries, accompanied by cereals and yoghurts. A hot breakfast order will be taken by your server, with dishes such eggs Benedict or home-cured rainbow trout with crème fraiche and capers being on the menu. For vegetarians we appreciated the option of scrambled tofu with sun-dried tomato and spinach.
We did not experience lunch on our last visit, but options could include a minted lamb burger with pickled onions, served in a turmeric pitta bread; a tomato, basil and mozzarella pizza; or a wholesome Caesar salad.
Dinner was the highlight of our stay. We started with a mozzarella and melon salad with balsamic dressing, followed by a fragrant vegetable curry with jasmine rice, papadoms and dips, and ending with a decadent dark chocolate and amaretto marquise with roasted almond ice cream – delicious! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service can be arranged on request
- Drinks included
- Filtered water is provided in the rooms, but all other drinks are at extra cost.
Getting there
- Location
- Maun, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- Grays Eden is around a 20-minute drive from Maun International Airport.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Communications
- Communications
- Grays Eden has fast WiFi throughout, in addition to a strong cellphone signal at the lodge.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- There is running hot and cold water in all rooms.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Staff are first-aid trained and there is a medical kit on site. A medical clinic in Maun is only a short drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- There is 24-hour security in place at the entrance gate.
- Fire safety
- Staff have fire training and there are fire extinguishers in each room as well as in the central area.
Useful info
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available at a small extra cost; this is machine washed and line dried.
- Money
- Grays Eden has electronic safes in all rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payments can be made via Visa and Mastercard. The lodge also accepts South African rand and Botswana pula in cash, as well as all major currencies including US dollars, GB pounds and euros.
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Grays Eden's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Grays Eden.
Other lodges in Maun
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Thamalakane River Lodge
With its tranquil riverside location, Thamalakane makes an excellent buffer between a tiring long-haul flight and the magic of a safari.
Thamo Telele
On the outskirts of Maun, Thamo Telele is set in a private game reserve with walking trails and a giraffe experience: ideal at the start or end of a safari.
Riley's Hotel
In the heart of Maun, about 3km from the airport, Riley’s makes a relatively reliable stopover for one night.
When to go to Maun
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Grays Eden in Maun
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Maun in January
January marks the peak of Maun's rainy season, with short but intense evening showers and occasional thunderstorms. While temperatures remain high, they are cooler than the preceding months of October to December. Wildlife viewing in the nearby Okavango Delta is more challenging as animals disperse into the lush, green vegetation.
In Maun, the Nhabe Museum provides an interesting and dry refuge to explore local culture and history. Beyond the town, January is an excellent time to witness the zebra and wildebeest migration in Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi salt pans, where flooded pans sometimes attract large flocks of breeding flamingos.
- Warm temperatures with occasional thunderstorms
- Blue skies with strong sun between rains
- Birdlife at its peak, with many migratory species present
- Maun is green and vibrant, teeming with life
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Maun in February
February in Maun mirrors January’s weather, with heavy evening rains and high daytime temperatures. The landscape remains lush and full of life. While larger animals are harder to spot around Maun due to dense vegetation, smaller creatures and insects are abundant.
In the nearby Okavango Delta, rising waters create a dynamic ecosystem, making this an ideal time for birdwatching along the Thamalakane River, where many species are in their breeding plumage. Cultural tours to nearby villages provide a deeper understanding of local life during the wet season. With fewer visitors, camps and lodges have good availability and lower rates.
- Warm with occasional thunderstorms
- Many young animals and excellent birdwatching opportunities
- Rising Delta waters enhance the ecosystem
- Cultural tours to local villages offer rich insights
- Low visitor numbers and good lodge availability
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Maun in March
March sees Maun's rains starting to diminish, with many clear, sunny days interspersed with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape remains lush and vibrant, and wildlife viewing begins to improve as vegetation starts to thin, particularly in Moremi Game Reserve. Many animals and birds are finishing raising their young, offering unique sighting opportunities.
March is an excellent time for scenic flights over the Delta, providing breathtaking views of the verdant landscape. The Maun International Arts Festival often takes place this month, celebrating local culture and creativity. With moderate visitor numbers, it's a great time to enjoy Maun's attractions with the locals.
- Rains taper off, warm and sunny
- Spectacular birdlife, including migratory species
- Improved game viewing in Moremi Game Reserve
- Stunning photography opportunities in lush surroundings
- Fewer tourists, often lower rates available
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Maun in April
April typically marks the end of the rainy season in Maun, with clear skies and a lush, green landscape. Night temperatures begin to drop, especially in the nearby salt-pan areas of the Kalahari. In the bush, wildlife starts migrating from the Kalahari towards permanent water sources.
April can be good for boat cruises on the Thamalakane River, offering excellent birdwatching and hippo sightings. As Maun enters its shoulder season, accommodation rates begin to rise but remain relatively affordable. April offers a pleasant mix of weather and wildlife experiences.
- Cooler evenings with occasional light showers
- Maun and its surroundings remain lush and green
- Wildlife begins to shift towards water sources
- Shoulder season offers good rates and availability
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Maun in May
May is a popular month to visit Maun, and in the surrounding wildlife areas, as it signals the last month of the shoulder season before peak rates. May's pleasant weather and improving game viewing make it a favourite time for many visitors to Maun. Rain is rare, and the annual floods from Angola begin to reach the northern Okavango Delta, creating spectacular changes in the landscape. Cooler mornings and evenings increase predator activity, and animals starting to congregate more around water sources in Moremi Game Reserve and the Delta, although tall grasses may still obstruct views.
This is a lovely time for scenic flights over the Okavango from Maun's airport, offering stunning views of the advancing floodwaters, and mokoro trips in the Delta provide tranquil experiences amidst the changing landscape. In town, the Nhabe Museum hosts special exhibitions showcasing local art and culture.
- Cool mornings and evenings with little rain
- Game viewing improves as water recedes
- Shoulder season ends; availability decreases
- Stunning scenic flights over the Delta
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Maun in June
June marks the start of the dry season in Maun. Days are warm and sunny, while mornings and evenings can be chilly, sometimes dropping to freezing temperatures. Clear skies and low humidity create perfect conditions for wildlife photography. As surface water diminishes, wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, making for rewarding game viewing.
Cultural tours to nearby villages are particularly enjoyable in the cooler weather, providing insights into local life. June is also when the annual floods typically reach their peak in the Delta, creating a breathtaking landscape of lagoons and channels. Scenic flights over the Delta offer spectacular views of this seasonal transformation. Despite higher rates and limited availability, June remains a prime month for wildlife experiences around Maun.
- Warm days, cold mornings and nights
- Excellent conditions for wildlife photography
- Animals congregating around water sources
- Mokoro trips offer tranquil Delta experiences
- Peak season begins with higher rates
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Maun in July
July is one of the coolest months in Maun, with chilly mornings and evenings paired with warm, sunny days. Game viewing in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve is exceptional, as wildlife gathers around water sources and thinning vegetation improves visibility.
The Thamalakane River is an excellent spot for birdwatching and hippo sightings. Cultural tours to nearby villages provide a glimpse into traditional winter practices. Scenic flights over the Delta offer breathtaking aerial views of flooded plains and abundant wildlife. While accommodation rates are at their peak, July’s pleasant weather and superb safari opportunities make it one of the most popular times to visit Maun.
- Comfortable days, cold nights and mornings
- Superb game viewing in nearby Moremi and Delta
- Scenic flights over Delta highly recommended
- Peak season, book well in advance
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Maun in August
August is a popular time to visit Maun, coinciding with European and North American summer holidays. Temperatures begin to rise towards the end of the month, but cloudless skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities. Wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve is outstanding, as animals concentrate around water sources.
Boat cruises on the Thamalakane River provide close encounters with hippos and crocodiles, while scenic flights offer stunning views of the Delta’s intricate waterways. The Nhabe Museum showcases local history and culture, adding a cultural element to a visit. Despite high rates and limited availability, August offers a diverse and rewarding experience for visitors.
- Dry, warm days with cool nights
- Excellent wildlife watching in Okavango Delta
- Moremi Game Reserve at its wildlife peak
- Okavango Delta in full flood, boat safaris ideal
- High season rates – advance booking essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Maun in September
September ushers in warmer days and cool nights in Maun. The dry conditions create stark landscapes, while hazy skies contribute to breathtaking sunsets. Game viewing is excellent in the nearby Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, with large numbers of elephants and buffalo congregating around water sources.
Nearer to Maun, the Thamalakane River becomes a prime location for birdwatching as migratory species begin to return. Scenic flights over the Delta provide striking contrasts between dry land and remaining water sources. Cultural tours to nearby villages add depth to the experience, offering insights into traditional dry-season practices. Despite high rates, September remains one of the best months for game viewing.
- Warm days, cool nights
- Excellent wildlife viewing, especially in Moremi and the Delta
- Migratory birds return, enhancing birdwatching opportunities
- Stunning sunsets and photography conditions
- Peak season - lodges often fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Maun in October
October is one of the hottest months in Maun, with dry conditions prevailing until late in the month when the first rains may begin. The nearby Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve offer excellent game viewing as wildlife concentrates around scarce water sources. The heat creates unique photographic opportunities with dramatic landscapes and golden light.
Boat cruises along the Thamalakane River provide a refreshing escape from the heat while offering great wildlife sightings. The Nhabe Museum provides a cool retreat to explore local culture and history. As water levels drop, some water-based activities in the Delta may become unavailable, but game drives remain highly rewarding. Birdwatching is excellent, with many species displaying vibrant breeding plumage.
- Hot days, chance of rain late in month
- Excellent big game viewing opportunities
- Water activities less available as floods recede
- Final month of ‘peak season’ in most safari camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in October
Maun in November
November usually marks the start of the green season in Maun, with rising temperatures and increasing humidity leading to the first rains. Afternoon or evening showers rejuvenate the landscape, bring the first flush of fresh green back to the landscape. Wildlife in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve begins to disperse as water sources become more widely available. Early November offers good game viewing at lower rates as the shoulder season begins.
It's also is an excellent month for birdwatching, as many migratory species arrive. Scenic flights over the Delta reveal the striking transition between the dry and wet seasons. The Maun International Arts Festival often occurs this month, celebrating local culture and creativity
- Hot days, sometimes humid, with refreshing rains
- Wildlife viewing good but less predictable
- Migratory birds arrive, excellent for birding
- Shoulder season begins, mid-range rates
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Maun in December
December sees the rainy season in full swing in Maun, bringing some relief to the high temperatures. The rains transform the landscape into a lush and vibrant setting, making it a spectacular time for birdwatching along the Thamalakane River, where migratory species are abundant. Scenic flights over the Delta provide a unique perspective on the dramatic seasonal changes.
Wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve becomes more challenging as animals spread out, but great sightings are still possible in key areas. The Makgadikgadi salt pans near Maun may flood, attracting birds, and sometimes large flocks of breeding flamingos. With low-season rates, December is an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers looking to experience Maun and its surroundings.
- Warm with frequent rain
- Wildlife more dispersed, viewing challenging
- Excellent birdwatching with migratory species in abundance
- Stunning scenic flights over the Delta
- Low-season rates make it an attractive time to visit
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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