About Riley's Hotel
Riley's Hotel was founded in 1910 by Harry Riley.
At that time it was simply an extra rondavel right next to his own: suitable only for one guest and very poorly equipped. Later, he expanded his little 'hotel' bordering the Thamalakane River by joining the two huts together and creating a simple dining room in between. And so began a part of Maun’s history that makes Riley’s so much more than just a hotel.
We view Riley's as a relatively reliable, if generally uninspiring, hotel that's very conveniently positioned at the heart of Maun. It's lost much of the character that its history might imply – but it's still a useful place if you need to overnight in Maun.
Our view
We view Riley's as a relatively reliable, if generally uninspiring, hotel that's very conveniently positioned at the heart of Maun. It's lost much of the character that its history might imply – but it's still a useful place if you need to overnight in Maun.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
51 rooms
Children
Any age
Open
All year
Activities
Helicopter
Traveller reviews of Riley's Hotel
12 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryRiley's Hotel: Our full report
Riley's Hotel was founded in 1910 by Harry Riley.
At that time it was simply an extra rondavel right next to his own: suitable only for one guest and very poorly equipped. Later, he expanded his little 'hotel' bordering the Thamalakane River by joining the two huts together and creating a simple dining room in between. And so began a part of Maun’s history that makes Riley’s so much more than just a hotel.
In his book The Lost World of the Kalahari, Laurens van der Post described Riley's in the 1950s as a 'remarkable little hotel which he [Harry Riley] had founded for the odd, intrepid traveller who had been determined enough to cross the desert, as well as for the score or so of Europeans patient and courageous enough to make Maun the unique outpost of life that it is today.'
Nowadays, Riley's Hotel is part of the Cresta Hotel chain and comes with most of the facilities that you’d expect of a relatively modern three-star establishment. Although it is situated just off the busy Tsheko Tsheko Road, the setting remains relatively tranquil, helped by its proximity to the Thamalakane River (albeit with a sturdy fence between the river and the grounds).
The 51 rooms and suites at Riley’s are for the most part found in thatched two-storey buildings that partially enclose a pleasant, courtyard garden, with shade provided by a number of mature trees. The larger rooms, with tiled roofs, are set slightly apart, some closer to the river.
- 36 standard rooms are located in the main buildings. Each room has twin beds (or a double), a direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, writing desk, safe, small fridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. The relatively plain, tiled en-suite bathroom has a shower over the bathtub. In hot weather, it’s worth asking for a room on the first floor, whose high thatched ceilings help to keep them cooler than those on the ground floor.
- 12 ‘deluxe’ rooms, separate from the main buildings, are more spacious than the standard rooms, and include a table and chairs. They also have their own small balcony.
- Three suites feature their own lounge areas, complete with a small sofa and a couple of armchairs, while outside they also have small verandas.
For more atmosphere you can opt to eat on the small veranda overlooking lawns that run down to the river – or order light snacks, afternoon teas, coffees and cocktails from the pool bar in front, adjacent to a pleasant outdoor swimming pool.
As well as conference facilities and a gift shop, Riley’s an activities desk where you can organise excursions from Maun, such as boat and mokoro trips along the Thamalakane River or scenic flights over the Delta.
Geographics
- Location
- Maun, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- Usually used as a one-night stop-over
- Directions
- Riley's has a very central location on Tsheko-Tsheko Road, about 3km from Maun Airport.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A full buffet breakfast includes hot dishes and eggs cooked to order.
For lunch and dinner, there is a broad à la carte menu, with the addition of a buffet when the hotel is busy. On Sundays, a braai (barbecue) is served for both lunch and dinner. Snacks and light meals may also be ordered from the pool bar. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- A room-service menu includes offerings such as pizzas and paninis. Minibars can be stocked on request.
- Drinks included
- Tea and coffee facilities are provided in rooms and water is considered to be drinkable. All other drinks are extra.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The hotel accommodates children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- Babysitters can be arranged on request, although they may not have formal child care qualifications
- Equipment
- Riley’s has a children's play area, and a good-size pool with plenty of space for children to run around. Where possible, the hotel is happy to add extra beds and camp beds to the rooms.
- Generally recommended for children
- As with many larger hotels, this is a better set up for children than some of the other more off-beat options in and around Maun.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Back-up generator
- Communications
- Each room has a direct-dial telephone, and WiFi access
- TV & radio
- All rooms have satellite televisions.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- All rooms are fully plumbed with running hot and cold water, and flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a doctor on call, with various clinics and a hospital in the town.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The site is fully fenced and there are guards both on the gate and monitoring the premises.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers outside the rooms and in the main areas.
Activities
Helicopter
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Same-day laundry service
- Money
- There are electronic safes in each of the rooms, and a foreign exchange desk.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa cards are accepted; Diners and Amex are not. Cash payments may be made in South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula.
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Riley's Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Riley's Hotel.
Excursions from Riley's Hotel
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Riley's Hotel. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter FlightOther 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.
When to go to Maun
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Riley's Hotel 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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