Reviews of Royal Tree Lodge
(88%) From 32 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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A starter to the main course
As well as breaking up the long journey to the major safari areas of Botswana, one good thing about Royal Tree Lodge is that you can safely embark on your own walking safari within their extensive grounds. No predators, obviously, but is great to be on foot amongst the impala and giraffe
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Best place to stay in Maun. Owned by an evangelical Christian group from Houston, dinner is like a church supper.
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Perfect start to our adventure
The manager, was friendly and warm with a wonderful sense of humor. He took great care of us, and even joined us at our meals. At home this would be slightly intrusive, but he was so charming and it felt right - the beginning of the family style safari dining tradition.
The service was friendly and excellent, the food was delicious, the tent style room was luxurious and well appointed. The zebras, ostriches and giraffes were delightful, and it was lovely to be able to stroll around the grounds, since there were no predators.
It was also great to have phone signal and internet - our last connection for the rest of our stay in Botswana.
Fantastic time at Royal Tree Lodge
We were picked up quickly after clearing customs and were soon in our preferred room (Woodpecker) at the lodge. Each day we went for a walk down to the flood plain (Blue Route) where we saw lots of birds, many different from the day before - being birders this was very exciting for us.
One afternoon we went on a forest walk (Green Route) and came across a small pool - in which there was an African Rock Python (about 5 metres long). When we got back to the lodge we told Julius (Manager) who didn't believe us until we showed him the photos.
Each day Dougie (owner) took us out around the farm in his pick-up - we went to see some young Ostrich chicks on one such drive which was fine until the male turned up and chased us away!! Dougie didn't have to take us out every day but it was most welcome and much appreciated.
The accommodation was excellent as were all the staff that couldn't do enough for us - this we believe is in the main due to Julius (Previously at Kanana Camp) coming to RTL as manager. The food was first rate and plentiful and most nights a Spotted Genet would visit the decking to see if there was any leftovers.
All in all a very well run lodge and provided us with many memorable moments on our second visit .
Disappointing stay....tired accommodation.
This was a slightly longer drive from the airport than I would choose next time.
We were coming from a really wonderful camp, so we were a bit disappointed. We chose this camp to have game viewing available for the night we weren't in the Delta or elsewhere because of flight scheduling. In the end there wasn't time for any game viewing anyway. The rooms were pretty but one sink backed up into the other one when my friend washed her hair. The food was ok, but not exciting.
I think next time I will stay closer to the airport, and not worry about it being not a 'camp'.
Stopover at Royal tree
Having booked the intercontinental flights separately with frequent flyer miles we decided on a one night contingency stay in Maun in case there were flight delays.
RTL was a pleasant place to stay for this.
Nice walks in the grounds searching for wildlife. But its only a one night stopover.
Royal Tree Lodge review
Royal Tree Lodge was the perfect place to arrive and unwind after a long flight.
It was particularly nice to take a walk in the private reserve, explore and encounter giraffes, zebras etc. on foot. Watching two genets in the trees while having dinner on the open deck was another highlight.
overnight stay at Royal Tree Lodge
Friendly and hospitable staff provided a very good service.
Two very minor issues
1.We arrived after 4pm (courtesy of Air Botswana) and our tent was sealed up and stiflingly hot. I would have thought there would be no problem in airing the tent on the departure of the pick up transport.to the airport.
2. We had to pay our bar bill in U.S.dollars as they were unable to process a credit card, I did'nt ask what happens if you do not carry dollars.
Nice start in Maun
Probably the nicest place in Maun to spend a night at. Loved the walking trails on the lodge grounds.
Great food, huge tents and very friendly staff.
Royal Tree Lodge review
We stayed here only one night as a rest break after the flight down. It was pleasant and comfortable.
Dougie Wright, the manager, gave us a bit of a game drive, which we enjoyed at the time but was quite overshadowed once we continued on our trip.
