About Thamalakane River Lodge
Barely half an hour’s drive from the airport, Thamalakane River Lodge is a world away from the bustle of Maun.
Within minutes of arrival, the riverside setting invites relaxation, the water babbling alongside attractive gardens that are home to an open-sided restaurant and bar.
Settling down with a drink on the deck is a perfect antidote to travel fatigue. But with an à la carte menu or a substantial buffet, backed up by a pizza oven and a decent wine list, it’s a particularly popular spot – so don’t forget to book a table for dinner!
A bridge from this rustic hub crosses a narrow stream, bringing you to a collection of simple, stone-built chalets, whose high thatched roofs do wonders in helping to keep them cool. Practical comfort is the watchword here, rather than luxury, with glass sliding doors, net-draped beds and ceiling or floor fans.
Make yourself a cup of tea or coffee and watch the birds and river boats from the small patio, though choose wisely: the best views are from the chalets at the front. Consider a refreshing dip in the pool, where sunloungers invite a lazy afternoon siesta. Then at night, fall asleep to the high-pitched orchestra of the resident frogs.
Our view
We've always liked the setting of Thamalakane River Lodge and considered it to be one of Maun's best-value mid-range accommodation options. This was reaffirmed on our most recent visit in September 2017. The current management team is well on the way to updating and expanding the lodge, and we're optimistic that it will remain a comfortable stop for travellers in an attractive location.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
21 chalets
Children
Fine for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
Helicopter
Traveller reviews of Thamalakane River Lodge
65 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View galleryThamalakane River Lodge: Our full report
Thamalakane River Lodge lies along a peaceful stretch of the Thamalakane River, just 19km north-east of the ...
... centre of Botswana's main safari hub, Maun. Within easy reach of the airport, it’s a comfortable, mid-range option for those needing to overnight in Maun, with a range of chalets set in attractive grounds. The large restaurant and bar caters for guests and locals alike, and wooden decks are ideally positioned to watch the sun set over the river.
For the most part, the extensive grounds of Thamalakane are attractively landscaped, if let down by the dusty parking area where you'll find the reception, curio shop, booking centre and office. Stone steps and paved paths lead through the gardens surrounding the chalets and main area, and sloping lawns continue to the river's edge. A uniquely shaped swimming pool set in stone paving lies in a grassy clearing beside sunloungers and a shaded seating area. Tree squirrels and a variety of birds are at home in the lush setting, whilst frogs and hippos make themselves heard from the river.
Thamalakane's 21 stone-and-thatch chalets, spread out in two wings on either side of the main area, come in three types, but all are similar in concept. The interior walls are of stone, and furnishings are simple but comfortable, if slightly worn in places. Each room comes with basic tea- and coffee-making facilities, 220-volt universal plug points, a ceiling or standing fan (but no AC), mosquito net, digital safe, free-standing wardrobe or hanging space, a desk, and an en-suite bathroom with shower. You’ll also have a small patio with outdoor seating.
- 17 Babbler chalets – with six more planned for 2018 – are built in two rows, spaced so that each overlooks the riverfront – with those at the front afforded the clearest views.
- Two adjoining Kingfisher family rooms are set a little back from the river, and furthest from the main area. With two bedrooms sharing a bathroom, the family rooms are entered through a small sitting room with views of the river.
- The Lilac-breasted Roller honeymoon suite, at the other end of the lodge, has its own plunge pool, a four-poster bed and an en-suite bathroom complete with bath, and both indoor and outdoor showers.
A wooden bridge across a narrow stream/water feature leads to the split-level, open-plan main area, whose thatched roof is supported by huge tree trunks. Rustic stone floors and ceiling fans help to keep the space cool, while décor comes in the form of an eclectic mix of modern and more traditional African artefacts.
Dominating one level is a wood-topped bar, flanked by two lounge areas, while lower down is Thamalakane's restaurant. Most of the time, this has an open view over the river, but canvas and plastic 'walls' can be rolled down should the weather turn cold or wet. Simple metal tables and cushioned chairs spill out onto the decks in front which, along with a concrete patio and manicured lawn, provide a relaxed outdoor dining space and a great spot to enjoy the riverfront setting. There's also a paved area with a thatched structure that houses a second bar – which sometimes doubles as a serving station.
With its varied à la carte menu (or a buffet in busier periods), pizza oven and good wine selection, the restaurant is considered locally to be one of the best in Maun. It is also open to the general public, so even if you’re staying here it’s a good idea to book a table in advance.
For an additional cost Thamalakane offers a selection of activities, including motorboat and mokoro trips when water levels permit. That said, Maun isn’t the best location for these and most travellers will wait until they are closer to the Delta to enjoy them. Guests can also arrange in-room massages on request.
Geographics
- Location
- Maun, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- For pre- or post-safari accommodation on the outskirts of Maun, we’d recommend one night at Thamalakane River Lodge.
- Directions
- Thamalakane River Lodge is situated 19km north-east of Maun, off the main road leading to Moremi Game Reserve. From Maun Airport it's about 20 minutes' drive; airport transfers are available at extra cost.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- The restaurant at Thamalakane River Lodge serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open to both guests and the general public. There's a choice of indoor and outdoor dining, weather permitting.
Breakfast, which is included in the rates, is a continental buffet with cooked dishes prepared to order. The buffet featured a fairly standard but sufficient spread of cereals, porridge, yoghurt, fresh and tinned fruit, muffins, bread, cold meat and cheese.
An extensive à la carte lunch and dinner menu caters for a wide variety of tastes – from salad, vegetarian and seafood to meat, generous pizzas and pasta dishes. A children's menu is also available. On our last visit, in October 2017, the place was quite busy so a filling and delicious buffet was served in place of the à la carte menu. Ours included a starter of spicy tomato soup, followed by a variety of salads, chicken, beef and kudu kebabs, sweetcorn fritters, potato wedges and creamed kale. This was rounded of by a choice of apple strudel with custard or a chocolate mousse, and cheese and biscuits. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- No
- Drinks included
- With the exception of a couple of water bottles supplied in your chalet each day, drinks are not included.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Thamalakane River Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- Childminding is available on request, though note that children are looked after by staff members who are not professionally qualified or trained in childcare.
- Equipment
- Thamalakane River Lodge has two family chalets, each accommodating a family of four.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes, though children must be under their parents' supervision at all times, particularly as Thamalakane River Lodge is situated along a river where hippos and crocodiles are occasionally seen.
- Notes
- See above
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is a back-up generator in case of a power failure.
- Communications
- There is a central telephone (landline) and guest computer at reception. Cellphone coverage is good. Complimentary WiFi is available in the main area.
- TV & radio
- No
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- The tap water here is drawn from the river and treated so it is fine for washing, but is not suitable for drinking.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The camp managers are trained in first aid and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept in camp. There are doctors and a clinic located nearby in Maun.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- Thamalakane River Lodge is enclosed by a fence to one side and the river to the other. There are security guards on duty at night.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are positioned in the common areas of the lodge and outside each chalet.
Activities
Helicopter
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available at extra cost (itemised laundry lists are provided); clothes are returned within 24 hours.
- Money
- There's a digital safe in each chalet.
- Accepted payment on location
- Payments may be made by credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Diners and American Express), travellers’ cheques and in cash (South African rand, British pounds, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula).
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Thamalakane River Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Thamalakane River Lodge.
Excursions from Thamalakane River Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Thamalakane River Lodge. 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.
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 Thamalakane River Lodge 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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