About Thamo Telele
Sundowners by a waterhole where giraffe have gathered for a drink: this isn’t the norm for Maun!
Yet Thamo Telele, with its links to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation is just a 20-minute drive from Maun Airport. To arrive here is to watch for zebras blending into the trees of the lodge’s private reserve, and the numerous birds that make Thamo Telele their home.
Instead of a hotel room you’ll be shown to a spacious safari tent, raised up on a wooden platform that’s nestled into the bush. Rooms are comfortable and air-conditioned; en-suite bathrooms boast a bath, and an outdoor shower enhances the setting.
Sheltered beneath a tall, thatched roof supported by wooden poles, squashy chairs and oriental-style rugs invite relaxation, with an honesty bar to help guests feel instantly at home. Dine indoors or, more usually, take a seat outside for an alfresco meal around an enormous leadwood tree.
If the chance to unwind is enticing, be warned: so are the activities. Top among them is to spend time with those giraffes. Stretch your legs on one of the self-guided walking trails, safe from large predators, explore on a fat bike, or swim laps of the pool. And if you’re tempted by horseriding, even that can be arranged.
Our view
Thamo Telele is set in a beautiful location conveniently located on the outskirts of Maun. This small comfortable lodge is one of the best of a limited number of options in the area and makes a comfortable stop at the beginning or end of your Botswana safari.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
9 tents 2 chalets
Children
Best for 6+
Open
All year
Activities
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Thamo Telele
42 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 23 pictures of Thamo Telele to get the candid view.
View galleryThamo Telele: Our full report
Situated on a private game reserve, Thamo Telele is a small lodge about 20 minutes from the centre of Maun.
Although it’s conveniently close to Maun Airport, the tall trees, thick bush and presence of wildlife help the lodge – formerly known as Royal Tree Lodge, and Motsentsela Tree Lodge before that – feel more remote than it is. This is an ideal spot for a night either at the beginning or end of a Botswana safari.
Guests at Thamo Telele stay in either Meru-style tents or individual chalets. The nine spacious tents are raised on wooden platforms surrounded by mature trees and the African bush. A private deck with a couple of chairs leads into an airy bedroom with wooden floors. Twin or double beds sit beneath a mosquito net and an air-conditioning unit. A bold canvas of geometric shapes in bright colours livens the room. To one side is a small luggage rack and to the other a couple of brightly coloured comfy chairs.
To the back of each tent is an en-suite bathroom with a white “slipper” bath. A large mirror hangs over twin basins on a feature wall of bold colourful wallpaper. There’s luggage storage and a hanging area, where additional blankets, a hairdryer and umbrellas are also squirrelled away. Two doors lead to a private outdoor shower and separate toilet cubicle respectively.
In the lodge’s two thatched chalets, both single storey, the décor is similar to the rooms, although solid walls and tiled floors give a more substantial feel. There is also more space, the bath is larger, and the outdoor shower is a little more open to the surrounding bush, giving a slightly more intimate feel – these chalets are often used for honeymooners. These are also the only rooms with WiFi.
It is worth noting that despite the relatively thick bush around camp and the remote feel this gives, it is often possible to hear noise and sometimes music from Maun, especially on Fridays, Saturdays and around public holidays. During our latest stay in December 2023, we could hear parties in the distance, although they were not so loud as to disturb our sleep.
The main area at Thamo Telele is a large, semi-circular, open-plan building, with solid walls and a tall thatched roof supported by bare gum poles. At one end is a dining area; at the other a large lounge with a glass cabinet housing a few souvenirs and a help-yourself honesty bar. The tiled floor is softened with oriental-style rugs and an eclectic mix of furniture, from teal-blue sofa chairs to a brown leather sofa. Giraffe murals and statues add a further splash of colour, a nod to the lodge’s connection with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation or GCF.
Large glass bi-folding doors lead from the main area to an extensive teak deck, which has been built around an enormous leadwood tree. Weather permitting, most meals are enjoyed outdoors.
A short walk from the main area is a lap pool, set in another teak deck. At one end a pergola provides shade for sunloungers overlooking the pool. A spa is also planned for the near future and will be a welcome addition for those looking to relax during their stay.
While a lodge in Maun is not an obvious choice for engaging in activities, there are several options for those wanting to do more than relax by the pool or recover from their flights/safari.
The most popular is the “giraffe experience”. Head out with a guide and naturalist to the reserve’s largest waterhole to spot members of the reserve’s giraffe herd as they enjoy a drink and food as part of their supplemented diet. Your guide will explain how to identify individuals, give information about their habits, the threats facing them and ongoing work to protect some of Africa’s most iconic and surprisingly threatened species. We enjoyed our sundowner at the waterhole with the giraffe, especially seeing the animals so relaxed in our presence, but we did feel that the information presented could have been a little more structured. We consider that the more travellers engage and the more questions they ask, the more they will get out of this experience.
Well-marked, self-guided walking trails around the reserve range from 30 minutes to 1½ hours in duration. As there are no large predators here, this is a relatively safe way to stretch your legs after a long flight or hours in a safari vehicle. These trails also provide a great opportunity to spot the reserve’s plains game and birdlife at your leisure.
Thamo Telele also has a few fat-bikes (with helmets) available for pre-booking. Trails can be guided or self-guided and allow guests to cover more of the reserve, although we suspect that spotting wildlife and birdlife from a bike might be more challenging than on foot.
Horseback safaris allow guests of all abilities to get up close and personal with the reserve’s giraffe, zebra and other plains game. Again, these riding trips are best booked in advance.
The giraffe experience and a one-hour horse safari are included for travellers staying here on a full board and activities basis.
Geographics
- Location
- Maun, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- One night, usually as a stop before or after a Botswana safari.
- Directions
- 15–20 minute road transfer from Maun. The lodge will usually collect travellers from Maun Airport.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Half Board
- Food quality
- With advanced notice we understand that the team at Thamo Telele can cater for most dietary requirements.
Although the lodge is based in Maun, during our stay in December 2023 we found the menu here follows a similar pattern to more remote safari camps, although timings are more flexible.
Timings for breakfast are the most flexible and depend on what guests are doing on the day. A continental buffet of cereals, fresh fruit, muffins, yoghurt, juice, tea and coffee is complemented by items such as bacon, sausage, tomato and eggs cooked to order.
On our last visit, lunch was a very simple buffet of ham, coleslaw, bean salad and fresh bread. Fruit salad was offered as dessert.
At around 3.30 pm, before the giraffe activity, we enjoyed an afternoon tea of pizza slices and biscuits with fresh lemonade, iced tea, tea and coffee.
After returning from the activity, dinner was served at around 7.30pm. We particularly enjoyed the individual aubergine (eggplant) parmigiana to start. This was followed by grilled fillet steak served with mashed sweet potato, carrots, and sautéed red cabbage. Dessert was homemade vanilla ice cream with chocolate sauce. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Private dining at pool, boma, or rooms on request.
- Drinks included
- There is a full bar provided on an honesty basis. When staying on half board, drinks will need to be settled at the end of your stay. If staying on full board and activities, drinks are included.
Complimentary fresh water is provided in the rooms.
Special interests
- Riding holidays
- Thamo Telele provides a relatively safe environment for horseriders of all abilities to enjoy a short horseback safari. This is a great opportunity to get up close and personal to the reserve’s giraffe, zebra and other plains game without the risk of encountering predators.
- See ideas for Riding holidays in Botswana
- Walking
- Thamo Telele is a great lodge for some gentle walking in Botswana. The trails are well marked and perfectly safe to explore alone, with waterholes for game viewing and a hide if you'd like to sit and take things easy.
- See ideas for Walking in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- All children are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Horseback safaris are available for guests aged nine and above.
The giraffe experience is generally best for travellers ages six and over, although younger children may be able to join at the guide’s discretion. - Special activities & services
- It is possible to arrange for camp staff, often one of the housekeepers, to child sit during meals and siesta. While these staff usually have children of their own, they don’t tend to be qualified childcare professionals.
- Equipment
- Extra beds and cots are available for young children staying at Thamo Telele. Only one extra bed can be included in each room.
- Generally recommended for children
- Thamo Telele has a fairly relaxed atmosphere and would suit families travelling with children of all ages, although there are age restrictions on some activities.
- Notes
- The swimming pool at Thamo Telele is unfenced, and while there are no large predators in the area it is possible to encounter smaller animals such as snakes and monkeys, as well as spiders and scorpions. As such children should be supervised at all times when staying here.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Thamo Telele
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Thamo Telele have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
88% success
86% success
63% success
20% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Back-up generator.
- Communications
- The camp has a landline. Wifi is available in the main area and the two chalets but not in the tents.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All rooms have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There are medical facilities in Maun approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the lodge. In the event of a medical emergency, travellers would be airlifted to Johannesburg.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- The reserve and lodge are both surrounded by fences to keep their animals in or out. You need a security code to get through the entrance gate if on a self-drive trip.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located in the tents and chalets, and around the main area.
Activities
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included for travellers staying on a full board and activities basis. Clothing is machine washed and air dried; it will usually be returned same day, depending on the weather. Please note that most travellers stay for a single night, which typically does not allow enough time for clothes to be washed and dried.
- Money
- There are no safes in the rooms and currency exchange is not offered.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa cards can be used for purchases (with a surcharge). Cash payments are accepted in US dollars and Botswana pula.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
Thamo Telele's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Thamo Telele.
Excursions from Thamo Telele
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Thamo Telele. 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.
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 Thamo Telele 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
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me