Hotel in Maun, Botswana
Island Safari Lodge
Budget-friendly lodge in Maun with riverside location and camping facilities. Offers mix of rooms and campsites, making it popular with overland travelers.
Island Safari Lodge is a long-established budget-friendly property situated near Matlapana Bridge along the Thamalakane River on the southern outskirts of Maun, Botswana. The lodge has served as a popular stopover for overland travellers and budget safari-goers for decades, offering a relaxed, camp-style atmosphere and a mix of accommodation options ranging from basic rooms to riverside campsites. Maun is the primary gateway to the Okavango Delta, and the lodge's tour desk provides links to charter flight operators and Okavango activity providers.
Accommodation includes simple en suite rondavels, budget double rooms, and a campsite with shared ablution facilities, power points, and a shaded area suitable for roof tents and camping setups. The overall style is unpretentious and functional — oriented toward travellers who spend their days on safari and require a clean, affordable base for overnight stays. The riverside location adds character, with the Thamalakane River running alongside the property.
A swimming pool, bar, and open-air restaurant provide the social core of the lodge. The bar is a relaxed gathering point for overland groups and independent travellers exchanging route information. The restaurant serves hearty meals at practical prices, including grilled meats and Botswana staples. Wi-Fi access is available in the main guest areas.
The lodge's tour desk can assist with booking mokoro excursions into the Okavango, light-aircraft flights to remote camps, village tours, and quad-bike excursions around Maun. Its location near the airport road makes it convenient for travellers arriving from Nata, Kasane, or the Kalahari on self-drive routes through northern Botswana.
Amenities
- Pool
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Camping
- Wi-Fi
- Tour desk
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +267 686 0300
Location
Matlapana Bridge, Maun, Botswana
-20.0100, 23.4300 — View on map
Highlights
- Long-established budget lodge near Matlapana Bridge with riverside camping and en suite room options
- Popular overland traveller hub with relaxed bar and tour desk for Okavango Delta bookings
- Swimming pool and open-air restaurant serving hearty meals at affordable prices
- Secure campsite with power points and ablution facilities for overlanders with roof tents
- Convenient location near the airport road for self-drive travellers heading to or from the Delta
Tips
- Arrive early if camping in peak season; the campsite fills quickly with overland groups heading to the Okavango.
- The lodge's tour desk connections are valuable for last-minute Delta bookings; mokoro operators sometimes hold space for walk-in clients.
- Bring cash for smaller services and tips; card facilities can be unreliable at this property.
- The riverside setting attracts wildlife including hippos after dark — stay alert when walking between the campsite and main facilities at night.
- Maun airport is approximately 8–10 km away; negotiate shared transfers with fellow travellers to reduce costs.
FAQ
Does Island Safari Lodge have a campsite?
Yes. The lodge has a riverside campsite with shared ablution facilities, power points, and shaded areas suitable for roof tents and ground tents. The campsite caters primarily to overland travellers with their own vehicles.
Can the lodge arrange Okavango Delta activities?
Yes. The front desk and tour desk can connect guests with local operators offering mokoro excursions, light-aircraft transfers to remote Delta camps, guided game drives, and village tours around Maun.
What dining options are available?
The lodge has an open-air restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu of grilled meats, local dishes, and standard traveller fare. The bar is a social gathering point in the evenings.
Is the lodge suitable for families?
The lodge can accommodate families in its larger rooms or by booking multiple adjacent rondavels. The swimming pool and relaxed outdoor areas suit families with children, though parents should supervise closely near the riverside campsite after dark.
Accessibility
The lodge grounds are largely flat with informal gravel and grass pathways. The campsite and some rondavels involve uneven terrain. Facilities are basic and were not purpose-built for guests with mobility impairments. Guests with specific accessibility needs should contact the lodge directly to discuss suitability.
When to visit
The lodge operates year-round. May to October is peak Okavango Delta season when demand for accommodation in Maun is highest. The lodge is a practical base at any time of year for self-drive travellers transiting northern Botswana.