Thamalakane River Lodge

Thamalakane River Lodge sits on the banks of the Thamalakane River at the southern edge of Maun, the main gateway town to the Okavango Delta. The lodge is roughly 4 km from Maun's town centre along Shorobe Road, positioning it away from urban noise while keeping airport transfers and safari operator offices within easy reach. The property occupies a shaded riverfront plot thick with mature trees, giving it a more natural feel than the town-centre alternatives.

Accommodation is split between standalone riverside chalets and standard double rooms, all with air conditioning, en suite bathrooms, and private verandas or patios. River-view chalets face the Thamalakane directly and offer the best sunset aspect. Family rooms sleep two adults and two children. The design favours comfort over showiness: local timber, thatched roofing, and river-facing terraces give the property a relaxed lodge character at a fraction of the cost of delta camps further inside Moremi.

The swimming pool overlooks the river and is surrounded by a shaded deck — a welcome refuge in the heat of October and November. The restaurant serves a broad menu including Botswana game dishes alongside international standards; breakfast is included in most rates and is a full cooked affair. The bar stocks South African wines and local St. Louis lager.

The lodge's primary draw for safari travellers is its in-house activity desk, which arranges mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions into the delta's papyrus channels, sunset boat cruises on the Thamalakane, and multi-day delta camping trips. Transfers to Maun Airport, charter flight coordination, and self-drive vehicle advice are handled through the front desk. Wi-Fi coverage is reliable throughout the main lodge area and most chalets.