Maun is the safari capital of northern Botswana, and Cresta Riley’s is one of the best-known hotels in the town centre. It is part of the Cresta group and sits in the heart of Maun, so you are close to the supermarkets, banks, tour offices and the airport, which matters because many Delta trips start with a morning pickup. The hotel offers rooms around a garden and pool, a restaurant and a bar, and it is a common base for travellers on their way into or out of a Delta camp. We could not verify an official website for the property, so the booking link goes to its Expedia page. Choose it if you want a reliable, comfortable night before an early start, a place to leave luggage while you go camping, and a pool to recover in after dusty days. It is not a wilderness lodge, and that is the point: it is the practical, central option in a town where most things need an early start. Mid-range pricing and a position in town make it a sensible choice for first-timers.
Location and getting around: central Maun puts you within reach of the airport, the main road to the Delta and the offices of mokoro and Moremi operators. Most day-trip providers in this guide collect from Maun hotels and guesthouses, so staying in town is simple. Taxis are available, and the hotel can help arrange transfers. A short drive takes you to the riverside areas outside town.
Rooms and routine: expect comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, a garden and pool area, and meals on site. The pool is welcome in the hot months. A typical routine is to arrive, shop for supplies, rest, then leave early the next day for the Delta. Ask whether the hotel can store luggage if you go camping, and whether breakfast can be packed for very early departures. Wi-Fi, parking and breakfast details vary, so check the current Expedia listing.
Who it suits: first-time visitors, couples and families who want a dependable, central base without paying for a remote lodge. It is less suited to travellers who want a riverside bush setting, for whom Thamalakane River Lodge is a better fit. Book ahead for June to October, when Maun fills with safari travellers, and note that November to March is hot, with rain that can affect roads. If you are heading into the Delta for several nights, a single night here before and after makes logistics easier.
Why stay here
- ✓Central Maun location
- ✓Swimming pool
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Bar
- ✓Garden setting
- ✓Air-conditioned rooms
- ✓Close to the airport and operators
- ✓Luggage help for Delta trips
Good questions
Is Cresta Riley’s close to the airport?+
It is in central Maun, a short drive from the airport. Hotel staff can help with transfers.
Can I leave luggage while on a Delta trip?+
Many Maun hotels will store bags for guests, but confirm with reception when you book. Pack light for camping trips.
Do day-trip operators pick up here?+
Most Maun operators collect from hotels in town. Give your hotel name when you book.
