Maun Lodge

Maun Lodge is a practical, lower-cost place to sleep in Maun, the town where almost every Okavango Delta trip begins. Maun is expensive by Botswana standards because so many visitors pass through, so a simpler lodge is a useful way to keep the budget in check for the nights you are not out in the Delta. We could not verify an official website for the property, so the booking link goes to its Expedia page, where you can see current photos, rooms and guest reviews. This is the right pick for backpackers, overlanders, solo travellers and anyone who wants a bed, a shower and an early start without paying for extras they will not use. It is not a luxury stay, and it is wise to read recent reviews and check amenities such as air-conditioning, breakfast and parking. Its main job is to put you in Maun near the airport, shops and operators, so that your Delta mokoro, Moremi or Chobe trips start smoothly. Because pricing in Maun can climb quickly in the dry season, book early if you are travelling between June and October.

Location and getting around: Maun is spread out, and taxis are the usual way to get between the airport, supermarkets and your lodge. Most day-trip operators collect from Maun lodges and guesthouses, so tell them where you are staying when you book. If you plan to self-drive north, ask the lodge about secure parking and whether early departures are easy.

Rooms and routine: expect functional rooms, probably with a private bathroom, and possibly a small pool or garden depending on the property’s current setup, so check the Expedia listing for specifics. A sensible routine is to arrive, stock up on water and snacks at the supermarket, repack into a soft bag for the Delta and leave surplus luggage behind. Many travellers use a budget stay for the nights either side of a camping trip, when comfort matters less.

Good to know: budget stays vary in quality, so read the latest guest reviews for noise, air-conditioning and breakfast. If you want more comfort in town, consider Cresta Riley’s, and for a quieter riverside setting choose Thamalakane River Lodge. In the wet season, from November to March, expect heat and storms, so air-conditioning is worth checking. In the dry season, June to October, Maun is busy and beds go quickly, so book well ahead and confirm your arrival time.