The best hotels in Maun
Maun is Botswana's safari gateway, and with 8,000+ places to stay ranging from dusty campsites on Shorobe Road to full-blown delta lodges, picking wrong here costs you more than money. We reviewed the standouts. these 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Maun
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Crocodile Camp
Thamalakane River, Maun
Free cancellation & Pay later
Sedia Riverside Hotel
Thamalakane River, Maun
Free cancellation & Pay later
Thamalakane River Lodge
Old Matlapaneng, Maun
Free cancellation & Pay later
Island Safari Lodge
Matlapaneng, Maun
Free cancellation & Pay later
Okavango River Lodge
Shorobe Road, Maun
Free cancellation & Pay later
Nhabe Museum Guest House
Boseja, Maun
Free cancellation & Pay later
Mobola Island Lodge
Thamalakane Floodplains, Maun
Free cancellation & Pay later
Xugana Island Lodge
Xugana Lagoon, Okavango Delta
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Audi Camp | Shorobe Road, Maun | $45–75/night | 7.2/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Crocodile Camp | Thamalakane River, Maun | $65–95/night | 7.8/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 3 | Sedia Riverside Hotel | Thamalakane River, Maun | $110–160/night | 8.1/10 | Best Location |
| 4 | Thamalakane River Lodge | Old Matlapaneng, Maun | $130–185/night | 8.4/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Island Safari Lodge | Matlapaneng, Maun | $140–200/night | 8.2/10 | Best Value |
| 6 | Maun Lodge | Central Maun, Maun | $150–210/night | 7.9/10 | Business Pick |
| 7 | Okavango River Lodge | Shorobe Road, Maun | $165–220/night | 8.6/10 | Top Rated |
| 8 | Nhabe Museum Guest House | Boseja, Maun | $185–240/night | 8/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 9 | Mobola Island Lodge | Thamalakane Floodplains, Maun | $280–420/night | 9/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Xugana Island Lodge | Xugana Lagoon, Okavango Delta | $650–950/night | 9.3/10 | Romantic Stay |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
Audi Camp
Audi Camp is the classic backpacker base in Maun, sitting along Shorobe Road near the Thamalakane River. Accommodation ranges from basic chalets to camping spots, and the outdoor bar gets lively in the evenings. The pool is a genuine relief after long dusty drives. Staff can arrange mokoro trips and delta tours at reasonable rates. Do not expect luxury, but it delivers solid value for budget travelers.
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Crocodile Camp
Crocodile Camp sits right on the banks of the Thamalakane River, about 8 kilometers from Maun town center. The riverside chalets are simple but comfortable, and waking up to hippos grunting across the water is genuinely memorable. The restaurant serves decent local food and the bar stays open late. It attracts overlanders and independent travelers looking to connect with Okavango-bound operators. Rooms are basic, so keep expectations realistic.
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Sedia Riverside Hotel
The Sedia is one of the most established mid-range hotels in Maun, positioned on the Thamalakane River with a decent pool and shaded terrace. Rooms are clean and air-conditioned, which matters enormously in the Botswana heat. The onsite restaurant is reliable and the staff are genuinely helpful with safari bookings. It sits close enough to town for easy access to shops and the airport. A solid, unfussy choice for a one or two night stopover.
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Thamalakane River Lodge
Thamalakane River Lodge occupies a pretty stretch of riverfront in the Old Matlapaneng area, a few kilometers from central Maun. The thatched chalets are spacious and well-maintained, with good beds and reliable hot water. Sundowners from the riverside deck are a highlight, with frequent bird and hippo sightings. The lodge has a warm, family-run feel that bigger properties lack. It is popular with travelers doing fly-in trips into the Okavango Delta.
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Island Safari Lodge
Island Safari Lodge is set on a small island in the Thamalakane River, reached by a short footbridge from the Matlapaneng area. The setting is genuinely attractive, with tall trees and birds everywhere around the property. Chalets are comfortable and reasonably priced for the location. The bar and dining area sit right over the water, making it a pleasant spot to unwind after a long day. Staff are knowledgeable about local tour operators and day trips.
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Maun Lodge
Maun Lodge is the most business-oriented property in town, sitting in central Maun within easy reach of the airport and main commercial district. Rooms are well-appointed by local standards, with reliable WiFi and proper work desks. The pool area is large and the restaurant covers breakfast and dinner adequately. It is used frequently by NGO workers and government visitors passing through Botswana. Not the most atmospheric choice, but consistent and professionally run.
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Okavango River Lodge
Okavango River Lodge draws strong reviews for its combination of comfort and riverside atmosphere along Shorobe Road. The chalets are attractively decorated with local materials and the beds are among the best in this price range in Maun. A resident family of warthogs wanders the grounds, which guests find endearing. The lodge organizes day trips into the Okavango Delta with reliable operators. Service is attentive without being intrusive.
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Nhabe Museum Guest House
This small guesthouse is connected to the Nhabe Museum in the Boseja neighborhood, giving it a distinct cultural character compared to the riverside camps. Rooms are quiet, individually decorated, and genuinely comfortable. The location is more urban than most Maun accommodation, which suits travelers who want to explore the town itself rather than just use it as a transit hub. Breakfast is included and prepared fresh each morning. A thoughtful, locally rooted option that deserves more attention.
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Mobola Island Lodge
Mobola Island Lodge sits on a private island in the Thamalakane floodplains outside Maun, accessible by boat or short transfer. It is a small, high-end property with just a handful of luxury tents, each with private decks overlooking the water. Game viewing begins the moment you arrive, with large herds of elephant frequenting the area. Meals are excellent and the guiding team is among the best in the region. This is a genuine bush experience without needing to fly deep into the delta.
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Xugana Island Lodge
Xugana Island Lodge is one of the most celebrated properties accessible from Maun, situated on the edge of a permanent lagoon deep in the Okavango Delta. The overwater chalets are stunning, with unobstructed views across the water and extraordinary birdlife at every hour. Mokoro trips, motorboat excursions, and fishing are all arranged seamlessly by the attentive staff. Food and wine quality here genuinely surprises first-time guests. It is a bucket-list property that justifies its premium price for couples and honeymooners.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Maun
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Shorobe Road vs. Matlapaneng: Which side of Maun is worth your money?
Shorobe Road runs northwest out of town toward the delta edge. It's scruffier than the Matlapaneng strip, but that's not necessarily bad. Audi Camp and Okavango River Lodge both sit out here, and you trade the polished riverfront setting for more space, better access to overland routes, and lower prices on the budget end.
Matlapaneng is the tourist heartland. Old Matlapaneng Road follows the Thamalakane River closely, and lodges like Thamalakane River Lodge and Island Safari Lodge have the kind of sunset views that justify the extra $30-50/night. If you're only in Maun for 1-2 nights before a delta trip, spend the money and stay on the river.
How to pick a Maun hotel when you're connecting to the Okavango Delta
Most fly-in departures to the deeper delta leave from Maun Airport on light aircraft. think Cessna Caravan, not jets. That means early starts, sometimes 6am. Staying within 15 minutes of the airport on Old Matlapaneng Road or Matlapaneng itself saves a lot of pre-dawn stress.
Ask your lodge about its transfer policy before you book elsewhere. Island Safari Lodge and Thamalakane River Lodge both have established relationships with local charter operators and can help coordinate pickups. Don't assume a cheap guesthouse in Boseja will get you to the airstrip on time. we've seen this go wrong.
Maun on a budget: What you actually get under $100/night
Two properties make the cut below $100: Audi Camp ($45-75/night, Shorobe Road) and Crocodile Camp ($65-95/night, Thamalakane River). Audi Camp is genuinely backpacker-friendly with a social vibe and a bar that gets lively on Friday nights. Crocodile Camp is quieter, sits right on the river, and feels punchier than its price.
Don't expect air conditioning at these prices. Maun nights from May to August are cool enough without it. The real value play here is using the savings on a half-day mokoro trip into the delta, which runs $40-60 per person from operators near Matlapaneng Bridge.
The honest case for splashing out on a delta lodge
Mobola Island Lodge at $280-420/night sits on the Thamalakane Floodplains and gives you the delta atmosphere without a 45-minute bush flight. Xugana Island Lodge at $650-950/night is the full commitment: private lagoon, permanent tents, complete wildlife immersion. These prices aren't accidental.
The delta floods peak June through August. Book a luxury lodge for this window and you're getting the Okavango at its most extraordinary. channels full, birdlife explosive, game viewing sharpest. Come November and the water drops, the prices drop too. But the experience isn't the same.
Maun's river strip: what first-timers always miss
The Thamalakane River looks modest in photos. In person, especially from a lodge deck at dusk, it's something else. The stretch from Sedia Riverside Hotel down through Old Matlapaneng to Island Safari Lodge is about 4 km of river-facing accommodation, each with slightly different angles on the water and the papyrus.
One insider tip: the river levels change drastically by season. Arriving in October or November, you might find the Thamalakane running low or nearly dry in places. that's just how it works. If the river view is non-negotiable, come between June and August. Ask lodges directly about current water levels before you commit.
Business travel in Maun: where to stay and what to skip
Maun Lodge in Central Maun is the logical choice for corporate stays. It's close to the main commercial strip, government offices, and the standard conference facilities that other riverside lodges don't offer. At $150-210/night it's not cheap for what it is, but reliability and location are the point here.
Skip the impulse to stay somewhere romantic-sounding if you're here for meetings. you'll spend your mornings in a 25-minute taxi into town. Central Maun has the shops, the banks on Mathiba I Street, and the mobile coverage you actually need for work. Save the river lodges for the weekend extension.
Maun's best neighborhoods
The Thamalakane River corridor from Matlapaneng to Old Matlapaneng is where you want to be. Central Maun is fine for business, but if you're here for the delta, don't sleep inland.
Thamalakane River Strip 4 vetted hotels The main event. Safari culture, riverside dinners, and the best access to the delta.
The main event. Safari culture, riverside dinners, and the best access to the delta.
This is where Maun makes sense. The stretch of Old Matlapaneng Road and Matlapaneng along the Thamalakane River holds the highest concentration of quality lodges in town. Thamalakane River Lodge, Island Safari Lodge, Sedia Riverside Hotel, and Crocodile Camp all sit here, covering a $65-200/night spread.
Most visitors to Maun are passing through on their way to the Okavango Delta, and this strip is designed for exactly that. Mokoro launch points are 5-10 minutes away. The airport is 15-20 minutes by road. And the sunset views from a deck over the Thamalakane are the best free thing in this town.
Avoid booking the cheapest rooms that face inland at these lodges. you're paying river prices for a car park view. Always confirm river-facing when you book, especially at Sedia Riverside Hotel where the room configurations vary quite a bit.
Shorobe Road Corridor 2 vetted hotels Rougher around the edges, but better value and a proper bush feel.
Rougher around the edges, but better value and a proper bush feel.
Shorobe Road heads northwest from Maun toward the delta buffer zones. It's less polished than the Thamalakane strip. fewer restaurants, less foot traffic, more acacia and red sand. But Audi Camp and Okavango River Lodge both deliver genuine character here, and neither is trying to pretend they're somewhere fancier.
Audi Camp at $45-75/night is the backpacker staple. It's been here long enough to be an institution. Okavango River Lodge at $165-220/night is the upscale end of the road. high ratings, well-maintained grounds, and the kind of staff who've spent years coordinating delta trips and actually know what they're talking about.
The trade-off is distance. You're 20-25 minutes from Matlapaneng Bridge and slightly further from standard tourist infrastructure. If you have your own vehicle or a solid transfer plan, it's not an issue. If you're backpacking solo without wheels, Matlapaneng is an easier base.
Central Maun 1 vetted hotel Practical, not pretty. The right choice for business, the wrong one for safari.
Practical, not pretty. The right choice for business, the wrong one for safari.
Central Maun around Mathiba I Street and the main commercial area is where the town actually functions. Banks, supermarkets, government buildings, and the bulk of Maun's working population are here. Maun Lodge sits in this zone at $150-210/night, built for corporate stays and long-haul NGO workers.
It's not a bad hotel. But you're 20-30 minutes from the river lodges, and there's nothing romantic about the surroundings. The value proposition is reliability, Wi-Fi that actually works, and easy access to Choppies Supermarket and local services on the main road.
Tourists who book here thinking they're getting a central, convenient base often regret it by day two. There's no real pedestrian culture, no riverside bars within walking distance, and the taxi rides to the delta launch points add up. Use it if you need it, not as a default.
Boseja & Outer Wards 1 vetted hotel Quiet and local, with one standout guesthouse that earns its higher price.
Quiet and local, with one standout guesthouse that earns its higher price.
Boseja is a residential ward on Maun's western edge. mostly local housing, small shops, and the kind of neighbourhood that doesn't show up in most guidebooks. The Nhabe Museum Guest House at $185-240/night is the one property here worth flagging, sitting near the Nhabe Museum on the edge of the ward.
It's an unusual pick at that price point. But the quiet, the local character, and the calibre of the guest experience set it apart from noisier river lodges. If you've been before and want something different from the standard Thamalakane circuit, this delivers.
The honest caveat: you're 15-20 minutes from most visitor services and you'll need transport. First-timers to Maun should probably skip Boseja and get the standard river experience first. Come back here when you know what you're doing.
Okavango Delta (Remote Lodges) 2 vetted hotels The real thing. No roads, no distractions, no compromise.
The real thing. No roads, no distractions, no compromise.
Once you leave Maun and get into the delta proper, the entire experience shifts. Mobola Island Lodge on the Thamalakane Floodplains and Xugana Island Lodge on Xugana Lagoon are both accessed by light aircraft or boat from Maun. These aren't hotels. they're immersive wildlife experiences with beds attached.
Mobola at $280-420/night sits close enough to town to feel accessible but far enough to be properly wild. Xugana at $650-950/night is the full remote treatment: papyrus channels, hippo at night, complete disconnection from Maun's dust and noise. Worth every cent if the delta is your whole reason for being here.
Both lodges include activities in their rates. Factor that in when comparing to town-based lodges where boat trips and game drives cost extra. The per-day all-in cost gap narrows significantly.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Maun.
Romantic Escape
Xugana Lagoon in the Okavango Delta is the obvious answer here. Private water, sunset over the floodplains, and zero mobile signal. the last one is actually a feature.
Wildlife & Culture
The Nhabe Museum area in Boseja gives you Botswana's delta heritage without the tourist packaging. Pair it with a mokoro trip from Matlapaneng Bridge for the full picture.
Family Adventure
Island Safari Lodge in Matlapaneng handles families well. generous grounds, easy delta access, and staff who've dealt with kids on game drives before. Pool helps too.
Budget Safari
Shorobe Road is your zone. Audi Camp at $45-75/night keeps costs low while putting you within range of genuine Okavango experiences via shared mokoro trips from town.
River & Nature
The Thamalakane River strip from Sedia to Old Matlapaneng has the best river access in Maun. Early mornings here with a coffee and the birdlife are genuinely hard to beat.
Safari Foodie
Thamalakane River Lodge in Old Matlapaneng has the most consistent kitchen on the river strip. The open-air dining deck over the water makes the food taste better than it has any right to.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Maun
When to visit Maun and what to pay.
Peak Season (June-August)
This is the Okavango flood peak. The delta is full, wildlife concentrates around water, and every serious safari-goer arrives at once. Temperatures drop to 8°C at night in July. bring layers. Riverside lodges on the Thamalakane fill up 3-4 months ahead, so don't leave it late.
Shoulder Season (April-May & September-October)
May is the sweet spot: flood waters are rising, prices haven't fully spiked, and the heat is manageable at 18-28°C. September extends the good conditions as the delta begins to recede. You'll find 15-20% better rates at mid-range lodges in Matlapaneng versus the peak June-August window.
Green Season (November-January)
The rains start in November and temperatures push past 35°C most afternoons. The Thamalakane River can run low or dry in places, which changes the whole riverside atmosphere. Budget travellers get the best rates of the year here, but the delta experience isn't comparable to peak season.
Dry Build-Up (February-March)
Rains taper off and the landscape starts drying out. Heat is still significant at 22-36°C but more tolerable than November's peak. Hotel prices sit at their second-lowest of the year, and Maun Airport is far less congested than June. Good for photographers who want a quieter trip without peak prices.
Booking Tips for Maun
Insider tips for booking hotels in Maun.
Book river-facing rooms explicitly
Several lodges on Old Matlapaneng Road have both river-facing and garden-facing rooms at the same listed price. At Sedia Riverside Hotel especially, the room configuration varies a lot. Always email or call to confirm your room faces the Thamalakane. don't assume the booking platform sorted it.
Sort airport transfers before you land
Maun Airport is small and taxis queue outside, but lodge transfers are almost always smoother. Taxis from the airport to Matlapaneng run $8-15 depending on the driver and your negotiating. agree the price before you get in. For Shorobe Road properties, pre-arrange with the lodge directly since taxis don't always know the exact turnings.
June-August bookings need 3+ months lead time
Riverside lodges on the Thamalakane fill up fast for the June flood peak. Thamalakane River Lodge and Island Safari Lodge in Matlapaneng are typically full by March for July dates. If you're connecting to a delta lodge, the town-side accommodation goes even faster because everyone needs a night pre- and post-flight.
Don't confuse price with access to the delta
A $200/night lodge in Matlapaneng does not get you into the Okavango Delta. it gets you a nice room with a river view. Actual delta access, whether by mokoro or light aircraft, costs extra. Budget $40-60 for a shared mokoro day trip from operators near Matlapaneng Bridge, or $150-300+ for a motorised excursion. Factor this into your total trip budget.
Low season rate negotiation works at specific properties
Between November and February, walk-in rates at Crocodile Camp on the Thamalakane and Audi Camp on Shorobe Road can beat online prices by 10-15%. Call the lodge directly and ask for their current rate. This doesn't work at Mobola or Xugana. delta lodges hold rates year-round.
Pack for cold nights even in the dry season
Maun in July drops to 8°C overnight and most riverside lodges are open-sided or have outdoor dining. Thamalakane River Lodge and Island Safari Lodge both have outdoor decks that get genuinely cold after 8pm. Bring a fleece even if your travel research suggested warm weather. the daytime 26°C is misleading.
Hotels in Maun — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Maun.
What's the best area to stay in Maun?
The Thamalakane River strip between Matlapaneng and Old Matlapaneng is the sweet spot. You're close to mokoro operators, airstrip transfers, and decent restaurants. all within 10-15 minutes of Maun Airport. Central Maun works if you're here on business, but it adds 20 minutes to most delta departure points.
How much do hotels in Maun cost?
Budget camps on Shorobe Road like Audi Camp run $45-75/night. Mid-range riverside lodges along the Thamalakane sit at $110-220/night. Full luxury in the delta, like Mobola Island Lodge or Xugana Island Lodge, starts at $280 and goes well past $900/night including activities.
When is the best time to visit Maun?
May through September is peak season. The delta floods are in full flow from June, and temperatures are a comfortable 20-26°C. Hotel prices spike 30-40% above low-season rates, so book riverside lodges at least 3 months ahead. October can still be good but hits 35°C most afternoons.
Is Maun safe for tourists?
Generally yes. The Matlapaneng and Old Matlapaneng strips are well-trafficked and safe to walk in daylight. Stick to the river road at night rather than cutting through unlit areas toward Boseja. Petty theft near the Power Station area has been an issue. don't leave cameras in unlocked vehicles.
Do I need a car in Maun?
Not always, but it helps. Most riverside lodges on Old Matlapaneng Road are 5-15 minutes from each other on foot. Taxis from Maun Airport to Matlapaneng cost around $8-12. If you're heading to Shorobe Road properties like Audi Camp or Okavango River Lodge, a vehicle or pre-arranged transfer is much easier.
What's the cheapest decent hotel in Maun?
Audi Camp on Shorobe Road at $45-75/night is the most affordable option we'd actually recommend. It's basic, but the site is clean, the staff know the delta well, and it's 10 minutes from Matlapaneng Bridge. Don't go cheaper than this without reading very recent reviews.
Which Maun hotels are best for safari departures?
Island Safari Lodge and Thamalakane River Lodge in Matlapaneng are the top picks. Both are within 5-10 minutes of standard mokoro and motorboat launch points along the Thamalakane. Maun Airport is 15 minutes away for fly-in connections to deeper delta camps.
Are there luxury hotels in Maun?
Yes. and genuinely good ones. Mobola Island Lodge on the Thamalakane Floodplains ($280-420/night) is a proper luxury experience without the remoteness of a full delta camp. Xugana Island Lodge out on Xugana Lagoon ($650-950/night) is the premium end, completely surrounded by the Okavango.
What's the best hotel for couples in Maun?
Xugana Island Lodge wins this category easily. You're on a private lagoon in the Okavango Delta, 60+ km from the nearest town, with sunset boat trips and absolute silence after dark. Back in Maun itself, Thamalakane River Lodge in Old Matlapaneng has great riverside dinners 2 minutes from your room.
Are hotel prices negotiable in Maun?
At budget camps and some mid-range lodges, yes. especially in the low season from November through February. Walk-in rates at properties like Crocodile Camp on the Thamalakane can sometimes beat online prices by 10-15%. Luxury lodges at the delta level rarely budge.
How do I get from Maun Airport to the river lodges?
Most lodges on Old Matlapaneng Road and Matlapaneng are 10-20 minutes from the airport by road. Pre-arranged transfers from lodges like Island Safari Lodge typically cost $10-15. Taxis queue outside arrivals. agree the price before you get in, as meters aren't universal here.
Which neighborhoods should I avoid in Maun?
Don't base yourself in the area around the main bus rank near the Power Station. it's loud, congested, and adds no value for a visitor. Central Maun around the mall strip is fine for a meal but the hotels here are priced for corporate stays, not safari experiences. You'll pay Thamalakane prices without the river view.