
Thamalakane Riverfront Maun
Rustic lodge on the Thamalakane River, offering stunning sunset views, lush gardens, and exceptional hospitality.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, better wildlife viewing

Thamalakane Riverfront Maun
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, better wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rustic lodge on the Thamalakane River, offering stunning sunset views, lush gardens, and exceptional hospitality.
"Watching the sun set over the river at this hotel is magical and a genuine slice of African romance."

Pack Warm Layers
Rondavels can get chilly at night due to open facade elements. Bring warm clothing for evenings and early mornings. :snowflake:
Manage Dining Expectations
Buffet dining is the main option and can be expensive. Consider this when budgeting for your stay. :moneybag:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 292 reviews
Type
Lodging
Address
Website
trlmaun.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset River Views
Riverfront Verandas
Magical African romance watching the sun dip below the horizon, with a chance to spot resident hippos.

Lush Gardens
Throughout the Lodge
Beautifully maintained gardens provide a serene and picturesque setting for relaxation and wildlife spotting.

Exceptional Hospitality
Lodge Staff
Staff are consistently friendly, professional, and go above and beyond to assist guests.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rustic Charm
Plan for Dining & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Warm Layers
Rondavels can get chilly at night due to open facade elements. Bring warm clothing for evenings and early mornings. :snowflake:
Manage Dining Expectations
Buffet dining is the main option and can be expensive. Consider this when budgeting for your stay. :moneybag:
Embrace the Rustic Vibe
The lodge offers a charming, rustic experience. Don't expect modern amenities like AC; enjoy the natural setting. 🌳
Ask About Padel Court
A padel court is opening soon! Inquire about its availability during your stay. 🎾
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Warm Layers
Rondavels can get chilly at night due to open facade elements. Bring warm clothing for evenings and early mornings. :snowflake:
Manage Dining Expectations
Buffet dining is the main option and can be expensive. Consider this when budgeting for your stay. :moneybag:
Embrace the Rustic Vibe
The lodge offers a charming, rustic experience. Don't expect modern amenities like AC; enjoy the natural setting. 🌳
Ask About Padel Court
A padel court is opening soon! Inquire about its availability during your stay. 🎾
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thamalakane Riverfront Maun is praised for its stunning riverside location, exceptional hospitality, and beautiful gardens, offering a charming and rustic African experience. However, some guests find the pricing to be high relative to the amenities provided, such as the lack of air conditioning and the cost of buffet dining.
"This is a charming, rustic lodge set in beautiful gardens overlooking the river, and the staff were consistently friendly and professional. However, as some previous reviewers have mentioned, we felt that the experience did not quite match the price point. There was no air conditioning, and dining options were limited to a buffet which, while decent, felt rather expensive for what was offered. Having travelled extensively across Africa and globally, we found the value for money somewhat below expectations, though the setting itself was undeniably lovely."
Linda Taylor
"Exceptional hospitality and stunning location. The owner went above and beyond to help us recover items we had left behind — truly appreciated. The hotel is spotless, the food is delicious, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. Bonus: a padel court is opening soon! Highly recommended."
Dominika Waligóra
"Watching the sun set over the river at this hotel is magical and a genuine slice of African romance as you try to spot the 3 resident hippos. So why only 3 stars? As we found it to be expensive: £640 for two adjoining rooms for 1 night was 3x our other lovely hotel in Maun. It is not 5 star quality - not bad certainly but a bit tired."
DC
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thamalakane Riverfront Maun is located in Maun, Botswana. Most visitors arrive via Maun Airport (MUB), which has connections to major hubs like Gaborone and Johannesburg. From the airport, a taxi or pre-arranged transfer is the easiest way to reach the lodge, which is situated along the Thamalakane River.
The lodge is generally well-signposted once you are in the Maun area. It's advisable to have the lodge's address or a map handy, especially if you are driving yourself. Taxis are readily available from the airport and around town.
The most common way to reach Maun is by flying into Maun Airport (MUB). Alternatively, you can drive from other parts of Botswana, but be aware that road conditions can vary. Many safari tours also include transport to Maun as a starting or ending point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your accommodation at Thamalakane Riverfront Maun in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your preferred room type and dates. Online booking platforms or direct contact with the lodge are common methods.
Standard check-in and check-out times usually apply, typically around 2 PM for check-in and 11 AM for check-out. It's always best to confirm these times directly with the lodge when making your reservation or upon arrival.
Thamalakane Riverfront Maun is a lodge, so there are no separate entrance fees. Your cost is for your accommodation. Day visitors might be accommodated for meals or specific activities, but this would typically be arranged in advance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Activities often include guided nature walks, bird watching, and enjoying the river views. Some guests have mentioned the potential for wildlife sightings directly from the lodge, such as hippos. A padel court is also noted as opening soon.
Yes, the lodge's riverside location offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including the chance to spot resident hippos and various bird species. Some guests have reported good sightings even during the rainy season.
Information on Wi-Fi availability and quality can vary. It's advisable to check with the lodge directly or read recent guest reviews for the most up-to-date information on Wi-Fi access and reliability.
Yes, typically lodges like Thamalakane Riverfront Maun offer parking facilities for guests arriving by car. It's usually complimentary, but confirming with the lodge is always a good idea.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The primary dining option is an open-air restaurant, often serving buffet-style meals. While the food is generally considered decent, some guests have found it to be on the expensive side for the value offered.
Most lodges are accommodating of dietary requests. It's best to inform the lodge in advance of any specific dietary needs or preferences when booking your stay, and they will do their best to cater to you.
Breakfast is often included in the room rate at lodges like Thamalakane Riverfront Maun. However, this can vary depending on the specific package or booking you choose, so it's wise to confirm when you make your reservation.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverfront verandas at sunset are particularly stunning for photography, offering magical light and potential wildlife sightings. The lush gardens also provide beautiful backdrops for memorable shots.
While the riverfront offers great views, always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if there's a chance of wildlife like hippos. Maintain a safe distance and follow any guidance provided by the lodge staff.
For wildlife and landscape photography, a zoom lens is highly recommended to capture distant animals. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive river views and gardens. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit