Luxury to Budget: Where to Stay in Maun Before Your Okavango Delta Safari

Maun isn't trying to be pretty. It's a functional frontier town that exists primarily to service the safari industry, with a main road lined with tour operators, a handful of restaurants, and the essential Old Bridge Backpackers where travelers swap Delta stories over cold St. Louis (no relation to my hometown) beers.

What surprised me during my first visit was how the town straddles two worlds. You'll see luxury Land Cruisers parked next to local taxis, and high-end safari-goers mingling with backpackers at the town's few watering holes. As an environmental attorney who's worked on water rights cases, I found myself fascinated by how this dusty outpost manages the delicate balance between tourism infrastructure and the fragile ecosystem it borders.

Most visitors spend just 1-2 nights here before heading into the Delta, but I'd argue for at least one full day to acclimate, handle any last-minute supplies, and get your bearings. If you're planning multiple safaris or activities, Maun makes a practical base to return to between adventures.

After winning a particularly grueling environmental case back in Birmingham, I treated myself to one of Maun's luxury options, and I have zero regrets. If your budget allows (or if you're recovering from a 30+ hour journey like I was), these properties offer an exceptional introduction to Botswana hospitality.

Thamalakane River Lodge sits about 20 minutes outside town on the riverbank that gives it its name. The chalets are spacious with private verandas, and the pool area provides blessed relief from the Botswana heat. What I particularly appreciated was their commitment to sustainable practices – their water conservation systems would impress even my former environmental law colleagues.

Royal Tree Lodge offers a unique experience as it's situated on a private game reserve. This means you can actually begin wildlife viewing before your official safari starts. During my stay, I spotted zebra, giraffe, and various antelope species just steps from my luxury tent. Their solar-powered lighting throughout the property demonstrates their eco-conscious approach.

For those seeking absolute top-tier luxury, Sankuyo Bush Camp delivers with its exclusive location and impeccable service. While technically not in Maun proper, it's close enough to serve as your pre-Delta accommodation while providing a full-fledged safari experience in itself.

The sweet spot for many travelers (myself included, most trips) lies in Maun's mid-range accommodations. These properties offer comfortable amenities and local character without the luxury price tag.

Croc Camp holds a special place in my heart after three separate stays. Located right on the Thamalakane River, their standard rooms are simple but clean, while their deluxe rooms offer additional comfort worth the upgrade. The real highlight is their riverside bar where I've spent many evenings watching the sunset while planning the next day's adventure. Their insulated water bottle rental program (or bring your own) helps reduce plastic waste – something I always look for as an environmentally-conscious traveler.

The Old Bridge Backpackers isn't just for budget travelers – their private en-suite safari tents and riverside cabins offer excellent mid-range value. The social atmosphere at their legendary bar/restaurant makes this a hub for safari-goers exchanging tips and stories. I've made lasting friendships here while nursing a Windhoek lager after returning from the Delta.

Maun Lodge provides a more traditional hotel experience with air conditioning (not a given in Maun), a swimming pool, and reliable WiFi – sometimes essential when you need to check in with the office, as I've had to do on several occasions. Their restaurant serves decent food when you don't feel like venturing into town.

During my first trip to Botswana as a young attorney with more student debt than disposable income, I discovered Maun's budget accommodations aren't just affordable – they're often where you'll find the most authentic experiences and valuable safari intel.

The Old Bridge Backpackers deserves a second mention here because their campsite and dorm options represent the best budget value in town. The riverside campground is shaded by massive trees, and the facilities are kept remarkably clean. Their quick-dry travel towel rental saved precious space in my backpack. The real value comes from the safari operators who frequent the bar – I've secured last-minute Delta mokoro trips at substantial discounts simply by being in the right conversation at the right time.

Delta Rain offers basic but clean rooms and a small pool that feels like an oasis after a dusty day in town. What it lacks in frills, it makes up for with a helpful staff who assisted me in navigating some complex visa extension paperwork when I decided to extend my stay in Botswana.

Sitatunga Camp provides simple A-frame cabins and camping options in a quiet location. Their communal kitchen is well-equipped, allowing budget travelers to save money by preparing their own meals. I've found their headlamp rental essential for navigating the grounds after dark and for early morning safari departures.

Remember that in Maun, "budget" doesn't mean sacrificing the essentials – even the most affordable options typically provide security, clean facilities, and access to safari booking services.

Regardless of your budget, there are several factors that should influence your accommodation choice in Maun:

Location matters more than you might think. Properties in town offer convenience for last-minute shopping and dining options, while riverside locations outside town provide tranquility and often better wildlife viewing opportunities. During my third visit, I split my stay between in-town and riverside properties to enjoy both advantages.

Electricity and water supply can be inconsistent throughout Maun. Higher-end properties typically have backup generators, but budget options may leave you in the dark during outages. I always travel with a portable power bank to keep essential devices charged.

WiFi availability varies dramatically. If staying connected is important (as it sometimes is for me when balancing travel with work commitments), confirm the reliability of internet access before booking. I've found Maun Lodge and Thamalakane River Lodge to have the most dependable connections.

Mosquito protection is essential year-round but especially during summer months. All accommodations should provide nets, but I recommend bringing your own insect repellent as local options are limited and expensive.

Pre-arranged transfers from the airport are strongly recommended. While Maun is small, many accommodations are difficult to find without local knowledge, and public transportation is limited. Most properties offer this service for a reasonable fee.