Reviews of Thamalakane River Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
64 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Thamalakane River Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Mr H & Ms E
London
"A friendly stopover"
1 night Arrived 20 Jun 2019
"We stayed one night at Thamalakane River Lodge at the beginning of our trip. It was a good place to recover and relax.
They picked us up from the airport - it's about a 30 minute drive from Maun airport - and the check-in was easy. We were in a Babbler Chalet - a one-room stone chalet with good shower and comfortable bed; and a verandah overlooking the dry riverbed. We didn't see the crocs and hippos but we did see monitor lizards and a fish eagle. We were there in winter, so of course it was cold in the mornings and evenings.
The staff were very friendly and sang together at dinner time. The bar was pleasant and the food was fine. Just be aware that they do not take cash." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
They picked us up from the airport - it's about a 30 minute drive from Maun airport - and the check-in was easy. We were in a Babbler Chalet - a one-room stone chalet with good shower and comfortable bed; and a verandah overlooking the dry riverbed. We didn't see the crocs and hippos but we did see monitor lizards and a fish eagle. We were there in winter, so of course it was cold in the mornings and evenings.
The staff were very friendly and sang together at dinner time. The bar was pleasant and the food was fine. Just be aware that they do not take cash." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
George H
AZ
"Thamalakane River Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 2 Oct 2018
"Excellent staff and willingness to take care of us. Our lodge had a very minimal fan, they provided a stand up fan to help. Could use a enclosure on the toilet."
See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Miss B
Marple
"Thamalakane River Lodge review"
1 night Arrived 5 Sep 2018
"Strong lighting made mosquitoes almost unbearable.
Rooms look nice, but no air-conditioning or effective ceiling fan. However beautiful setting and friendly staff." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
Rooms look nice, but no air-conditioning or effective ceiling fan. However beautiful setting and friendly staff." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Mr & Mrs B
Seattle
"Perfect way to start our safari"
1 night Arrived 19 Aug 2018
"After a long journey, this was the perfect overnight stop before beginning our Botswana safari.
Close to the airport, beautiful grounds along the river, friendly and helpful staff, and the private dinner on the pier was an unexpected treat!" See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 4n in Rwanda
Close to the airport, beautiful grounds along the river, friendly and helpful staff, and the private dinner on the pier was an unexpected treat!" See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 4n in Rwanda
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr P & Ms B
London
"Thamalakane River Lodge review"
1 night Arrived 3 Aug 2018
"It was an OK parking place to stay for a night before the real holiday began. But it feels a bit tired and needs to re-think its offer. Some of the staff were rather off-hand"
See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Average
C & J
Utah
"Adequate accommodation for one night enroute"
1 night Arrived 26 Jun 2018
"The lodge "pick-up" was prompt and direct. The staff was helpful. The dining staff was very friendly. The room was attractive and clean.
Comparing to many other places in resort areas the price was easily twice the value. It seems there is little competition. We would next time at that price bypass a layover there and arrange to go directly out on safari." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Comparing to many other places in resort areas the price was easily twice the value. It seems there is little competition. We would next time at that price bypass a layover there and arrange to go directly out on safari." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mrs J
Coventry
"Thamalakane River Lodge review"
1 night Arrived 17 Mar 2018
"Staff were over solicitous."
See all these reviews: 2n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Average
Peter & Olga
France
"Thamalakane River Lodge review"
1 night Arrived 19 Nov 2017
"Thamalakane River Lodge is a comfortable and convenient place to stay overnight in Maun.
Nicely located on the river edge. The buffet style dinner was very good." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 8n in Zimbabwe; 1n in Botswana
Nicely located on the river edge. The buffet style dinner was very good." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 8n in Zimbabwe; 1n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Bertie
UK
"Good Overnight stop"
1 night Arrived 6 May 2017
"Based in Maun, the lodge was a perfect place to overnight after our flights.
Set next to the Thamalakane river there are excellent opportunities to sit with a G&T whilst bird watching.
Even spotted a huge monitor lizard on the lawn!" See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
Set next to the Thamalakane river there are excellent opportunities to sit with a G&T whilst bird watching.
Even spotted a huge monitor lizard on the lawn!" See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Prof J
Salt Lake City
"there were some problems"
1 night Arrived 12 Mar 2017
"There were some problems. The shower drain backed up causing the shower to be inoperative (or allowed to be used for very short times). This caused a flood in the bathroom area of the suite.
A mouse (or other visitor) made quite a racket during the night while it ate some chocolate bars that were in the room.
But we were very tired and the service was helpful." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
A mouse (or other visitor) made quite a racket during the night while it ate some chocolate bars that were in the room.
But we were very tired and the service was helpful." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Average
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Other lodges in Maun
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Thamo Telele
On the outskirts of Maun, Thamo Telele is set in a private game reserve with walking trails and a giraffe experience: ideal at the start or end of a safari.
Riley's Hotel
In the heart of Maun, about 3km from the airport, Riley’s makes a relatively reliable stopover for one night.
