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Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele
Thamo Telele

About Thamo Telele

Sundowners by a waterhole where giraffe have gathered for a drink: this isn’t the norm for Maun!

Yet Thamo Telele, with its links to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation is just a 20-minute drive from Maun Airport. To arrive here is to watch for zebras blending into the trees of the lodge’s private reserve, and the numerous birds that make Thamo Telele their home.

Instead of a hotel room you’ll be shown to a spacious safari tent, raised up on a wooden platform that’s nestled into the bush. Rooms are comfortable and air-conditioned; en-suite bathrooms boast a bath, and an outdoor shower enhances the setting.

Sheltered beneath a tall, thatched roof supported by wooden poles, squashy chairs and oriental-style rugs invite relaxation, with an honesty bar to help guests feel instantly at home. Dine indoors or, more usually, take a seat outside for an alfresco meal around an enormous leadwood tree.

If the chance to unwind is enticing, be warned: so are the activities. Top among them is to spend time with those giraffes. Stretch your legs on one of the self-guided walking trails, safe from large predators, explore on a fat bike, or swim laps of the pool. And if you’re tempted by horseriding, even that can be arranged.

Accommodation
9 tents 2 chalets
Children
Best for 6+
Open
All year

Activities

Helicopter

Helicopter

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Thamo Telele: Full Report

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Traveller reviews of Thamo Telele

42 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


85%
42 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
18
Good
19
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Andy & KarenfromMalvern

Arrived 26 Jan 2025, 1 nights

"Thamo Telele review"

"A for overnighting in Maun - Friendly staff and good facilities …" Read Andy & Karen’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs WfromUK

Arrived 10 Apr 2024, 1 nights

"Thamo Telele review"

"good overnight stop to recover from long journey …" Read Mrs W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr D.fromUnited Kingdom

Arrived 10 Apr 2024, 1 nights

"Thamo Telele review"

"nice place to stay in Maun... Tents were comfortable …" Read Mr D.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr RoxfromCairns city

Arrived 15 Oct 2022, 1 nights

"Thamo Telele review"

"a nice place to stay away from town.. The rooms are really beautiful …" Read Dr Rox’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr H.fromSalt Lake City

Arrived 1 Sep 2022, 1 nights

"Royal Tree Lodge review"

"An amazing experience...facilities are gorgeous ...and extremely comfortable. …" Read Mr H.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

R&HfromGuildford

Arrived 22 Jun 2022, 2 nights

"Royal Tree Lodge review"

"giraffe project. We enjoyed learning from the project managers about their work …" Read R&H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs PfromNetherlands

Arrived 12 Jun 2022, 1 nights

"A bit overpriced"

"the rooms are recently refurbished and the rooms look quite new …" Read Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs C.fromWem

Arrived 7 May 2022, 1 nights

"Royal Tree Lodge review"

"Comfortable room ... …" Read Mrs C.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Terrible

Mr P M & familyfromUK

Arrived 27 Apr 2022, 1 nights

"Royal Tree Lodge review"

"Staff were welcoming ... …" Read Mr P M & family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Drs M & FfromNew Jersey

Arrived 3 Aug 2021, 1 nights

"Royal Tree Lodge review"

Overall rating: Good

See all Thamo Telele reviews

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Thamo Telele

Click an animal to see our traveller's success in sighting them.
How we work this out.


Zebra

88% success

Giraffe

86% success

Eland

63% success

Wildebeest

20% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Thamo Telele's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Thamo Telele.


When to go to Maun

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Thamo Telele in Maun


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Maun in January

January marks the peak of Maun's rainy season, with short but intense evening showers and occasional thunderstorms. While temperatures remain high, they are cooler than the preceding months of October to December. Wildlife viewing in the nearby Okavango Delta is more challenging as animals disperse into the lush, green vegetation.

In Maun, the Nhabe Museum provides an interesting and dry refuge to explore local culture and history. Beyond the town, January is an excellent time to witness the zebra and wildebeest migration in Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi salt pans, where flooded pans sometimes attract large flocks of breeding flamingos.

  • Warm temperatures with occasional thunderstorms
  • Blue skies with strong sun between rains
  • Birdlife at its peak, with many migratory species present
  • Maun is green and vibrant, teeming with life

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Maun in February

February in Maun mirrors January’s weather, with heavy evening rains and high daytime temperatures. The landscape remains lush and full of life. While larger animals are harder to spot around Maun due to dense vegetation, smaller creatures and insects are abundant.

In the nearby Okavango Delta, rising waters create a dynamic ecosystem, making this an ideal time for birdwatching along the Thamalakane River, where many species are in their breeding plumage. Cultural tours to nearby villages provide a deeper understanding of local life during the wet season. With fewer visitors, camps and lodges have good availability and lower rates.

  • Warm with occasional thunderstorms
  • Many young animals and excellent birdwatching opportunities
  • Rising Delta waters enhance the ecosystem
  • Cultural tours to local villages offer rich insights
  • Low visitor numbers and good lodge availability

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Maun in March

March sees Maun's rains starting to diminish, with many clear, sunny days interspersed with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The landscape remains lush and vibrant, and wildlife viewing begins to improve as vegetation starts to thin, particularly in Moremi Game Reserve. Many animals and birds are finishing raising their young, offering unique sighting opportunities.

March is an excellent time for scenic flights over the Delta, providing breathtaking views of the verdant landscape. The Maun International Arts Festival often takes place this month, celebrating local culture and creativity. With moderate visitor numbers, it's a great time to enjoy Maun's attractions with the locals.

  • Rains taper off, warm and sunny
  • Spectacular birdlife, including migratory species
  • Improved game viewing in Moremi Game Reserve
  • Stunning photography opportunities in lush surroundings
  • Fewer tourists, often lower rates available

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Maun in April

April typically marks the end of the rainy season in Maun, with clear skies and a lush, green landscape. Night temperatures begin to drop, especially in the nearby salt-pan areas of the Kalahari. In the bush, wildlife starts migrating from the Kalahari towards permanent water sources.

April can be good for boat cruises on the Thamalakane River, offering excellent birdwatching and hippo sightings. As Maun enters its shoulder season, accommodation rates begin to rise but remain relatively affordable. April offers a pleasant mix of weather and wildlife experiences.

  • Cooler evenings with occasional light showers
  • Maun and its surroundings remain lush and green
  • Wildlife begins to shift towards water sources
  • Shoulder season offers good rates and availability

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Maun in May

May is a popular month to visit Maun, and in the surrounding wildlife areas, as it signals the last month of the shoulder season before peak rates. May's pleasant weather and improving game viewing make it a favourite time for many visitors to Maun. Rain is rare, and the annual floods from Angola begin to reach the northern Okavango Delta, creating spectacular changes in the landscape. Cooler mornings and evenings increase predator activity, and animals starting to congregate more around water sources in Moremi Game Reserve and the Delta, although tall grasses may still obstruct views.

This is a lovely time for scenic flights over the Okavango from Maun's airport, offering stunning views of the advancing floodwaters, and mokoro trips in the Delta provide tranquil experiences amidst the changing landscape. In town, the Nhabe Museum hosts special exhibitions showcasing local art and culture.

  • Cool mornings and evenings with little rain
  • Game viewing improves as water recedes
  • Shoulder season ends; availability decreases
  • Stunning scenic flights over the Delta

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Maun in June

June marks the start of the dry season in Maun. Days are warm and sunny, while mornings and evenings can be chilly, sometimes dropping to freezing temperatures. Clear skies and low humidity create perfect conditions for wildlife photography. As surface water diminishes, wildlife concentrates around remaining water sources in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, making for rewarding game viewing.

Cultural tours to nearby villages are particularly enjoyable in the cooler weather, providing insights into local life. June is also when the annual floods typically reach their peak in the Delta, creating a breathtaking landscape of lagoons and channels. Scenic flights over the Delta offer spectacular views of this seasonal transformation. Despite higher rates and limited availability, June remains a prime month for wildlife experiences around Maun.

  • Warm days, cold mornings and nights
  • Excellent conditions for wildlife photography
  • Animals congregating around water sources
  • Mokoro trips offer tranquil Delta experiences
  • Peak season begins with higher rates

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Maun in July

July is one of the coolest months in Maun, with chilly mornings and evenings paired with warm, sunny days. Game viewing in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve is exceptional, as wildlife gathers around water sources and thinning vegetation improves visibility.

The Thamalakane River is an excellent spot for birdwatching and hippo sightings. Cultural tours to nearby villages provide a glimpse into traditional winter practices. Scenic flights over the Delta offer breathtaking aerial views of flooded plains and abundant wildlife. While accommodation rates are at their peak, July’s pleasant weather and superb safari opportunities make it one of the most popular times to visit Maun.

  • Comfortable days, cold nights and mornings
  • Superb game viewing in nearby Moremi and Delta
  • Scenic flights over Delta highly recommended
  • Peak season, book well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Maun in August

August is a popular time to visit Maun, coinciding with European and North American summer holidays. Temperatures begin to rise towards the end of the month, but cloudless skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities. Wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve is outstanding, as animals concentrate around water sources.

Boat cruises on the Thamalakane River provide close encounters with hippos and crocodiles, while scenic flights offer stunning views of the Delta’s intricate waterways. The Nhabe Museum showcases local history and culture, adding a cultural element to a visit. Despite high rates and limited availability, August offers a diverse and rewarding experience for visitors.

  • Dry, warm days with cool nights
  • Excellent wildlife watching in Okavango Delta
  • Moremi Game Reserve at its wildlife peak
  • Okavango Delta in full flood, boat safaris ideal
  • High season rates – advance booking essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Maun in September

September ushers in warmer days and cool nights in Maun. The dry conditions create stark landscapes, while hazy skies contribute to breathtaking sunsets. Game viewing is excellent in the nearby Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve, with large numbers of elephants and buffalo congregating around water sources.

Nearer to Maun, the Thamalakane River becomes a prime location for birdwatching as migratory species begin to return. Scenic flights over the Delta provide striking contrasts between dry land and remaining water sources. Cultural tours to nearby villages add depth to the experience, offering insights into traditional dry-season practices. Despite high rates, September remains one of the best months for game viewing.

  • Warm days, cool nights
  • Excellent wildlife viewing, especially in Moremi and the Delta
  • Migratory birds return, enhancing birdwatching opportunities
  • Stunning sunsets and photography conditions
  • Peak season - lodges often fully booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Maun in October

October is one of the hottest months in Maun, with dry conditions prevailing until late in the month when the first rains may begin. The nearby Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve offer excellent game viewing as wildlife concentrates around scarce water sources. The heat creates unique photographic opportunities with dramatic landscapes and golden light.

Boat cruises along the Thamalakane River provide a refreshing escape from the heat while offering great wildlife sightings. The Nhabe Museum provides a cool retreat to explore local culture and history. As water levels drop, some water-based activities in the Delta may become unavailable, but game drives remain highly rewarding. Birdwatching is excellent, with many species displaying vibrant breeding plumage.

  • Hot days, chance of rain late in month
  • Excellent big game viewing opportunities
  • Water activities less available as floods recede
  • Final month of ‘peak season’ in most safari camps

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in October

Maun in November

November usually marks the start of the green season in Maun, with rising temperatures and increasing humidity leading to the first rains. Afternoon or evening showers rejuvenate the landscape, bring the first flush of fresh green back to the landscape. Wildlife in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve begins to disperse as water sources become more widely available. Early November offers good game viewing at lower rates as the shoulder season begins.

It's also is an excellent month for birdwatching, as many migratory species arrive. Scenic flights over the Delta reveal the striking transition between the dry and wet seasons. The Maun International Arts Festival often occurs this month, celebrating local culture and creativity

  • Hot days, sometimes humid, with refreshing rains
  • Wildlife viewing good but less predictable
  • Migratory birds arrive, excellent for birding
  • Shoulder season begins, mid-range rates

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Maun in December

December sees the rainy season in full swing in Maun, bringing some relief to the high temperatures. The rains transform the landscape into a lush and vibrant setting, making it a spectacular time for birdwatching along the Thamalakane River, where migratory species are abundant. Scenic flights over the Delta provide a unique perspective on the dramatic seasonal changes.

Wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve becomes more challenging as animals spread out, but great sightings are still possible in key areas. The Makgadikgadi salt pans near Maun may flood, attracting birds, and sometimes large flocks of breeding flamingos. With low-season rates, December is an excellent option for budget-conscious travellers looking to experience Maun and its surroundings.

  • Warm with frequent rain
  • Wildlife more dispersed, viewing challenging
  • Excellent birdwatching with migratory species in abundance
  • Stunning scenic flights over the Delta
  • Low-season rates make it an attractive time to visit

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Botswana fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Thamo Telele


Excursions from Thamo Telele

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Thamo Telele. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.

Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.

More about Helicopter Flight
100% (1 reviews)

Other lodges in Maun

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Thamalakane River Lodge

Thamalakane River Lodge

With its tranquil riverside location, Thamalakane makes an excellent buffer between a tiring long-haul flight and the magic of a safari.


82% (64 reviews)
Riley's Hotel

Riley's Hotel

In the heart of Maun, about 3km from the airport, Riley’s makes a relatively reliable stopover for one night.


73% (12 reviews)

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