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Island Safari Lodge

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Island Safari Lodge: A Legend on the Banks of the Thamalakane

In the history of Botswana tourism, few names carry as much weight or nostalgia as Island Safari Lodge. Established in 1973, long before Maun became the bustling safari hub it is today, this lodge was one of the pioneers—a beacon for the early explorers, the overland adventurers, and those seeking the solitude of the river.

Situated approximately 12 kilometers north of Maun airport, Island Safari Lodge sits on a private island reserve in the Thamalakane River. It is a place of deep shade, ancient trees, and the constant, calming presence of flowing water. Unlike the transient camps that pop up and disappear with the seasons, Island Safari Lodge has roots. It has stood the test of time, evolving from a rugged outpost into a comfortable, contemporary river retreat while retaining its soulful connection to the old-school African safari.

This is a place where the frenetic energy of Maun fades away. As you cross the causeway onto the island, the temperature seems to drop under the canopy of the massive Jackalberry and Leadwood trees. The dust settles. The noise of the town is replaced by the call of the African Fish Eagle and the rustle of monkeys in the branches.

Whether you are starting your Botswana odyssey, winding down after a week in the deep bush, or looking for a family-friendly base to explore the fringes of the Delta, Island Safari Lodge offers a sanctuary of heritage, hospitality, and riverine beauty.

Top 3 Reasons to Visit Island Safari Lodge

• A Historic Icon on a Private Island: Stay at one of Maun's original lodges, set on a lush, 300-acre private island reserve. This unique setting offers a dense forest canopy and river frontage that provides a sense of seclusion and wilderness just minutes from town.
• The Ultimate Relaxed River Vibe: With two swimming pools, a sprawling restaurant deck overlooking the water, and shaded gardens, the lodge is designed for downtime. It is the perfect “decompression zone” for travelers adjusting to the African pace.
• Affordable Gateway to the Delta: Offering high-quality accommodation at a price point that is significantly more accessible than the fly-in camps, Island Safari Lodge allows you to experience the magic of the Okavango via day trips without breaking the bank.

The Island Atmosphere: Heritage and Canopy

To visit Island Safari Lodge is to step back into a calmer era of travel. The lodge doesn't try to compete with the ultra-modern, glass-and-steel designs of the new city hotels. Instead, it embraces its heritage.

The Forested Sanctuary

The defining feature of the lodge is its trees. The island is covered in a dense riverine forest. Massive Jackalberry (Mokutshumo) trees, with their dark, ebony-like bark, tower over the chalets. Ancient Leadwoods, the monarchs of the bush, provide dappled shade. Sycamore Figs line the banks, their roots gripping the soil like giant fingers.

• The Microclimate: This canopy creates a natural microclimate. Even when Maun is baking in the October heat, the island remains cool and breezy. The air smells of river water, damp earth, and wild sage.
• The Residents: The trees are alive. Vervet monkeys chase each other through the branches (watch your breakfast!), squirrels chatter from the trunks, and a dazzling array of birds flit between the leaves. It feels like a living, breathing ecosystem, not just a hotel garden.

A Legacy of 1973

Being one of the first, the lodge has a sense of place that new establishments lack. It has “bones.” The pathways are worn smooth by decades of travelers. The bar has heard stories of the old hunters, the modern conservationists, and the overland trucks that crossed Africa. Despite a major refurbishment that modernized the rooms and facilities, the soul of the 1973 original remains. It is unpretentious, welcoming, and deeply relaxed.

Location: The Thamalakane River Island

Island Safari Lodge is located on the Thamalakane River, the lifeblood of Maun. However, its specific location sets it apart from other riverfront properties.

The Private Reserve

The lodge sits on a 300-acre private island reserve. This protected area is fenced on the landward side to keep cattle out and wildlife in, but open to the river.

• Nature Walks: Because the reserve is free of dangerous predators (lions/buffalo), guests can safely walk the nature trails that wind through the bush. This is a rare freedom in Botswana.
• The Wildlife: The reserve is home to a resident population of bushbuck, impala, and playful monkeys. Seeing a bushbuck picking its way delicately through the undergrowth while you walk to dinner is a charming daily occurrence.

Accessibility

• From Maun Airport: The lodge is about 12km from the airport. The drive takes 15-20 minutes. It is far enough to escape the noise of the planes and the traffic, but close enough to be a convenient base.
• The Causeway: Access is via a small causeway bridge. Crossing this bridge feels like crossing a threshold—leaving the world behind and entering the sanctuary.

Accommodation: Thatched River View Comfort

The accommodation at Island Safari Lodge has been updated to meet modern standards while respecting the traditional thatch-and-timber aesthetic of the region. There are 12 Chalets and 6 Heritage Rooms, all nestled in the shade of the ancient trees.

The Thatched Chalets

These are the signature rooms. Arranged in a line facing towards the river channel or the lush gardens, they offer privacy and comfort.

• Design: The chalets feature high thatched roofs which are not only aesthetically pleasing but crucial for keeping the interiors cool. The décor is contemporary African—clean lines, neutral tones, and splashes of color in the textiles.
• Comfort: Each chalet is equipped with air-conditioning (a non-negotiable luxury in summer) and Digital Satellite TV (DSTV).
• En-Suite: The bathrooms are modern and spacious, featuring showers with plenty of hot water.
• The Veranda: Every chalet has a small private veranda with chairs. This is your personal viewing spot. You can sit here with a book and watch the squirrels, or simply listen to the wind in the Jackalberry leaves.

The Heritage Rooms

These rooms pay homage to the lodge's history. They are slightly different in layout but offer the same level of comfort, air-conditioning, and garden views. They are often favored by those looking for a cozy, nostalgic feel.

Family Friendly

The lodge is very accommodating to families. The spacious grounds allow children to run freely (safely away from the river edge), and rooms can often be configured to accommodate little ones. The relaxed atmosphere means parents don't have to worry about their kids making a noise—this is a place for laughter and fun.

Main Lodge Facilities: The Riverfront Hub

The central complex of Island Safari Lodge is where the heart of the property beats. It is designed to maximize the river views and the shade.

The Restaurant and Deck

The restaurant is a vast, open-sided structure that spills out onto a massive wooden deck overlooking the Thamalakane River.

• The View: This is arguably one of the best decks in Maun. You are perched right above the water. You can look down and see tilapia swimming in the shallows, or look across to the reed beds on the far bank.
• The Atmosphere: During the day, it is a cool, shaded refuge for lunch. In the evening, lanterns are lit, and the reflection of the moon on the water creates a magical setting for dinner.

The Swimming Pools

Unusually, the lodge boasts two swimming pools.

• The Main Pool: Located near the bar and restaurant, this is the social hub. It has a “waterfall” feature and is surrounded by sun loungers. It’s perfect for a dip before lunch.
• The Garden Pool: Tucked away in a quieter part of the gardens, this pool offers more tranquility. It’s ideal for those wanting to read or nap in peace.

The Bar

The bar is a classic safari watering hole. Stocked with ice-cold St. Louis and Okavango craft beers, it’s the place to swap stories. The bar area has DSTV, making it a popular spot to catch major sporting events without disrupting the peace of the restaurant.

Dining Experience: Comfort Food with a View

Dining at Island Safari Lodge is relaxed, hearty, and unpretentious. It caters to an international palate while celebrating local ingredients.

• The Menu: The restaurant is known for its excellent steaks (Botswana beef is world-renowned), fresh salads, and wood-fired pizzas. They also serve local river bream (tilapia) when available—a must-try delicacy.
• Breakfast: A full buffet breakfast sets you up for the day. Fresh fruits, yogurts, cereals, and a hot English breakfast station are standard.
• Sunday Lunch: The lodge is famous locally for its Sunday Roast buffet. It’s a time when Maun residents mix with tourists, creating a lively, community atmosphere.
• Al Fresco: Most meals are eaten on the deck. There is something primal and satisfying about eating good food while watching a river flow by.

Safari Activities: Your Gateway to the Delta

While you could happily spend days just lounging by the pool, Island Safari Lodge is a fully equipped activity center. They have their own fleet of boats and vehicles, making them a one-stop-shop for exploration.

1. Boat Cruises (Water Level Dependent)

Because the lodge is on the river, the boat cruise starts from the reception.

• The Journey: You step onto a comfortable aluminum boat and head upstream. Depending on the flood levels, you can navigate the Thamalakane and head towards the Boro River—the gateway to the Delta.
• The Sights: This is a birdwatcher's dream. You will see African Jacanas walking on lily pads, Malachite Kingfishers diving for minnows, and perhaps even a monitor lizard basking on a log. It is a peaceful, scenic way to see the landscape.
• Sunset Cruise: The most popular activity. Drifting on the river with a cooler box of drinks as the sun sets behind the palms is the definition of “safari relaxation.”

2. Mokoro Day Trips

For the authentic “silent safari,” the lodge organizes full-day mokoro trips.

• The Transfer: You are driven (approx. 45 mins to 1 hour) to a polling station on the edge of the permanent Delta (usually the Boro or Daunara area).
• The Experience: You meet your local poler and board the dugout canoe. For the next few hours, you glide through the channels. It is quiet, intimate, and stunningly beautiful. You stop on an island for a picnic lunch and a short nature walk before poling back.

3. Moremi Game Reserve Day Trips

For those wanting to see big game (lions, elephants, leopards), the lodge runs full-day excursions to Moremi Game Reserve.

• The Drive: It is an early start (around 05:30 AM). You travel in an open-sided game viewer vehicle. The drive to South Gate takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• The Safari: Once in Moremi, you spend the whole day game viewing. The guides know the best loops for predators. You enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic spot (like Third Bridge or Xakanaxa) before returning in the late afternoon.
• Value: This is a fantastic way to see Moremi without paying the high nightly rates of the lodges inside the park.

4. Scenic Flights

The lodge can book scenic flights (helicopter or fixed-wing) departing from Maun Airport. This is the only way to truly grasp the immensity of the Delta. Seeing the “fingers” of the flood spreading across the desert sand is a bucket-list moment.

The Camping Experience: Overland Heaven

Island Safari Lodge has not forgotten its roots. It maintains one of the best campsites in Maun, beloved by the overland community.

• The Sites: The campsite is shaded by the massive trees. It is not a dusty parking lot; it is a wooded grove.
• Facilities: Campers have their own clean ablution blocks with hot water. They also have full access to the lodge’s pools, bar, and restaurant.
• The Vibe: In the evenings, the smell of braai (barbecue) smoke drifts through the trees, and travelers swap advice on road conditions and border crossings. It adds a wonderful, adventurous energy to the property.

When to Visit: Seasons of the River

Island Safari Lodge is open year-round.

The Dry Season (May to October)

• The Flood: Ironically, the dry season is when the river is often highest. The floodwaters from Angola reach Maun around June/July, filling the Thamalakane. This is the best time for boating directly from the lodge.
• The Weather: Cool nights and warm, sunny days.
• The Vibe: Busy and buzzing. This is peak safari season.

The Green Season (November to April)

• The Rain: The landscape turns emerald green. The birding on the lodge grounds is spectacular as migrants arrive.
• The River: Water levels might be lower (before the new flood arrives), so boat cruises might be restricted or require a transfer to deeper water.
• The Heat: It gets hot, but the lodge’s heavy shade and two pools offer the perfect escape.

Conclusion: The Grand Dame of Maun

Island Safari Lodge is comfortable in its own skin. It doesn't need gold taps or butler service to impress. It relies on its heritage, its incredible trees, and the timeless flow of the river.

It is a place that feels like a home. It is where you go to wash the dust off your face, to eat a good meal, and to sleep soundly under a thatched roof. It is the perfect bridge between the wild and the civilized.

Whether you are a family looking for a safe and fun base, a couple seeking a romantic river retreat, or an adventurer needing a rest, the Island welcomes you.

Cross the bridge to tranquility. Click the “Book Now” button to secure your river-facing chalet, or select “Ask a Question” to enquire about the current water levels and boat cruise options.

INCLUDES

• Accommodation in a Heritage Room or Chalet.
• Full Breakfast daily.
• Air-conditioning and DSTV in rooms.
• Wi-Fi access (mostly in public areas).
• Access to two swimming pools and the private island reserve.
• Secure parking for self-drivers.
• VAT and government levies.

EXCLUDES

• Lunch and Dinner (available at the restaurant).
• All drinks and beverages.
• Airport transfers (can be arranged for a fee).
• All activities (Boat cruises, Mokoro trips, Game drives) - charged separately.
• Laundry service.
• Gratuities.
• Travel insurance.