Welcome to Okavango River Lodge Backpackers and campsite.
About Okavango River Lodge
Sitting on the banks of the Thamalakane River, we can boast the largest river frontage as well as being one of the oldest watering holes in Maun.
We are a budget backpackers offering bedded tents with shared ablutions or a large shady campsite with power points and brick braai areas.
Rooms are basic, no aircon, but have fans and mosquito nets.
Eating out? - Our kitchen serves good home cooking open from 7am until 9pm. A river lodge breakfast is a must or try our notable Bunny Chow!
Features of Okavango River Lodge
- Campsite with braai area
- Family Rooms
- Bar
- Internet
- Swimming Pool
- Laundry facilities
- Credit cards accepted
- 24 Hour security
What to do at Okavango River Lodge
We offer boat cruises, mokoro trips, safaris, and can organise horse rides, scenic flights and bird walks. In fact we can help you and advise on anything you need.
So come and visit us, no matter if you came back from a Safari into the Delta or had a relaxing day sun-bathing, you'll enjoy our open and spacious bar area for a nice evening experience.
Share your day with other guests or the many Maun residents that drop in for a sun-downer on their way home.
Activities at Okavango River Lodge
- Safaris by Mokoro
- Horseback
- Boating
Mokoro trips
These are our most popular trip. For the budget conscious it’s a perfect way to enter the delta and truly experience the local way of life and to get close to the magic and the beauty that the delta has to offer.
Mokoro trips are based on the traditional Bayei method of traveling through the flood plains of the Okavango Delta.
Our trips are located around the Eastern delta in a community controlled wilderness area.
We transfer you to the mokoro station on the Boro River by motorboat or by 4WD where you will meet your qualified community guide.
He will pole you around the myriad water channels looking for wildlife and the large variety of birds which inhabit the Delta.
During the day you will stop at an island for lunch and a walk and then take a relaxing pole back to the station where we will be waiting with a cold beer or two!
If you wish to spend a night or two out camping you need to supply yourself with tents cooking equipment and drinks, and for day trippers a pack lunch and some drinks.
We hire out all camping equipment if you require.
It is truly a wilderness experience. There are no facilities out there as you camp on an island chosen by your guide.
He will light you a fire to cook over and if you wish to share your meals with him you can, although they do pack for themselves.
Boating
We offer motor boat cruises up the Thamalakane to the junction where it meets with the Boro River and up to the buffalo fence.
It is 2 hours in duration and we often do this over sunset! The river is line with acacia forest and halfway up it starts to open up and you are able to view local farming plots and villages.
Our boat takes up to 6 people.
If there is a large group of you SIR ROSES OF THE RIVER is a lovely and large barge that can take up to 20 people for a gentle trip up river.
Horse Riding
In conjunction with African Animal Adventures we can organize horse rides around the local area of maun.
Either along the river or deep into the mopane forest a ride will invigorate your senses. All levels of experience welcome.
Mobile Safaris
Neil, a professional guide and his 2F Landcruiser (6 pax) are available for short trips into Moremi or Nxai Pan.
We can offer self catered with your equipment or totally catered for. Just get in touch with us and we can give you a quote.
If you are a large group or want a longer itinery we have the contacts to help you plan this also using resources from the local community.
Scenic Flights
We are agents for MACK AIR who are a reliable and efficient charter company here in maun.
We can organize scenics at short notice and prices vary on the size of plane.
Five to twelve seaters are available.
Self Drive
If you are a self driver - we can help with handy hints on where to go. If you wish to be a self driver we can also help you with hiring a car.
Please note DWNP have now changed the rules regarding park fees. All park fees must be paid in town before entering the parks.
Basket Weaving
Just 3km for river lodge towards town, after the old bridge you will find Matlapana Basket Shop.
Here the ladies weave many baskets and are happy to show you how to weave. They have won many awards for their technique and designs.
So go on and experience one of the popular crafts indigenous to Botswana. Taking a Botswana Basket home is a must and this way it goes straight to the community.
