Island Safari Lodge

Description

Picture yourself at a peaceful riverside retreat where the Thamalakane River flows gently past towering trees. [Island Safari Lodge](https://www.islmaun.com/) sits on a massive 300-acre private reserve just outside Maun, creating the perfect jumping-off point for your Botswana adventures. I absolutely fell in love with how the lodge seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings - it's the kind of place where you can watch elephants drink from the river while sipping your morning coffee. The lodge offers that perfect mix of comfort and authenticity that I always look for in Africa. The [rooms and chalets](https://www.agoda.com/en-ie/island-safari-lodge/hotel/maun-bw.html) aren't fancy - think upscale safari cabin rather than luxury hotel - but they're clean, comfortable, and have everything you need, including air conditioning for those hot afternoons. What really makes this place special is the atmosphere - it's laid-back and friendly, with that wonderful sense of being away from it all while still having modern conveniences at hand.

Key Features

• Expansive private reserve spanning 300 acres of pristine wilderness • Riverside restaurant and bar overlooking the Thamalakane River • Refreshing outdoor swimming pool surrounded by indigenous trees • Well-maintained nature trails for walking and bird watching • Traditional safari-style accommodation with modern amenities • Full-service restaurant serving local and international cuisine • Complimentary WiFi throughout the main areas • Airport shuttle service available • Family-friendly facilities and activities • Stunning outdoor areas perfect for wildlife viewing • Laundry service for guests • Secure parking on premises

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, the best time to visit Island Safari Lodge is during Botswana's dry season, which runs from May to October. The weather is absolutely gorgeous during these months - warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. Plus, the wildlife viewing is at its peak since animals tend to gather around water sources. I particularly love visiting in July and August when the days are clear and the temperatures are most comfortable. That said, the green season (November to April) has its own magic. Sure, you might get some afternoon showers, but the landscape transforms into this incredible emerald paradise, and the bird watching is simply spectacular. The rates are also typically lower during this period, and you'll find fewer tourists around.

How to Get There

Getting to Island Safari Lodge is pretty straightforward. The property sits about 10 kilometers from Maun Airport, making it an ideal first or last stop on your Botswana safari journey. You've got several options for reaching the lodge - they offer an airport shuttle service (just make sure to book it in advance), or you can grab a taxi from the airport or Maun town center. If you're driving yourself (which I've done and actually recommend if you're comfortable with it), the lodge is easy to find. The roads are well-maintained, and you'll get to enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way. Trust me, when you start seeing the massive trees and catch that first glimpse of the river, you'll know you're nearly there.

Tips for Visiting

After staying here multiple times, I've picked up some insider tips that'll help make your visit even better. First off, request a river-facing room if possible - there's nothing quite like waking up to that view! Also, don't miss the sunset from the restaurant deck - it's absolutely stunning, and the cocktails they serve make it even better. Remember to pack some comfortable walking shoes because the nature trails are worth exploring. I always bring binoculars too - the bird life here is incredible, and you never know what wildlife might appear across the river. If you're planning to use the pool (and you should, it's lovely), bring your swimsuit even in winter as the days can get quite warm. Book your activities through the lodge in advance, especially during peak season. The staff have great connections with local operators and can often get you better rates on safari excursions. And speaking of staff - don't hesitate to chat with them. They're incredibly knowledgeable about the area and always have great stories to share. While the lodge has modern amenities, it's still a bush setting, so pack accordingly - bring insect repellent, sun protection, and some warmer layers for evening time, even in summer. Oh, and keep your camera handy - some of my best wildlife photos were taken right from the lodge's deck!