Island Safari Lodge

The Island Safari Lodge has been part of the landscape in Maun, Botswana since 1973, when it was established by the legendary Tony Cox. With a restaurant that serves “Elephant’s Leg “ (a delicious lamb shank) as well as a bar with a climbing pole that invites the brave to scale it, it is no wonder that the Island Safari Lodge is popular among locals and tourists on their way to or from the Okavango Delta.

Despite it being almost 30 years old, the Island Safari Lodge has been renovated to stay ahead of the pack in Maun, Botswana. Guests are accommodated in 12 thatched chalets as well as 4 rooms. The chalets are all en suite (with double-headed shower) and equipped with airconditioning and TV. They are furnished with pieces made from wood sourced in the area surrounding Maun. The en suite rooms are adjoining and are therefore very popular among families exploring the Okavango Delta and other areas of Botswana. The rooms are not airconditioned and do not have TV. The Island Safari Lodge also offers shady campsites, with shared ablutions, a braai area as well as power points.

The Island Safari Lodge overlooks the Thamalakane River and is well-known for its mokoro safaris. Huge, shade trees are in abundance on the grounds of the Island Safari Lodge and beyond, so birdwatchers can be sure of spotting a rich variety of bird species. The Lodge has a number of expert guides on the staff that conduct regular guided birding walks. You can hire a bicycle from the reception at Island Safari Lodge, or the reception staff can arrange helicopter trips, game viewing or fishing trips into the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Enjoy a sundowner on the patio at Island Safari Lodge, while the children get rid of all their pent-up energy on the jungle gym or in one of the two swimming pools. Maun in Botswana can be a very hot place!

BOTSWANA

From Island Safari Lodge near Maun the road to Shakawe in the north west of Botswana is a tar road and in a good condition. Shakawe is along the western panhandle of the Okavango Delta and an excellent venue for fishing and birding in the Okavango Delta. Drotsky's Cabins and it's sister lodges namely Xaro Lodge and Lawdons are the best lodges. South west of Maun lies Ghanzi which is the gateway to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The Kalahari Arms Hotel is a three star hotel and very rich in history. If you prefer a game reserve, Thakadu Camp five km south of Ghanzi will be the place for you.

NAMIBIA

Namibia lies to the west of Maun and Island Safari Lodge. You can drive to the coastal resort, Swakopmund within two days. In Swakopmund Alte Brucke offers self-catering accommodation. Further north is the Kunene District which was previously known as Damaraland. Near the Petrified Forest and at the famous Twyfelfontein rock paintings and engravings is Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. Still in Damaralnd, but east of Khorixas near the Vingerklip Rock is Ugab Terrace Lodge. This lodge is best known for its excellent views.

ZIMBABWE

Zimbabwe is north east of Botswana. The Matobo Hills National Park is within a day's drive from Island Safari Lodge. Here the famous Matobo Hills Lodge offers excellent accommodation and service with magnificent views. Two days from Island Safari Lodge is Harare the capital city of Zimbabwe. Spend a night at the Harare Cresta Lodge before you continue to the beautiful Leopard Rock Hotel in the Vumba Mountains. This hotel is a five star resort with breathtaking views and a world class golf course. Your next stop will most likely be the Great Zimbabwe Monument. Norma Jeane's Lakeview Resort offers hotel accommodation and self-catering accommodation with views over Lake Kyle. It is only five km from the Zimbabwe Ruins

SOUTH AFRICA

In South Africa to the south east of Island Safari Lodge and in the Drakensberg Mountains is one of Africa's best lodges namely the Amazian Mountain River Lodge. It is known as one of Africa's most romantic destinations. Along the Garden Route in the south of the country is the famous Misty Mountain Lodge on a nature reserve with the same name. Their service is excellent and the views over the beautiful coast line is simply magnificent.