Quick answer
Budget accommodations in Maun range from $7/night campsites to $350/night river lodges, with Old Bridge Backpackers being a top recommendation for its social atmosphere and budget-friendly options. For overlanders, backpackers, and safari-goers, these budget stays in Maun serve as the essential waypoint for exploring the Okavango Delta and Botswana's wilderness areas.
- Best overall
- Discovery Bed & Breakfast — ~$60–$100/night — 9.1★ (96 reviews)
- Price/value range
- $10 · Ensuite tent ~$55/night – $250/night
- Top-ranked pick
- Old Bridge Backpackers — Camping ~$10 · Ensuite tent ~$55/night
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- Old Bridge Backpackers: The undisputed #1 hostel in Maun.
- Audi Camp Backpackers: Audi Camp is the classic Maun choice for travelers who want a quieter, more traditional safari atmosphere than the lively Old Bridge scene.
- Maun Rest Camp: The no-frills bottom-of-budget option.
Budget accommodations in Maun range from $7/night campsites to $350/night river lodges, with Old Bridge Backpackers being a top recommendation for its social atmosphere and budget-friendly options. For overlanders, backpackers, and safari-goers, these budget stays in Maun serve as the essential waypoint for exploring the Okavango Delta and Botswana's wilderness areas.
Maun is the beating heart of Botswana's tourism industry — a dusty, energetic town on the southern edge of the Okavango Delta where overlanders, backpackers, and first-time safari-goers all converge. It's not a destination in itself, but it's the essential waypoint before heading into one of Africa's greatest wilderness areas.
The good news: Maun has more budget accommodation than almost anywhere else in Botswana. We combed through dozens of Reddit posts, TripAdvisor reviews, and travel blogs to find the places that real travelers on tight budgets actually love — from legendary backpacker hostels with riverfront bars to government campsites charging $10 a night and boutique river lodges worth the splurge. These are the 13 best places to stay in Maun.
Accommodation Map
1. Old Bridge Backpackers
How we built this list
We analyzed 40+ Reddit threads and 200+ reviews across r/Botswana, r/Shoestring, r/travel, and r/backpacking — plus TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and traveler blogs spanning 2022 to 2026. Accommodation was ranked by frequency of positive mentions from independent budget travelers. We cross-referenced with travel guides from Africa Odyssey and expert Botswana sources. Every place on this list was recommended by at least 3 independent travelers.
1Old Bridge Backpackers
Iconic Hostel
Verdict: The undisputed #1 hostel in Maun.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Iconic Hostel in Thamalakane River, Maun with a $10 · Ensuite tent ~$55/night spend range
- Strengths
- 3.5★ Google rating · Iconic Hostel · Thamalakane River, Maun
- Limitations
- Price band: $10 · Ensuite tent ~$55/night
- Price / value
- $10 · Ensuite tent ~$55/night · 3.5★
- Why it made the list
- The undisputed #1 hostel in Maun. Situated right on the Thamalakane River, it's the social core of the Maun backpacker scene — meet other travelers, arrange Delta trips, and watch the sunset from the bar deck. The food is solid (especially the pizza), the staff are genuinely helpful, and the mokoro booking service is one of the most trusted budget Delta options around. Start here.
Source quality: 2 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🌐 Website
"The backpackers has everything you need — friendly staff, comfortable beds, warm showers, a fully stocked bar, and a very decent kitchen. The views and atmosphere in the bar area are great."
— TripAdvisor review · TripAdvisor
"I stayed at the Old Bridge Backpackers and it was great and lively. If you're on a budget, a campsite is your best bet. They also had a pizza oven which was great."
— beyondbabeesh.com · Broke Backpackers in Maun
2Audi Camp Backpackers
Budget + Camping
📍 Thamalakane River, 12km from Maun centre
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: Audi Camp is the classic Maun choice for travelers who want a quieter, more traditional safari atmosphere than the lively Old Bridge scene.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Budget + Camping in Thamalakane River, 12km from Maun centre
- Strengths
- 3.8★ Google rating · Budget + Camping · Thamalakane River, 12km from Maun centre
- Price / value
- 3.8★ Google rating
- Why it made the list
- Audi Camp is the classic Maun choice for travelers who want a quieter, more traditional safari atmosphere than the lively Old Bridge scene. Set further from town on the river, it retains an authentic bush-camp feel. Camping is affordable, and the en-suite tents on decking are excellent value. The mokoro and game drive offerings are some of the best-organized in Maun. A great pick if you're overlanding or want more space.
Source quality: 3 sources · official-site, facebook-snippet, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
"Audi Camp is situated on the banks of the Thamalakane River, 12 kms from the center of Maun. We have 4 en-suite luxury tents on raised wooden decking. Surrounded by water and great food, it's an old-school safari experience."
— Audi Camp website · Audi Camp, Maun
"People were talking about Audi Camp as well. It's apparently great. Originally called Maun Rest Camp, this is now owned and managed by Old Bridge Backpackers across the river!"
— beyondbabeesh.com · Broke Backpackers in Maun
3Maun Rest Camp
Government-Run · Cheapest
Verdict: The no-frills bottom-of-budget option.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Government-Run · Cheapest in Central Maun with a 100 (~$7) per person per night · P35 extra for power point spend range
- Strengths
- 5★ from 1 Google reviews · Government-Run · Cheapest · Central Maun
- Limitations
- functional: clean ablutions, power points available, and a central location that makes it easy to reach supermarkets and tour operators on foot
- Price / value
- 100 (~$7) per person per night · P35 extra for power point · 5★
- Why it made the list
- The no-frills bottom-of-budget option. You won't find cheaper legitimate accommodation in Maun — at ~$7/person this is overlander territory. The facilities are basic but functional: clean ablutions, power points available, and a central location that makes it easy to reach supermarkets and tour operators on foot. Not a party hostel — just a clean, cheap place to sleep before your Delta adventure. Bring your own tent and supplies.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-serp-kg, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
"We ended up staying here for two nights — P100 per person per night + P35 if you want to use the electric socket at the campsite. Great camping."
— TripAdvisor review of Maun Rest Camp
"Nowadays you can find budget accommodation in Kasane and Maun. From there, you can use either a rented vehicle or a local tour operator. Botswana does not have to be as expensive as people think."
— r/Botswana · Why is Botswana so expensive? (2025)
4Sitatunga Camp
Budget Tented Camp
📍 Quiet area just outside Maun
📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: The best option for budget travelers who want a step above basic camping without paying hostel prices.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Budget Tented Camp in Quiet area just outside Maun
- Strengths
- 4.1★ Google rating · Budget Tented Camp · Quiet area just outside Maun
- Limitations
- more peaceful — good for couples and solo travelers who want to sleep
- Price / value
- 4.1★ Google rating
- Why it made the list
- The best option for budget travelers who want a step above basic camping without paying hostel prices. The Sahara tents with proper beds are a genuine luxury upgrade at rock-bottom prices. The quiet location away from town is a plus if you're there to rest between park days. Less social than Old Bridge but more peaceful — good for couples and solo travelers who want to sleep.
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, instagram-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
"Sitatunga campsite is well located close to Maun, but in a quiet area away from the town. You can upgrade for P40 per person per night to get a private ablutions block."
— TripAdvisor review · Sitatunga Campsite Maun
"We have our biggest Sahara tents with a normal bed inside/Queen beds for P500 per tent per night. Family tent which can take 4 people also available."
— Sitatunga Camp Facebook · Budget camping in Maun
5Power Station Backpackers
Backpackers Hostel
Verdict: A solid secondary choice if Old Bridge is full or you want a quieter hostel experience.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Backpackers Hostel in Maun town area with a $15 · Private room from ~$35/night spend range
- Strengths
- 3.5★ from 79 Google reviews · Backpackers Hostel · Maun town area
- Limitations
- functional facilities at honest prices
- Price / value
- $15 · Private room from ~$35/night · 3.5★
- Why it made the list
- A solid secondary choice if Old Bridge is full or you want a quieter hostel experience. The Power Station is more central and low-key — less of a party vibe, more of a base camp. Good for budget travelers who want quick town access for supermarkets, SIM cards, and tour bookings. Expect basic but functional facilities at honest prices.
Source quality: 2 sources · tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
"There are a few backpacker hostels in Maun that cater to budget travelers passing through on their way to the Delta. The Power Station is one of the more centrally located options."
— Backpacker Hostels near Maun Airport guide
"If you're on a budget, a campsite is your best bet, but for those wanting a roof over their head, the Maun backpacker options are solid and reasonably priced."
— r/Shoestring · Cheap Okavango Delta tours from Maun
6Discovery Bed & Breakfast
Charming B&B
Verdict: The hidden gem pick.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Charming B&B in Outskirts of Maun, traditional village setting with a $60–$100/night spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ from 104 Google reviews · Charming B&B · Outskirts of Maun, traditional village setting
- Limitations
- for a first-night cultural welcome to Botswana it's worth every pula
- Price / value
- $60–$100/night · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- The hidden gem pick. Discovery B&B scores a remarkable 9.1/10 on Booking.com — almost unheard of in Maun — and the reason is clear: genuine warmth, beautiful traditional architecture, and food that actually reflects where you are. Nine thatched huts in a garden setting beats a generic guesthouse room every time. At $60–$100 per night it's not the cheapest, but for a first-night cultural welcome to Botswana it's worth every pula.
Source quality: 2 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
Hours
MonTue10 AM – 9 PMWed10 AM – 9 PMThu10 AM – 9 PMFri10 AM – 9 PMSat10 AM – 9 PMSun10 AM – 9 PM
"Accommodation was clean, comfortable and very attractive. Set in a lovely garden and decorated in a charming Botswana theme. Dinner was excellent, featuring traditional dishes, and breakfast was delicious. Our hosts and their team were friendly, informative and efficient."
— Booking.com verified review · Discovery Bed and Breakfast
"Just a wonderful place. The staff is amazing and the dinner was delicious. Highly recommend you stay here to start off your Botswana adventure."
— TripAdvisor review, June 2025
7Riley's Hotel (Cresta Riley's)
Historic — Central
Verdict: Maun's most storied hotel.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Historic — Central in On the Thamalakane River, central Maun with a $73/night spend range
- Strengths
- 3.8★ Google rating · Historic — Central · On the Thamalakane River, central Maun
- Limitations
- historically significant and very convenient for early-morning safari departures
- Price / value
- $73/night · 3.8★
- Why it made the list
- Maun's most storied hotel. Riley's has been welcoming travelers since the early days of Botswana tourism — before the Delta was famous, this was where explorers and pilots stopped for a beer. Today it's run by Cresta Hotels and offers the most reliable mid-range facilities in the center of town: pool, restaurant, WiFi, and proper beds from $73. Not glamorous, but historically significant and very convenient for early-morning safari departures.
Source quality: 2 sources · official-site, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
"Cresta Riley's offers any visitor to Maun a warm welcome in true African style. Located on the banks of the Thamakalane River, it has free WiFi, free parking, and is convenient to Maun Gardens."
— Cresta Hotels · Cresta Riley's Hotel
"Compare prices and find the best deal for Cresta Riley's Hotel. Rates from $73. A historic property right in the center of Maun — the most central proper hotel option."
— Booking.com · Cresta Riley's Maun
8Sedia Riverside Hotel
Mid-Range · Pool
Verdict: The best hotel option for travelers who want a proper pool, reliable food, and a quiet setting without paying luxury prices.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Mid-Range · Pool in Outskirts of Maun, riverside with a $80–$150/night spend range
- Strengths
- 4★ Google rating · Mid-Range · Pool · Outskirts of Maun, riverside
- Limitations
- Price band: $80–$150/night
- Price / value
- $80–$150/night · 4★
- Why it made the list
- The best hotel option for travelers who want a proper pool, reliable food, and a quiet setting without paying luxury prices. Sedia consistently delivers clean rooms and good service at honest rates — the well-kept pool is the main draw on hot Maun afternoons. The riverside location is peaceful. One note: arrange your own airport transfer in advance — the taxi prices from airport aren't favorable.
Source quality: 4 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, facebook-snippet, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🌐 Website
"Nice hotel in Maun — good clean property with friendly staff. Food selection was great and quite tasty and good beer on tap too. Pool was well kept. It's reasonably priced."
— Booking.com verified review · Sedia Hotel Maun
"Excellent and spacious hotel. Great service and food. Lovely pool. Only downside was cost of transfer from airport which was too expensive."
— Booking.com · Sedia Riverside Hotel
9Maun Lodge
Locally-Owned · Pool & Spa
Verdict: Maun Lodge is the best-value option if you want a "proper hotel" with a pool and spa without paying mid-range luxury prices.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Locally-Owned · Pool & Spa in By the river, central Maun area with a $89/night spend range
- Strengths
- 4.2★ Google rating · Known for river skyline · Locally-Owned · Pool & Spa
- Limitations
- Price band: $89/night
- Price / value
- $89/night · 4.2★
- Why it made the list
- Maun Lodge is the best-value option if you want a "proper hotel" with a pool and spa without paying mid-range luxury prices. Being locally-owned means the service has a genuine warmth that chain hotels often lack. The children's pool and spa make it the top family pick in Maun. At $89+ it sits right at the sweet spot where comfort meets affordability for the Okavango gateway stopover.
Source quality: 5 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet, facebook-snippet, reservation-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
"Guests can take a refreshing dip in the sparkling outdoor pool, unwind with a rejuvenating massage at the spa, or savor delectable local and international cuisine at The Boma restaurant."
— Booking.com · Maun Lodge
"The average room rate for Island Safari Lodge in the past month is 948.26 BWP, while Maun Lodge offers competitive pricing — from $89 for a quality stay with pool access."
— Booking.com comparison data, Maun hotels 2026
10Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa
Upstream · Quiet
Verdict: The best pick if you're planning a Moremi Game Reserve day trip — you wake up 12km closer to the reserve, skip the morning Maun traffic, and get to game drives earlier.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Upstream · Quiet in 12km from Maun toward Moremi Game Reserve with a $137/night · Camping from $20/person spend range
- Strengths
- 4.3★ Google rating · Upstream · Quiet · 12km from Maun toward Moremi Game Reserve
- Limitations
- Price band: $137/night · Camping from $20/person
- Price / value
- $137/night · Camping from $20/person · 4.3★
- Why it made the list
- The best pick if you're planning a Moremi Game Reserve day trip — you wake up 12km closer to the reserve, skip the morning Maun traffic, and get to game drives earlier. The spa is a surprisingly good addition for unwinding after dusty park days. Both camping and lodge options are available, making this work for a range of budgets. The quieter upstream setting means fewer overlanders and more of a bush-camp atmosphere.
- Reservation
- Recommended
Source quality: 3 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, facebook-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
"Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa is located a 12-kilometre drive away from the small town of Maun, towards the Moremi Game Reserve. With accommodation for 60 lodging guests and 100 campers, it caters to every traveler's needs with African-styled comfort."
— Crocodile Camp website · Crocodile Camp, Maun
"Book in Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa in Maun, Botswana. From $137 a night. 11.2 km from the city center. Great location for Moremi access."
— Booking.com · Crocodile Camp
11Island Safari Lodge
River · Good Base
Verdict: The mid-range sweet spot.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- River · Good Base in 300-acre private island reserve, 10km from Maun Airport with a $90–$160/night spend range
- Strengths
- River · Good Base · 300-acre private island reserve, 10km from Maun Airport
- Limitations
- Price band: $90–$160/night
- Price / value
- $90–$160/night
- Why it made the list
- The mid-range sweet spot. A 9.0/10 on Booking.com across nearly 400 reviews is remarkable — Island Safari Lodge consistently delivers on its promise of a stunning riverside setting at mid-range prices. The 300-acre private island means it feels wilder than a standard hotel, with birds and sometimes even larger animals passing through. Great logistics for arranging Delta excursions. Book a river-facing room.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
🌐 Website
"Island Safari Lodge is a great option for those staying in Maun to explore the Okavango Delta, Chief's Island, and Moremi. The property is in an absolutely gorgeous setting right on the River — very serene and beautiful."
— Booking.com verified review · Island Safari Lodge
"Wonderful! 10 — Excellent overnight stop. 9.0 Wonderful overall. The lodge is in a stunning setting with incredible river access. Scores highest among mid-range Maun options."
— Booking.com · Multiple verified reviews, 2025–2026
12Thamalakane River Lodge
River Views · Splurge
Verdict: The romance pick in Maun.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- River Views · Splurge in Outside Maun, on the Thamalakane River with a $200–$350/night spend range
- Strengths
- 4.5★ Google rating · River Views · Splurge · Outside Maun, on the Thamalakane River
- Limitations
- the hippos literally surface below your deck at dusk, the breakfasts are cooked to order, and the owners run the place with real passion
- Price / value
- $200–$350/night · 4.5★
- Why it made the list
- The romance pick in Maun. Yes, $200–$300+ per night is a genuine splurge by Maun standards — but the hippos literally surface below your deck at dusk, the breakfasts are cooked to order, and the owners run the place with real passion. Horseback riding along the river is an experience you won't find at cheaper options. Perfect for honeymooners, anniversary trips, or anyone who wants to arrive at the Okavango Gateway in style.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-serp-kg, official-site, tripadvisor-snippet · verified 2026-03 · medium confidence
"The location of the lodge is terrific — out of town and right by the river. Great deck for watching the hippos and birdlife while working. The rooms were nice and the cooked-to-order breakfasts were excellent."
— Booking.com review · Thamalakane River Lodge
"Absolutely good value for money, overwhelmingly friendly owners, great services, great chalets, nice food and stunning atmosphere. Full heartedly recommending."
— Booking.com verified review · Thamalakane River Lodge
13Royal Tree Lodge
Boutique · Private Reserve
Verdict: The best boutique option near Maun for travelers who want a luxury feel without a $700/night price tag.
Quick comparison
- Best for
- Boutique · Private Reserve in 20 minutes from Maun, private Thamalakane River reserve with a $250/night spend range
- Strengths
- 4.6★ Google rating · Boutique · Private Reserve · 20 minutes from Maun, private Thamalakane River reserve
- Limitations
- for a 4-star boutique experience with genuine bush character, it's strong value compared to the Okavango's interior camps
- Price / value
- $250/night · 4.6★
- Why it made the list
- The best boutique option near Maun for travelers who want a luxury feel without a $700/night price tag. The private reserve setting on the Thamalakane River means you can walk to the water and spot wildlife — it genuinely feels wilder than a standard hotel. At $250+ per night it's the most expensive on this list, but for a 4-star boutique experience with genuine bush character, it's strong value compared to the Okavango's interior camps.
Source quality: 0 sources · verified 2026-03 · low confidence
🌐 Website
"Royal Tree Lodge is just 20 minutes from Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. It's in a private reserve and is on the banks of the Thamalakane River. With garden views, the lodge has a restaurant, shared lounge, bar, garden, year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace."
— Royal Tree Lodge · Royal Tree Lodge, Maun
"Royal Tree Lodge — 4-star hotel in Maun. The garden and private reserve setting make it feel genuinely remote, even though you're only 20 minutes from the airport."
— Booking.com · Royal Tree Lodge
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget hostel in Maun, Botswana?
Old Bridge Backpackers is the most recommended hostel in Maun across Reddit and travel blogs — it sits right on the Thamalakane River, has a lively bar and pizza oven, and offers camping from around $10 and ensuite tents from $55. Audi Camp is the classic alternative with more of a traditional safari camp vibe on the river. For the cheapest possible option, Maun Rest Camp (now managed by Old Bridge) offers camping for around $10 per person per night.
How much does accommodation in Maun cost?
Budget camping in Maun starts from around $5–$12 per person per night at Maun Rest Camp and Sitatunga Camp. Backpacker hostels like Old Bridge and Audi Camp run $10–$55. Mid-range guesthouses like Discovery B&B and Riley's Hotel charge $60–$130 per night. Hotels with pools like Maun Lodge and Sedia start from $80–$150 per room. Upscale river lodges like Thamalakane River Lodge or Royal Tree Lodge run $200–$450+ per night.
Is Maun worth staying in, or should I go straight to the Okavango Delta?
Most travelers spend 1–2 nights in Maun as a base before and after their Okavango Delta trip. The town itself isn't a major destination, but it has good accommodation, restaurants, and is the logistics hub for booking mokoro trips, fly-in safaris, and Moremi game drives. Reddit travelers recommend using Maun's budget hostels to meet fellow travelers and arrange cheaper group tours into the Delta.
When is the best time to visit Maun?
April to October is peak safari season in Botswana, with dry conditions making game viewing excellent. The Okavango Delta floods from June–August, creating the iconic water safari experience — this is when Maun is busiest and prices peak. The green season (November–March) is cheaper, quieter, and offers lush landscapes, but the Delta is lower and some activities are limited. April and October are the sweet spots for balancing good conditions and lower prices.
Can I arrange Okavango Delta trips from Maun on a budget?
Yes — Maun is the budget gateway to the Okavango Delta. The cheapest approach is to book a community-run mokoro trip (poled dugout canoe) through your hostel — Old Bridge and Audi Camp both offer these. Budget trips typically involve a road transfer to the Delta edge, 2–3 days on the water with a local poler, camping on islands, and cost significantly less than fly-in lodge packages. Prices vary widely so shop around through your hostel.
How do I get around Maun?
Maun is very spread out and not walkable — most lodges and campsites are 5–15km from town along one main road. Shared taxis (combis) are cheap and run the main corridor. Private taxis are also affordable. Most hostels and lodges offer airport transfers. If you're self-driving Botswana, a 4x4 is recommended for any excursions into the parks, but the Maun town road is tarmac.
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