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.
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. Maun serves as the essential waypoint for exploring the Okavango Delta and Botswana's wilderness areas, making these budget stays ideal for overlanders, backpackers, and safari-goers.
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.
📊 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
What to book: Old Bridge Backpackers, located on the Thamalakane River in Maun, offers camping for ~$10 and ensuite tents for ~$55/night, making it an iconic hostel for budget travelers. Book an ensuite riverfront tent for sunset views over the Thamalakane River. Don't miss the pizza oven — traveler-approved. The bar is the social hub of Maun's backpacker scene. Book a mokoro trip or Okavango day-trip directly through the hostel for the best budget rates.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
2Audi Camp Backpackers
Budget + Camping
💰 Camping from P185/person · Luxury tent P1,400 double with breakfast
📍 Thamalakane River, 12km from Maun centre
📌 Google Maps →
What to book: Audi Camp Backpackers, situated 12km from Maun centre on the Thamalakane River, provides camping from P185/person and luxury tents for P1,400 double with breakfast, offering a budget-friendly camping and luxury tent experience. Book one of the four en-suite luxury tents on raised wooden decking if you want comfort without breaking the bank. Camping is among the cheapest in Maun. The camp runs excellent game drives and mokoro trips — the old-school safari atmosphere here is hard to beat.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
3Maun Rest Camp
Government-Run · Cheapest
What to book: Maun Rest Camp, a government-run campsite in central Maun, offers the cheapest legal camping at ~P100 (~$7) per person per night, with an extra P35 for a power point. Book a powered campsite if you need to charge devices or run a fridge in your vehicle. The ablutions are clean and shared. Bring your own tent and food. At ~$7/person/night this is the cheapest legal campsite in Maun proper — perfect for self-drive overlanders watching their budget.
"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)
tabiji verdict: 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.
4Sitatunga Camp
Budget Tented Camp
What to book: Sitatunga Camp, a budget tented camp in a quiet area just outside Maun, offers camping for P40+/person and Sahara tents for P500/night, providing affordable tented accommodation. Book a private Sahara tent with a queen bed for ~P500/night — the best bang-for-pula option if you don't have your own tent. The campsite is in a quiet, shaded setting away from town noise. Private ablutions available for an upgrade fee. Good base for arranging Delta trips.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
5Power Station Backpackers
Backpackers Hostel
What to book: Power Station Backpackers, located in the Maun town area, offers dorms from ~$15 and private rooms from ~$35/night, making it a convenient backpacker hostel. Book a private room for the best value — dorms are available for those on the tightest budgets. The hostel is convenient for town access and booking tours. A quieter alternative to Old Bridge for travelers who prefer a smaller, more local backpacker atmosphere.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
6Discovery Bed & Breakfast
Charming B&B
What to book: Discovery Bed & Breakfast, a charming B&B on the outskirts of Maun in a traditional village setting, offers rooms for ~$60–$100/night, providing a cultural immersion experience. Book one of the 9 traditional thatched huts — the whole compound accommodates up to 18 people and has a lovely garden. Book dinner in advance: the traditional Botswana dishes are worth it. Perfect for travelers who want a cultural immersion experience rather than a generic hotel room.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
7Riley's Hotel (Cresta Riley's)
Historic — Central
🌐 Website
What to book: Riley's Hotel (Cresta Riley's), a historic hotel on the Thamalakane River in central Maun, offers rooms from $73/night, making it the most affordable "proper hotel" with history. Book a river-facing room — at $73+ it's the most affordable "proper hotel" in Maun with real history attached. Good WiFi, a pool, and proximity to tour operators make it a practical choice. Business travelers and families appreciate the reliable facilities. Book direct for best rates.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
8Sedia Riverside Hotel
Mid-Range · Pool
🌐 Website
What to book: Sedia Riverside Hotel, a mid-range hotel with a pool on the outskirts of Maun, offers rooms for $80–$150/night, providing a quieter riverside location. Book a standard double room — they're well-furnished and clean at a reasonable price. The pool is well-kept and the restaurant has good food and beer on tap. The hotel is on the outskirts of town so you'll need a taxi, but the quieter location is a feature not a bug.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
9Maun Lodge
Locally-Owned · Pool & Spa
🌐 Website
What to book: Maun Lodge, a locally-owned lodge with a pool and spa by the river in central Maun, offers rooms from $89/night, providing exceptional value for its amenities. Book a standard room — rates from $89 make this exceptional value for an established lodge with a pool, spa, and restaurant. The Boma restaurant serves good local and international cuisine. The children's pool makes it a top family pick. Book the spa in advance if you want a massage between safari days.
"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
tabiji 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. 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.
10Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa
Upstream · Quiet
💰 From $137/night · Camping from $20/person
📍 12km from Maun toward Moremi Game Reserve
📌 Google Maps →
🌐 Website
What to book: Crocodile Camp Safari & Spa, located 12km from Maun toward Moremi Game Reserve, offers lodge chalets from $137/night and camping from $20/person, serving as a quiet upstream launching pad for Moremi game drives. Book a lodge chalet if you want comfort, or a campsite if you're on a tight budget — the camp has space for 60 lodge guests and 100 campers. Positioned upstream toward Moremi, this is your launching pad for Moremi game drives without driving into Maun. The spa is a bonus for end-of-safari recovery.
"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
tabiji 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. 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.
11Island Safari Lodge
River · Good Base
🌐 Website
What to book: Island Safari Lodge, a river lodge on a 300-acre private island reserve 10km from Maun Airport, offers rooms for ~$90–$160/night, making it a good base for exploring the Okavango Delta. Book a riverside chalet for access to the Thamalakane River at your doorstep. The 300-acre private island setting means wildlife regularly passes through the property. This is the best mid-range base for trips to the Okavango Delta, Moremi, and Chief's Island — the lodge has strong relationships with tour operators.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
12Thamalakane River Lodge
River Views · Splurge
🌐 Website
What to book: Thamalakane River Lodge, located outside Maun on the Thamalakane River, offers river views and rooms for ~$200–$350/night, making it a splurge-worthy option. Book a riverside chalet for hippo-watching from your deck. The cooked-to-order breakfasts are praised universally. Book a spa massage and horseback riding in advance — these fill up. The deck overlooking the river is famous for sundowners as hippos surface below. Worth the splurge for a special occasion.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
13Royal Tree Lodge
Boutique · Private Reserve
🌐 Website
What to book: Royal Tree Lodge, a boutique lodge 20 minutes from Maun on a private Thamalakane River reserve, offers rooms from ~$250/night, providing a true gateway experience. Book one of the river-view rooms with the private reserve setting — this is a 4-star boutique lodge that punches well above its weight. The outdoor pool is stunning, the restaurant serves quality food, and the wildlife on the private reserve makes it feel like you're already in the bush before your Delta trip. A true gateway experience.
"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
tabiji verdict: 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.
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. For the absolute cheapest, Maun Rest Camp offers camping for around $7/person per night.
How much does accommodation in Maun cost?
Budget camping starts from $5–$12/person 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. Hotels with pools like Maun Lodge and Sedia start from $80–$150. Upscale river lodges like Thamalakane River Lodge or Royal Tree Lodge run $200–$450+.
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. The town itself isn't a major destination, but it's the essential 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 — you'll often find better prices by booking in person in Maun than in advance online.
When is the best time to visit Maun?
April to October is peak safari season, with dry conditions and excellent game viewing. The Okavango Delta floods from June–August — this is when Maun is busiest and prices peak. The green season (November–March) is cheaper and quieter, but the Delta is lower. 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 Delta. The cheapest approach is to book a community-run mokoro trip through your hostel. Old Bridge and Audi Camp both offer these. Budget trips involve a road transfer to the Delta edge, 2–3 days on the water with a local poler, camping on islands, and cost far less than fly-in lodge packages. Prices vary — shop around in person at the hostels.
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 offer airport transfers. If self-driving, the main Maun road is tarmac, but a 4x4 is essential for excursions into the national parks.