Island Safari Lodge

There was plenty of space at the campsite, with trees overhead and a view across the riverbank. During our stay, though, a Chinese overlanding group was extremely loud and played music early in the morning. They washed dishes throughout the wash-up area and even in the bathrooms, leaving oily food on the floors and basins, with some thrown on the ground. Water covered the bathroom floors, so we asked staff to deal with it. By the next morning, they were flooded again.

While in Maun for work, I spent two nights at Island Safari Lodge and had a fantastic stay. The food was consistently excellent at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all well prepared and delicious. The staff were just as impressive, friendly and professional, always ready to help and making me feel welcome right away. The setting is peaceful and beautiful, a real retreat after a long day. I enjoyed the grounds and walking trails, and the sunset boat ride was a highlight, calm and scenic. There are two pools for relaxing, and everything was well maintained. I'd gladly stay at Island Safari Lodge again and recommend it to anyone coming to Maun for work or leisure. It brings together comfort, nature, and warm hospitality.

We camped at the lodge for one night, and someone broke into our car, smashed a rear door window, and took my passport and wallet, which held €300. The experience left us feeling very unsafe, even though the lodge was meant to be secured around the clock. After we reported the break-in in the morning, staff made us wait four hours in the sun for the police. When we asked reception for an update, they took us to the owners, who were having a casual drink in the restaurant. They had not contacted us or offered help finding somewhere to repair the window. In the end, we left and found a repair shop ourselves. We understand the robbery itself may not have been the lodge's fault, but the property is responsible for guest safety and, especially, for how people are treated when something like this happens. We felt abandoned by the people who should have helped. I definitely would not recommend this place.

The air conditioning wasn't working when we checked in. At first they said someone was on the way, but nobody showed up. They repeated that they'd send someone, with the same result. I finally insisted on speaking to the manager and asked for another room. Only then did they move me, and the AC in that room never really worked either. No apology came until I spoke with the manager, who was patronizing at best. The rooms are tired and need updating, and the staff need basic customer service training. The service was shockingly poor. My advice is to avoid this hotel, it isn't worth it.