Thamo Telele is in a stunning private reserve, on the Southern-eastern edge of the Okavango Delta. It is perfect for a night on either side of your safari. Thamo Telele is only 20 minutes from the town of Maun and the International Airport. Maun is the gateway to northern Botswana and the last stop before the Okavango Delta.
It was previously known as Royal Tree Lodge and recently underwent a refurbishment. During the period of refurbishment in late 2021, a female giraffe was born on the reserve. She was very tall at birth and was soon called Thamo Telele which means ‘long neck’ in Setswana. As staff observed her grow day by day, Thamo Telele captured their hearts in such a profound way. So much so, they decided to rename the ‘new’ lodge after her.
At the main lodge, there is a large communal dining room with an outside deck. A comfy lounge and bar area (with local artwork on the walls), and a 17-meter swimming pool, with a sundeck.
The 250-hectare private reserve on the banks of the Thamalakane River offers an abundance of plains game and bird life. Including giraffe, eland, kudu, zebra, springbok, impala, wildebeest, blesbok. And much more. A hot spot for bird lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to all you can see and do here.
Thamo Telele is a peaceful and stylish camp. There are 9 x private luxury tent guest suites and 2 x intimate thatched honeymoon chalets. Both are air-conditioned and set amongst a lush forest of ancient leadwood and acacia trees. WiFi is available at the main lodge and chalets.
Each of the tent suites is on raised wooden platforms. With beautiful hardwood floors, a private deck, and an en-suite bathroom. They all have a king-size canopy bed and an outdoor shower. The stylish canvas tents all have twin beds, which can be converted into doubles. The colors are light and bright with a canopy of trees for privacy. You’ll feel at one with nature here, enjoying total freedom and relaxation.
Interior of tent
The honeymoon chalets are private and romantic, with superior king-size canopy beds covered in soft white linen. Wrapped in flowing netting, and topped with plump fluffy pillows. Each air-conditioned chalet is stylishly furnished with pops of bright color. Each en-suite comes with a large bath, his and hers basins, and panoramic views of the forest beyond. You’ll also find plentiful candles and an outdoor shower to make your stay an extra special and memorable experience.
Chalet
Children of all ages welcome and under 5 years stay for free. From 6 – 18 years, kids pay 50% of the per person sharing rate. When sharing with adults. The honeymoon chalets can be converted into family rooms. That sleep a max of 2 x adults and 2 x children.
Activities
This 250-hectare private nature reserve is where your Botswana adventure begins (or ends). Thamo Telele offers so many exciting activities. From giraffe encounters, nature walks, culture tours, bike rides, and horse rides to mokoro trips. There is so much here to see and do.
Things to do ↓
Meet the Giraffe
One of the most fascinating things about the lodge is its resident herd of 20 x giraffes. You can observe them while on activities in the reserve. Get up close and personal to them; in the morning and evening while they feed at the waterhole. There are naturalists on hand, who will be able to tell you all about these fascinating animals.
Learn each giraffe’s Setswana name, and how to identify them by their unique spots. There are identification books in the main lodge and at the waterhole so that you can work out who’s who. Put on your walking shoes or jump on a horse and come and hang with the giraffe. This is a very special experience and one that we at Thamo Telele are particularly excited about!
Giraffe Experience
Birding
Over 300 species of birds have been sighted in and around Thamo Telele, at peak season. The summer from October to March is the best time for both Palaearctic and Intra-African migrants. Keen birders should be able to see at least 50 – 70 species in a day. And have the opportunity to add new species to the lodge’s bird sighting list. The record thus far is 130 species in a 24-hour period!
Pearl Spotted Owl
Nature Walks
The well-marked nature trails allow guests the opportunity to safely explore the private reserve. While stretching their legs after or before a long flight. Taking in the wonder of the wooded forest and diverse grasslands. The reserve is free of predators. But abundant in bird life and plains game.
Walking safari
Nature Trail Bike Ride
Choose an early morning or afternoon bike ride on the nature trails. Offering off-road fat tire safari bikes & biking helmets for individuals, couples, or families with children. Choose guided or self-guided rides but please note that bike excursions must be booked in advance.
Cycle in the reserve
Horseback Safari
Professionally guided horse rides on the private reserve are exhilarating. These beautiful well-behaved horses will enable you to ride amongst the plains game. And get very close to view giraffes and zebra.
Horse Riding
Culture Tour
Experience Botswana beyond wildlife and go on a cultural tour of the safari town of Maun. You’ll get great insight into the rich history and culture here. As well as see, touch, smell, taste, and enjoy the richness of life in this vibrant little place.
Volunteer during your time in Botswana
Thamo Telele has a full-time partnership with the non-profit work of the locally based NGO, Love Botswana. This local trust operates more than 20 community-based programs for children, youth, and adults. For many people, visiting or volunteering at Love Botswana’s many community-based programs in Maun has created some of the most memorable moments of their trip to Africa.
When to Visit
Thamo Telele is open all year round. And with resident giraffe, plains game, and abundance of bird life there is something to see throughout the year. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave the lodge!
Shoulder Season: 1st November – 19th December 2024
$510
$459
High Season: 20th December 2024 – 9th January 2025
$575
$518
The above fully inclusive rates are per person, per night. This includes: Accommodation, All meals & beverages, Access to marked nature trails, 1 x horse riding activity (per person), 1 x 30-minute massage, Guest laundry, Transfers to and from Maun International Airport & VAT.
Fully Inclusive exclusions: Premium brand drinks, gratuities, and fully comprehensive personal travel insurance
Thamo Telele Full Board Accommodation Rates (per person)
1-5 Night Rate
6+ Night Rate
8+ Night Rate
Green Season: 10th January – 31st March 2024
$230
$207
Shoulder Season: 1st – 30th April 2024
$275
$248
Shoulder Season: 1st – 31st May 2024
$275
$261
High Season: 1st June – 30th June 2024
$325
$309
Peak Season: 1st July – 31st August 2024
$360
$342
High Season: 1st September – 31st October 2024
$325
$293
Shoulder Season: 1st November – 19th December 2024
$275
$248
High Season: 20th December 2024 – 9th January 2025
$325
$293
The Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Rates include accommodation, breakfast, dinner & VAT. Excludes lunch, local & premium brand drinks, guest laundry, daily activities, transfers to/from Thamo Telele, gratuities, and fully comprehensive personal travel insurance.
Thamo Telele Accommodation Special Offers
Long Stay Special
January – April & September – December:
Stay for 6 nights or more at any of the below camps and receive 10% off the nightly accommodation rate.
May – August:
Stay for 8 nights or more at any of the below camps and receive 5% off the nightly accommodation rate.
One partner stays for 50% off accommodation at Thamo Telele in the southeastern Okavango Delta.
The offer is valid all year for an unlimited number of nights. Honeymooners must produce proof of marriage at the time of booking (up to 12 months following the wedding).
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