Long awaited, Thambo Thelele provides travellers starting their safari in Maun with an excellent base to start their trip, and feel instantly immersed in Botswana’s wildlife. The lodge has just 11 spacious rooms comprising of two honeymoon chalets and nine luxury tents, all with ensuite bathrooms with baths and outdoor showers, air-conditioning, private outside decks and stylish light decor to give a feeling of freedom and relaxation. Look out for the many giraffe-art pieces throughout the lodge – Thambo Thelele means ‘long-neck’ in Setswana after it’s most popular residents on the reserve! The main lodge area features candlelit dinners under the stars out on the main deck, plush sofas, and comfortable seating areas, under a high thatched roof to encourage the welcome breezes through. For those feeling energetic, there is a lap pool, for post-activity downtime – or simply to relax and enjoy.