People love to hate Maun. When I inquired with friends in the travel industry, they all recommended I stay over in Johannesburg and use Maun as a quick stopover. But I like to get where I'm going and THEN rest. After my punishing flight schedule, I just wanted to know that I was where I was supposed to be. So I opted for a night in Maun and found myself a little lodge outside of town. Run by two ex-managers of the original Kerr & Downey Botswana, Royal Tree Lodge was the perfect ease-in to safari. A friendly gentleman greeted me at the Maun airport for the 30 minute drive to the lodge. I saw a bit of the city and then we were on the outskirts of town and on to a semi-bush situation.
In the middle of cattle posts, there was a small private game reserve where Royal Tree Lodge resides. The game reserve is free of predators, so it's a great place to move your legs, do a horseback safari and go birding. I was exhausted after arrival, so I took a quick game drive with the manager and then slept. I slept like a woman with a 2 year old child that hasn't had a vacation in 2 years and just spent 2 days on a plane.
The staff at the lodge seemed to understand it all without saying a word. I tucked into the comfy bed in my cabin just after dinner and didn't return to the lodge until 10 am the next day.
I would recommend people to stay a night in Maun upon arrival. If you're traveling most in Botswana, it's nice to get in to the country and start getting a feel for the place. Maun has its own vibe and it's not something to avoid. It's a small town on the edge of the wilderness and good things are to be found there if you're willing to look.
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner