Guests wishing to experience more of what Maun and the surrounding area has to offer, have a plethora of offsite activities to choose from and we can help with booking. These include private tours to the very special Elephant Havens rehabilitation project – within easy reach of our property, as well as private boat cruises and helicopter excursions, including flips, picnics and day sightseeing trips.
GRAYS EDEN
Overlooking the Thamalakane River in Maun, Botswana, Grays Eden introduces the first luxury boutique hotel experience to Maun. Guests can enjoy comfortable and luxurious accommodations in five distinctive villas and seven charming cottages. Our resident head chef crafts exquisite culinary delights, paired with superb wines, to enhance every visitor’s stay.
Grays Eden provides the perfect retreat to unwind and acclimate, whether you’re preparing for or returning from a safari adventure or a business trip in Maun.
Relax : Beautiful living spaces designed to promote tranquility
Fusing architectural styles with a gracious nod to Botswana safari culture, the layout and interiors at Grays Eden have been designed to help restore a sense of equanimity as efficiently and effectively as possible, with soft, sumptuous spaces playing to organic, natural curves and all five of the elements in mind.
High-ceilinged, light-filled interiors with tall archways between bedroom and bathroom, are populated by an uncluttered, modern minimalist design, to give a true sense of space. Rooms are fronted by large verandas to bring in yet more space and the element of air.
Enormous light wood framed four-posters, woven lamps, wood and wicker furnishings and soft, matting underfoot, echoes the natural materials used throughout the property, and take us to the earth element. The five villas are spacious and serene, while the cottages are cosier and more colourful.
The Villas
Five Luxury Villas
Size: 81m2
Aspect: Three villas are riverfront, with two garden villas. 3 villas are cliff front, 2 villas are set back
No. of guests: Three of the five villas may be converted into twin-room accommodation (may accommodate a child’s bedroll or crib)
The main ingredient of the thatch roof villas is light and space, with open and airy living areas, ceiling fans to keep you cool, an open fireplace to keep you cosy, and large covered verandas with breathtaking views. Bedrooms are luxuriously spacious, in soft, calming shades of blue and white – colours echoed in the bathroom tiles. A beautifully designed arched walk-in shower gives guests a spa-like experience, while huge rectangular mirrors over separated double vanity draw yet more light in.
Villa bathrooms have a roll-top bath, separate toilet, hair dryer and lovely scented toiletries. Beds are Extra King with high quality cotton bedlinens and mosquito nets. A drinks area houses a coffee machine, kettle and fridge which is kept topped up with complimentary water and milk.
The Villas
Five Luxury Villas
Size: 81m2
Aspect: Three villas are riverfront, with two garden villas. 3 villas are cliff front, 2 villas are set back
No. of guests: Three of the five villas may be converted into twin-room accommodation (may accommodate a child’s bedroll or crib)
The main ingredient of the thatch roof villas is light and space, with open and airy living areas, ceiling fans to keep you cool, an open fireplace to keep you cosy, and large covered verandas with breathtaking views. Bedrooms are luxuriously spacious, in soft, calming shades of blue and white – colours echoed in the bathroom tiles. A beautifully designed arched walk-in shower gives guests a spa-like experience, while huge rectangular mirrors over separated double vanity draw yet more light in.
Villa bathrooms have a roll-top bath, separate toilet, hair dryer and lovely scented toiletries. Beds are Extra King with high quality cotton bedlinens and mosquito nets. A drinks area houses a coffee machine, kettle and fridge which is kept topped up with complimentary water and milk.
The Cottages
Seven Fisherman’s Cottages
Size: 56m2
Aspect: Four cottages are riverfront, with three garden cottages
No. of guests: Rooms may accommodate a child’s bedroll or crib
The thatch roof cottages are cosy yet perfectly poised versions of the villas with high ceilings and a similar elevated position commanding beautiful views, particularly from the small, covered veranda. Ceiling fans help to keep you cool and an open fireplace can be lit on cooler evenings. Each cottage interior has unique pops of colour picked up in bed throws and cushions. Modern, ensuite bathrooms are kitted out with hair dryers, double vanity, separate toilet and lovely scented toiletries. Beds are king size with high quality cotton bedlinens and mosquito net. A drinks area houses a coffee machine, kettle and fridge which is kept topped up with complimentary water and milk.
The Cottages
Seven Fisherman’s Cottages
Size: 56m2
Aspect: Four cottages are riverfront, with three garden cottages
No. of guests: Rooms may accommodate a child’s bedroll or crib
The thatch roof cottages are cosy yet perfectly poised versions of the villas with high ceilings and a similar elevated position commanding beautiful views, particularly from the small, covered veranda. Ceiling fans help to keep you cool and an open fireplace can be lit on cooler evenings. Each cottage interior has unique pops of colour picked up in bed throws and cushions. Modern, ensuite bathrooms are kitted out with hair dryers, double vanity, separate toilet and lovely scented toiletries. Beds are king size with high quality cotton bedlinens and mosquito net. A drinks area houses a coffee machine, kettle and fridge which is kept topped up with complimentary water and milk.
Beautiful living spaces designed to promote tranquility
A spectacular pool built directly into the cliff face draws you into the element of water, expansive panoramas from the property’s high-level vantage point conveys the element of air, and sitting under the stars, by a warming, crackling riverside firepit, listening to the sounds of Africa, connects you to the fire element.
The Grays Eden design facilitates the gentlest introduction to a more remote safari experience in the wilds – like a luxurious taster with a delightfully free schedule and no early rises.
The first of its kind in Maun, this boutique-style lodge draws you into holiday mode from the moment you step foot into the peaceful gardens. Five luxurious thatch roof villas and seven fisherman’s cottages are well-positioned for privacy through the Grays Eden sanctuary, and from their elevated position, each are privileged with spectacular views of the Thamalakane River and the abundant wildlife including hippos, crocodiles and the occasional elephant stopping to drink.
Grays Eden has embraced soft fabrics and light shades of wood throughout, for delicate yet sumptuous interiors, while organic, elegant architectural curves complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. With calming pastel colours, clean lines and simplicity in design, this new genre of safari-holiday property offers a gentler and arguably more sense-soothing experience than the traditional dark wood and canvas style lodge, while still maintaining a strong sense of relaxed modern luxury.
To help you sleep:
High quality bedlinens and extremely comfortable (hotel-quality) mattresses, and 80% black-out curtains.
To keep you connected:
Mobile reception and wireless internet is available in all accommodation.
For extra privacy:
Dining and massages may be arranged in your room.
Unwind : Restore a sense of balance
Spa
Our spa houses two treatment rooms, all with views of the Thamalakane River. We offer massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures, using all-natural, African-based products, with a separate, private veranda for pre- and post-treatment lounging. A soothing and revitalising jet-lag recovery treatment is recommended on arrival and a post-safari treatment on your return.
Pool
Guests can unwind in our 12-metre pool, built directly into the cliff face with views overlooking the river below. Pool-side loungers have plush cushions with soft, fresh towels and umbrellas overhead. There is a covered lounge area for those preferring more shade, and additional seating area for lunch. Certain spa treatments may be enjoyed by the pool on request.
The Eden Kitchen
Our on-site restaurant, The Eden Kitchen, serves delicious food, freshly prepared by our experienced chefs, to an ever-changing menu, giving guests the opportunity to taste the best of Botswana’s locally grown and sun-ripened produce, as well many of the international favourite dishes. To ensure your time here at Grays Eden is as schedule-free and relaxed as possible, our mealtimes are flexible with alternative options available on request, including in-room dining. Our long, lazy breakfast runs from 7.30am to 11am, lunch is midday to 2pm and dinner is 6pm – 8pm. For more casual riverside dining, we have tables at a lower level, closer to the Thamalakane River.
The Wine Cave
We have a huge passion for wines and have built a spectacular Wine Cave into the cliff. We will be introducing guests to our selection of wines, as well as offering private dining and wine tastings in the cool climes of the Cave.
The Bar
Relax with a refreshing sundowner on the balcony, exchanging bush stories and safari adventures with fellow travellers, and return after dinner for a cosy digestif by the fire.
Enjoy : Do as much or as little as you like
Ethos
New to the Botswana travel market, Grays Eden represents a unique enhancement to the African safari experience, offering a luxurious pause both before and after a safari to ensure guests get the most out of what is very often a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Launched in the first quarter of 2024, this owner-run luxury boutique property is situated in Maun, the main gateway town to the Okavango Delta and the many safari of northern and central Botswana. Positioned in beautiful gardens on the banks of a quiet stretch of the Thamalakane River, Grays Eden offers guests a luxurious landing pad into the world of safari, followed by a smooth transition into the bush, and ultimately, post-safari, a slow departure giving guests the chance to fully assimilate all that has been seen, heard and experienced. Grays Eden is the aperitif and digestif no safari holiday wants to be without.
Our Mission
We see ourselves as your luxurious Botswana safari home base. We wish to soften your initial landing here easing away any jet lag or effects of tiring travel. We intend to restore you to perfect balance to send you off into the African bush, and look forward to welcoming you back on your return. Our whole ambience here at Grays Eden is geared towards making your stay as effortless and as enjoyable as possible.
Grays Eden seeks to help prolong your holiday, giving you the opportunity to savour the magical times you’ve witnessed, as well as the space to fully absorb and assimilate the extraordinary moments and encounters of your safari so that they live on in the memory of your soul as well as your mind. Our intention and goal is your complete wellbeing: we want to look after your safari-weary bodies and bring you back into balance through rejuvenating spa treatments, topping up your drinks by the pool and generally ensuring your highest and greatest comfort and happiness.
