BOTSWANA – Grays Eden, a boutique hotel in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, has been officially opened by His Excellency Dr. Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi, president of the Republic of Botswana.
Grays Eden is a collaboration between Ker & Downey, one of the proud pioneers of ecotourism in northern Botswana, and Maun residents Sandrine and Sam Morris.
The 12-room hotel is located on the banks of the Thamalakane River and promises a tranquil and upscale experience for travellers visiting the Okavango Delta.
Featuring thatched, high ceilings and tall archways, the hotel welcomes light and infuses a sense of tranquillity and space. Modern, minimalist interiors with a light blue, white and natural palette are accentuated by large, generous verandahs overlooking grassy lawns with dappled shade from leadwood and rain trees.
The lounge and restaurant terrace flow effortlessly onto the lawns overlooking the Thamalakane River, where guests can enjoy a seasonal picnic basket with artisanal delights.
Boasting one of the finest chefs in Botswana and emphasizing local produce, The Eden Kitchen and Restaurant presents a varied a la carte menu, tempting the palate with both local and international favourites and inviting conviviality.
Comprised of just 12 individually decored rooms (5 sumptuous Villas and 7 youthful and spirited Cottages), Grays Eden’s rooms all feature generous verandahs and light, airy living spaces. A ceiling fan and fireplace assure coolness and warmth across all seasons.
His Excellency Dr Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi has hailed the importance of the tourism sector on the economy, noting its impact on creating productive and inclusive jobs, growing innovative firms, finance the conservation of natural and cultural assets and increasing economic empowerment, especially for women.
When officially opening Gray’s Eden Boutique Hotel in Maun, H.E. Dr. M.E.K. Masisi thanked the project owners for their massive investment in Botswana. He added that they could have chosen any other country to invest in, but he is thankful that they chose Botswana, particularly Maun.
H.E. Dr. M.E.K. Masisi applauded BITC for their efforts in attracting and facilitating the investment, saying, “The Gray’s Eden project bears testament to Botswana’s effort towards attracting Foreign Direct Investment, and for this reason, I wish to recognise the important role played by the BITC in attracting and facilitating the project until conversion.”
Minister of Trade and Industry Hon. Mmusi Kgafela said the Grays Eden Sanctuary is a welcome development in the region and thanked all the Government agencies that contributed to its realization.
For her part, and speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Tourism Hon. Minister Nnaniki Makwinja reiterated Government’s support for the tourism industry.
Grays Edens’ Sam Morris thanked H.E. Dr. Masisi for finding time in his busy schedule to open the Hotel officially.
He said they would continue supporting the Maun community, noting that all the material and furniture was sourced from Maun and its surroundings.
Just 10 minutes from Maun Airport, Grays Eden provides a complimentary meet and greet service with vehicle transfers to and from the hotel.
The opening will give Ker & Downey Botswana five camps in the country. The others are in the Okavango Delta (Kanana and Shinde/Shinde Enclave/Shinde Footsteps), the Moremi Wildlife Reserve (Okuti) and the central Kalahari (Dinaka).
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