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#2 of 7 hotels in Kasane
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa situated on the banks of the mighty Chobe River in Botswana is one of southern Africa's sustainable tourism destinations where luxury exists in harmony with nature, providing a unique location from which to explore the magical wonders of untamed Africa. Game, including herds of elephant, antelope, giraffe, zebras, lions, leopard and many more, roam freely in the nearby Chobe Game Park. Sunrises and sunsets in this part of the world, with the Chobe River and Namibian flood plains as a backdrop are the substance of dreams. Birdlife is in abundance. Bird species unique to this part of southern Africa can be seen on the property as well as on the banks of the Mighty Chobe River. In 2018, the Resort will undergo refurbishment which will be done in phases to avoid inconveniencing guests. The Resort will be open throughout.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Business
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Plot 2239 President Ave Chobe River, Kasane, Chobe National Park Botswana
Stayed at the majestic Cresta Mowana Resort and Spa during the X Mas holiday and enjoyed the peace, calm and beauty of the lodge. The deluxe rooms were quite spacious and bathrooms clean. Buffet food was good even thought the second day breakfast which included ox kidneys and veg sausages did not really tickle my fancy. We say warthogs on the grounds and enjoyed riveting sunsets from the river boat cruise boarding platform. Room cleaning could be done better though especially under the beds.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I spent two working days at Mowana and had a splendid time. Though I was out in the field all day, the return in the evening was always a welcome experience. The room would be well prepared, complete with mosquito nets down, gown and slippers ready, and a chocolate on the side. The kitchen was always a warm place to be, with a diversity of food to choose from. The Wi-Fi never lagged....
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2022
Value
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marang Nthebolan, Guest Services / Front Office at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa
Responded 9 Jan 2023
Dear Tinympho, Greetings from Cresta Mowana! Thank you for the 5-star rating and feedback. It was a pleasure to host you and we are glad that you had a great experience! Best Regards,
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Spent Botswana day with family at Mowana. Found the hotel (seemingly) understood what we sought. The lunch was fun-filled with a live band, traditional singling and a sumptuous barbeque.
The room river view is always enjoyable and we had daily guests; the warthog and a random deer. My camera stayed on click mode.
We had two days of swell spa treatments and a boat cruise to see the new bridge. Lovely time, well spent! Kudos to our trip boss Mr Njeni, who made our cruise lively and informative.
To the winners of the choir competitions: the kitchen staff, well done! The Mowana kitchen/room service staff are the best. They provided service with such courtesy and finesse. Their botho is on another level!!!
Must also mention the calm ladies at the Mowana Spa. Thanks for a lovely time!
I’ve always written on the accommodation and general Mowana look! Never any complaints here.
Keep on!
We’ll be back.
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Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were very disappointed in our stay. When we arrived they quoted us a higher price than was on the reservation confirmation. Then when we checked out they charged us incorrectly. There were also fees that we were not aware of that appeared on the bill. The restaurant is overpriced and food was not very good. Due to wildlife in the town you can’t walk down the road or to other restaurants so you either eat on site or take taxis around.
We were also very disappointed in our room. The hotel was very empty when we arrived, very few guests for the whole visit. They tell you that every room faces the river which is true but they were building a venue on our side of the hotel so we had constant construction noise and an obstructed view. It seemed silly that they did not put guests on the other side where there was no construction.
Finally I found members of the reception staff and on the activity desk to be very rude. I have been on safari in Eastern Africa where closed safari are used. In Botswana it is customary to use open vehicles and when I relayed my safety concerns due to big cats in the park the man at the desk turned to my husband and laughed and said “why did you bring her here if she is so scared.” I thought that was very rude and exceptionally unprofessional. We later had another guide explain why they use the vehicles they do in Botswana and it made sense and was indeed safe for us to go on game drives.
Overall we found the venue pretty but overpriced, with bad food and bad service, and we ended up leaving early as a result. The photos show the views from one of the pools and our room, plus the open safari vehicle. Kasani itself was nice and we had a good time visiting the National Park and viewing wildlife.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â It can be dangerous to walk around the town due to wildlife which comes at times. You are often...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Before our stay we had seen in reviews that the hotel was in need of a renevation and we can only agree. The restaurant only offered a very average overpriced buffet for dinner and it was very noisy because of the guests so a very poor experience. As a tourist it is hard to know if there are other alternatives to try so feeling a bit looked to the averaAge restaurant at the hotel.The personnel was overall fantastic. The location was fantastic next to Chobe river and the hotel offered great river cruises and game drives.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
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Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marang Nthebolan, Guest Services / Front Office at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa
Responded 24 Jul 2023
Dear FreddeSwe74, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent stay with us. We truly value the opinions of our guests as they help us identify areas where we can improve and maintain our strengths. We're glad to hear that you found our personnel to be fantastic and that you enjoyed the fantastic location of our hotel, next to the Chobe river. We take pride in providing excellent river cruises and game drives to enhance the overall experience for our guests. However, we also want to express our sincere apologies for the inconvenience you faced with the condition of the hotel. We understand that some areas are in need of renovation, and we are actively working on improving the overall ambiance and facilities for our guests. Your feedback helps us to prioritize these improvements and make your future stays more enjoyable. Regarding the restaurant experience, we are sorry to hear that the dinner buffet did not meet your expectations. We are constantly striving to enhance our culinary offerings and are currently reevaluating the menu and pricing to ensure that our guests receive the best value for their money. We will work to address the noise issue as well, to create a more pleasant and relaxing dining atmosphere. We also encourage our guests to reach out to our front desk or duty manager during your stay, as they can recommend alternative dining options in the vicinity. Our team is always here to assist you and ensure you have a wonderful experience as a tourist in the area. Once again, thank you for your valuable feedback. We hope that you will consider staying with us again in the future, so we can demonstrate the improvements we've made based on your suggestions. Warm regards, Marang Nthebolan Guest Relations Manager
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Cresta Mowana Hotel facilities including guest rooms, conference facilities and structural set up is so welcoming and breath taking. An incorporation of culture blended with "fit -for environment" architectural display, is of international standard. It is not surprising that the level of reception, catering and housekeeping services is of remarkable quality. There is such a harmonious culture of providing services to customers among all the hotel personnel. I have previously visited the hotel and I have been amazed by the consistency of service which has been maintained amidst COVID-19 challenges. Thumbs up to the reception staff. They are always ready to serve, what a great team. Other hotel staff is also very organised with timely cleaning of guest rooms, timely preparation and serving of meals with courteousness. I also like their responsiveness to reported faults, it's quick and all staff seem to be very accountable. Their welcoming gestures cannot be missed. Somehow, the hotel location is in itself so exciting with a good riverine site to be enjoyed. Interestingly, there is free game viewing within the hotel since wild animals are as well welcome in the hotel. Safety measures are in place and the hotel's clean view is still maintained despite all that. So, at Mowana, you are assured to get both the wilderness experience and a sense of township etiquette. Extra activities such as boat cruises and game drives right into one of the world's image of tourism park...Chobe national Park, are a package you cannot exhaust leaving you thirsty to stay long or come back for more and more. Seeing nature and the life of animals in their own natural environment can be such an appetizing encounter that cannot be infered. I strongly believe Cresta Mowana Hotel is a resort of Choice in the world of tourism. Think Mowana each time you get to Kasane, Botswana.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2022
Value
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Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marang Nthebolan, Guest Services / Front Office at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa
Responded 27 Jun 2022
Dear thapsq, Greetings from Cresta Mowana! Many thanks for the 5-bubble rating and detailed feedback on your experience at Cresta Mowana. It really warms our hearts when a guest leaves with the ultimate experience. Team Mowana lived up to their expectations and we can not thank you enough for recognizing the efforts made into ensuring you have an impeccable stay as well as recommending us to future guests. We hope to host you again at the Home of the Baobab Tree. Rea Leboga!
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The location of the hotel really appealing. It is near the Chobe River. There is nice view of the flowing waters of the Chobe river. One enjoys the beauty of nature. The place is quiet, one rests without being disturbed.
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Date of stay: November 2020
Value
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Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I highly recommend Mowana 100% because superheroes are few and limited at hotels based on my many travel experiences. I am glad to confirm that at Mowana in Kasane there are lots of superheroes who were keen to make my travel a memorable experience. I stayed at Mowana for 2 nights from 26 Nov on my 7 days trip in the Victoria Falls and Kasane Chobe are in a total of 4 different hotels in the region.
Of the four hotels Mowana outrightly stood out for me, from their covid protocol, reception service, the wide variety of meals at the Boma restaurant, the room with expanse views facing the Chobe River, together with their boat cruise and game drive. It was all 10 out of 10, excellence at its best. I did not try the bridge trip which my newly met travel friends thoroughly enjoyed. From the Boma restaurant, I highly enjoyed Seswaa which is a local meat dish.
As the new normal now, I required a PCR certificate to travel back to Victoria Falls for my flight home. My results, unfortunately, were very delayed, and I was going to miss my flight as I could not cross the border to Victoria Falls. Luckily, I was at a Mowana where the superheroes contacted the PCR firm, and the results came earlier than expected and I made it on time for my flight. Huge thank you to the hands-on managers and staff at Mowana for your great service.
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Date of stay: November 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:Â River views
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is one of the most beautiful places I have ever stayed at in my life. My sister and I stayed here for two days. The resort is immaculate. It is situated on the Chobe River. When we arrived, we were greeted like royalty. The staff cannot be nicer, and everyone makes sure that all guests are well cared for. Rooms are clean, spacious and have mosquito netting which the staff diligently arranges in late afternoon. Our room was on the ground floor, so we were facing the river and were able to view mama warthog and her brand-new babies frolicking in the grass. Our package included all meals, choice of a boat ride and several safari rides in the park. We went on the boat ride our first evening. Our guide was a wealth of knowledge, and it is clear how much he loves his job and how much he loves adding to the knowledge of guests. The sunset on the river was one of the most beautiful I have experienced. Please note that the mosquitoes are vicious and if you are a mosquito magnet like I am, slather on the repellant. I made the mistake of wearing shorts and even though I had put on repellant they had a feast on my lower legs (haha). We started our second day with a safari in the national park and we were not disappointed with the plethora of elephants, buffalo, lions, jackals, giraffes, birds, and impalas. We did pay extra for a night drive ($10) and did see hyena. We took a game drive on our second day as well to the park. We were on the inclusive plan so we had a choice of the more formal menu or the very ample buffet. The buffet is a mix of African and more western cuisine, and everything was delicious. Coffee and tea are included with meals, but water and other drinks are not included. There are two pools onsite, a gym and a spa for those who want a massage or other services. The property is immaculate, and the staff could not be nicer. There is an activity desk in the lobby that books everyone's prepaid activities but can also arrange other activities such as the night drive, a visit to Victoria Falls, a town visit or a shopping trip. There is also a small shop and a cocktail bar. We were thrilled with our stay here. This was first time in Botswana. I would defiantly return here in a few years. It is nice to be a guest where everyone makes you feel so special.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Make sure to wear long pants or mosquito repellant if mosquitos like you.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nice lodge situated near to the Chobe National Park so only a short ride to the safari. Rooms clean and inviting. Meals were buffet style, with the evening being outside and breakfast inside, food was good with a decent selection of dishes. Staff pleasant. Wine reasonably priced and acceptable ours was around ÂŁ15 a bottle.
We had a boat trip in the late afternoon, which left from the lodge, saw a fair bit of wildlife but as you are on the water it is not that close - so take your longer camera lens for closer views.
The safari in the early morning was good again saw lions, elephants,monkeys, birds , giraffes reasonably close up, but worth taking that extra lens again.
We were part of an organised tour of S Africa but yes we would vist again.
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Date of stay: December 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Marang Nthebolan, Guest Services / Front Office at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa
Responded 24 Jul 2023
Dear Thecatsmum4, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your stay and that the location and proximity to the park added to your safari experience. It's wonderful to know that you found the rooms clean and inviting. Our team takes great pride in maintaining a comfortable and pleasant environment for all our guests. We're also glad to hear that you enjoyed the buffet-style meals and found the food to be of good quality with a decent selection of dishes. We appreciate your kind words about our staff. Providing excellent service and a friendly atmosphere is our priority, and it's gratifying to know that our team made a positive impression on you. Regarding the boat trip, we understand that the wildlife might not always be very close due to being on the water. Your advice about bringing longer camera lenses is valuable, and we'll make sure to inform other guests about this to enhance their viewing experience. We're delighted that your early morning safari was rewarding and that you had the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife up close, including lions, elephants, monkeys, birds, and giraffes. Having a camera lens for closer views is indeed a great idea to capture those special moments. We're honoured that you are considering visiting us again in the future. Should you decide to return, we'll be more than happy to welcome you back and provide you with another memorable experience. Once again, thank you for your review, and we look forward to seeing you again soon! Warm Regards, Marang Nthebolan Guest Relations Manager
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Johannesburg, South Africa114 contributions52 helpful votes
Hi - we were safaried out by the time we reached Cresta - so we didn't go on a safari but the boat cruise down the mighty Choebe River was excellent and we saw amazing game so I would definitely recommend that!
The Safaris in the Chobe area are second to none, I suggest getting the boat cruise in the morning when the animal life is awakening and the water is like glass, but then again the sunsets from your boat whilst enjoying are cold beer are something else. Either way you will see many different animals and birds.
I am not sure if safaris are included in room price , as I did a tour with Pangolin Photo tours, which are based out of the Mowana. For photography they are the best with specially designed boats with 360degree camera mounts.
Sorry I was only a guest at that hotel. I would have US$ and your credit card. Everything you consume can be charged on your credit card at the end of your stay!
That gives you a better course.
Hope that helps. Don't exchange into Pula.
There are more places to choose from in the Kasane area.
PRICE RANGE
â‚ą28,282 - â‚ą42,127 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
mowana safari hotel kasane, mowana safari lodge
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Mowana Safari Lodge
LOCATION
BotswanaNorth-West DistrictChobe National ParkKasane
NUMBER OF ROOMS
108
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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