Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers 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
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Nestled in a picturesque natural setting, Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa is lauded for its cleanliness, spacious rooms, and a variety of activities, including river safaris. While the ambiance may not embody the traditional charm of a lodge, many visitors revel in the resort's ample amenities and the attentive service provided by the staff.
However, some guests express concerns over billing inconsistencies and pricing confusion, which occasionally impacts the perceived value of their stay.
Atmosphere
Uninspiring
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Top-notch
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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
Cleanliness
Service
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 Jul 24, 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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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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: Traveled 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.
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This is mainly a restaurant / food review. We were taken to this hotel to have lunch as a part of our Chobe National Park Safari Tour which we took from Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe. Normally such lunches as a part of a tour group are average to average minus. But this one was a surprise. The food quality was good. The desserts were nice and it even had some tasty vanilla ice cream. Lunch menu had variety and the dishes were reasonably tasty. We were made to eat from a buffet in their main restaurant which faces the Chobe river. Nice view. Service was average. The hotel's grounds looked very nice with warthogs all over the place. The lobby was impressive and it opens up into a big courtyard with a large tree as its centerpiece. This was majestic.
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
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
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled 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.
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We spent one night there. The setting is magnificent with a large baobab tree in the center of the lodge. Animals roam freely in the green spaces. The rooms are comfortable. The buffet is interesting with a wide choice of dishes. Be careful, however, some dishes can be very spicy. The safaris on the river and in the CHOBE park are very well organized. We saw a multitude of animals there (lions, elephants, giraffes, etc...). The guides are great and take the time to explain the lifestyle of these animals and give us time to take photos. On the other hand, big, big negative point: the dining room. It has more of a school canteen atmosphere than a lodge. Due to a large number of customers, it is very noisy and after the morning safari, there is a rush for dishes for brunch..... It's a real shame for this superb place.
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Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Attention aux nombreux moustiques
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
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled 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 Jan 9, 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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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Very good experience overall, especially with the river safari right at their doorstep. Our guides were excellent, including our game drive guide who noticed a lioness in an open area who was sititng quiet. After 10 mins of no movement, we left and he took a chance and drove back there toward the end of the drive (about 2 hours later) right when she was getting ready to chase an impala - and I got to witness an exciting hunt! The river safari guide too was very patient in answering all our questions.
Over and above, I left a pair of shoes in my room which they eventually retrieved and shipped it back to me in Asia. Greatly appreciated the effort in returning the item which many places might have not chosed to do especially with the cost involved.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled 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.
Our tour stopped at the resort for lunch. It was a nice lunch. At the end when we paid for drinks the waiter brought a bill for 72 BEP. I asked if he took US dollars and he said yes it is $10. I gave him a $20 and as he was helping another couple at the table I did a quick calculation and found it to be only $5.22. I asked for the 20 back and said I would pay by card. He said too late, went through the cash he had in his hand and gave me a $10 back. Beware George he is dishonest!!!
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Â Pay by card
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.
Had the buffet lunch here as part of a Chobe Safari tour with Exoticca Travel. The food was absolutely delicious. My only issue was the waiter, George. We were with another group, and when the drink bills came, no matter how may pula it came out to be, he told us each $10 US dollars. When we figured out the currency conversion, each of us owed only $5. We felt he was trying to fleece us.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Traveled 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.
We loved the Cresta Mowana Hotel. The staff were attentive and efficient. The rooms are beautiful, clean and well-eqipped, with comfortable beds and good quality bedlinen and towels. The staff closed the mosquito nets for us every evening. We enjoyed all the meals, the breakfasts were great with plenty of choice and omelettes made to order. Lunch and dinner buffet style but well-presented and delicious. We loved the location, where we were able to view stunning sunsets over the river Chobe. Two lovely swimming pools. Also very close to the game reserve for our game drives and sunset cruises. If we return to the area, we will definitely stay there again!
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
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.
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.
There are more places to choose from in the Kasane area.
PRICE RANGE
$319 - $435 (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 the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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