Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa is the largest and most fully equipped resort in Kasane, set on the banks of the Chobe River next to the Mowana golf course. Where many safari lodges are intimate and simple, this is a resort in the proper sense: 106 individually furnished rooms in a mix of garden and river views, two restaurants, two bars, two outdoor pools plus a children’s pool, a gym, sauna and steam room, a full-service spa and tennis and pickleball courts. It suits travellers who want a day of game drives and cruises followed by a swim, a massage and a proper dinner, and it works well for families because children up to twelve can stay free in their parents’ room using existing beds. It is a five-star property and guests rate it highly overall, although a few reviewers mention slower service and uneven maintenance, so keep expectations realistic for a remote safari destination. Kasane Airport is about eighteen minutes away, and the property runs a free round-trip airport shuttle at scheduled times or on request.
Location and getting around
The resort sits on the Chobe River, a short walk from the golf course and roughly thirteen minutes by car from Sedudu Gate, the entrance to Chobe National Park, and fourteen minutes from the Kazungula Bridge. The CARACAL Biodiversity Center and Chobe Crocodile Farm are a short drive away.
Safari operators routinely collect guests from the lodge for game drives and river cruises, and the front desk can arrange tours and tickets. Note that a car is generally needed to reach the property independently, so plan transfers or use the airport shuttle. Area and shopping shuttles are available for a surcharge.
Rooms and routine
Rooms range from standard and deluxe rooms to executive and premier suites, with a presidential suite at the top, and a river-view king suite for guests who want the water at the window. Rooms have air-conditioning, a safe, a mini-fridge, a desk, a patio and a flat-screen television, with separate bath and shower in many categories. A typical day starts with an early breakfast, a morning game drive or cruise, a long lunch and a pool afternoon, then dinner at the Pool Boma or Serondella restaurant and a drink at the Savuti Bar.
The spa offers a long menu of massages and facials, a good way to recover from long, dusty days. Golf lessons, a driving range and tee times at the adjacent nine-hole course can be arranged, and the property includes a small nature reserve.
Who it suits and what to check: families, couples and groups who value facilities will be happiest here, as will travellers who like to relax between activities. If you want to sleep inside the national park, Chobe Game Lodge is the better match, and if you prefer a small, quiet lodge, look at the other riverside options in town.
Check details such as breakfast arrangements, shuttle times and Wi-Fi coverage when you book, since breakfast and some shuttles carry a charge. Check-in is from the afternoon and check-out is before eleven. The resort is wheelchair accessible in many areas, though there is no elevator. Dry-season dates from June to October book early, so reserve well ahead.
Why stay here
- ✓Chobe River setting
- ✓Two outdoor pools and a children’s pool
- ✓Full-service spa
- ✓Two restaurants and two bars
- ✓Adjacent nine-hole golf course
- ✓Gym, sauna and steam room
- ✓Free airport shuttle
- ✓Tennis and pickleball courts
Good questions
Is Cresta Mowana close to Kasane Airport?+
It is about eighteen minutes by car, and the resort offers a free round-trip airport shuttle at scheduled times or on request. Contact the hotel in advance to arrange it.
Can children stay free?+
Children up to twelve can stay free using existing beds in their parents’ room. Check the policy for your dates and room type.
Are safari activities arranged on site?+
The front desk can arrange tours and tickets, and operators collect guests for game drives and river cruises. Confirm pickup times when you book.
