Overview

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa is a 4-star luxury safari resort strategically positioned in Kasane, Botswana, at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers. The property operates as an all-inclusive resort combining traditional lodge infrastructure with dedicated safari activities. Known for: riverfront location with direct wildlife access, diverse activity options beyond game drives, and spa facilities. Best for: travelers seeking a balanced safari experience with comfort amenities, families wanting structured activities, and guests prioritizing both wildlife viewing and relaxation.

Accommodation & Rooms

The resort offers 48 rooms distributed across multiple categories, each featuring river or garden views. Standard rooms measure approximately 35-40 square meters with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and modern furnishings. Deluxe river-view rooms (40-50 sqm) feature private balconies overlooking the Chobe River with direct wildlife sighting opportunities from accommodation. Premium suites (55+ sqm) include separate living areas, upgraded amenities, and enhanced privacy. All accommodations feature mosquito nets, ceiling fans, safe deposit boxes, and 24-hour room service. Select rooms offer interconnecting options suitable for families or traveling groups.

Dining & Cuisine

The resort operates multiple dining venues serving international and regional cuisine. The main restaurant offers buffet and à la carte service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with dietary accommodation for vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-specific requirements. The riverside bar provides casual dining and refreshments throughout the day. Bush dinner experiences are available on select evenings featuring grilled specialties prepared outdoors. The resort includes all meals and selected beverages in all-inclusive packages, with premium spirits and wines available at additional cost. Room service operates during specified hours, and picnic lunches can be arranged for full-day excursions.

Wildlife & Activities

Chobe National Park, accessible directly from the resort, hosts one of Africa's largest elephant concentrations (estimated 50,000+ individuals) plus substantial populations of buffalo, lion, leopard, and African wild dog. Twice-daily game drives (06:30-10:00 and 16:00-19:30) operate in open-sided vehicles with professional guides providing species identification and behavioral information. River cruises (07:00-09:00 and 17:00-19:00) on the Chobe River offer alternative wildlife viewing angles and birdwatching opportunities, with over 450 bird species recorded in the region. Guided bush walks (weather permitting, 06:00-08:00) provide close-range wildlife tracking and vegetation interpretation. Night drives with spotlight technology (seasonal, 19:30-21:30) reveal nocturnal species including genets, porcupines, and occasionally leopard. Cultural visits to local villages (arranged in advance) offer community interaction and craft purchasing opportunities.

Location & How to Get There

Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa is located at approximately -17.8°S, 25.9°E in Kasane, positioned on the Botswana-Namibia border region. The nearest commercial airport is Kasane International Airport (BBW), located 12 kilometers (15-minute drive) from the resort. Transfer from Kasane airport costs approximately $25-40 USD per person. Air transfers from Botswana's main hub, Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone (400+ kilometers), require ground transfer or connecting charter flights (2.5-3 hours total travel). Road access is available via the A3 highway from Nata (approximately 280 kilometers, 4-5 hours driving). The resort provides airport pickup service for confirmed guests; self-drive rental vehicles are available through local operators.

Best Time to Visit

Peak wildlife viewing season runs May-September during the Southern African dry season, when water scarcity concentrates animals at the Chobe River (daily elephant sightings guaranteed during this period). Temperatures range 15-25°C with minimal rainfall, optimal for game drives and photography. Green season (November-March) features lush vegetation, migratory bird arrivals, and predator activity following prey dispersal; temperatures reach 30-35°C with afternoon thunderstorms. Shoulder months (April, October) offer moderate conditions with reduced visitor numbers and competitive pricing. Elephant breeding herds remain resident year-round, making the resort viable for all-season visits, though dry season (June-August) delivers highest predator sighting probabilities and clearest photography conditions.

Conservation & Community

The resort operates under Botswana's wildlife management framework, with game drive guides trained in conservation protocols and wildlife monitoring. The property supports local employment, with approximately 60% of staff sourced from Kasane and surrounding communities. Educational partnerships with nearby schools include student visits and environmental awareness programs. Water conservation systems manage river-sourced supplies, and waste management protocols minimize environmental impact in the sensitive riparian zone. The resort participates in Chobe National Park's anti-poaching initiatives through information sharing and guest education programs regarding wildlife trafficking.

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