One of the flagship properties of the Cresta Hotels brand, the Mowana is built around an 800-year-old baobab tree that dominates the heart of the resort. African legend says the baobab grows upside down because it kept walking after it was planted, until it was uprooted and flung back into the ground. Stories like this lend the resort a touch of enchantment.
At a glance
Location: Chobe River, Kasane, Botswana
Stayed in: Luxury Suite
Best for: safari travellers visiting Chobe and the Victoria Falls region
Reviewed: March 2015
8.3 out of 10
Setting and arrival
I flew from Gaborone to Kasane’s small airport, and a complimentary shuttle brought me to the resort on the banks of the Chobe River, surrounded by wildlife and pristine nature. The team was gracious, helping with bags and check-in.
The rooms
I stayed in one of four Luxury Suites, decorated in warm, earthy colours to match the setting. Each has a lounge, dining area and workspace with comfortable furniture, and one and a half bathrooms with a jacuzzi tub.
Facilities
The resort is close to Chobe National Park, has a spa, and is the only hotel in Kasane with a nine-hole golf course.
The verdict
Rooms and facilities built around nature, and extremely friendly, hands-on staff, make the Cresta Mowana an inviting base for a Chobe safari.
- Rooms: 8.5
- Service: 9.0
- Dining: 8.0
- Facilities and spa: 8.0
- Location: 9.0
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa, Kasane, Botswana.
David stayed as a guest of the hotel. Based on a stay in March 2015. Facilities, menus and prices may have changed since.
