Sophisticated serenity

Jacuzzi and infinity pools. River views and roaming elephants. A hair dressing salon in a tree house and a golf course. Traditional canoe trips and nature walks. Here at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa, they all go hand in hand. Contemporary luxury meets old traditions and myths. The lobby is raised around an almost thousand-year-old baobab tree (which is beautifully lit up at night) and the resort is named after it. Did you know there are countless legends about these giant trees? The helpful and knowledgeable staff at this lodge are more than happy to share a few with you, all you need to do is ask - preferably on a warm night under a star-studded sky. Mowana Safari Lodge lies on the banks of the Chobe River, where four African countries - Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe - meet. The Chobe Game Reserve is famous for its enormous elephant population: almost 45,000 of these pachydermal giants roam the plains of Chobe. And they are not alone, as they share the area with lion, leopard, giraffe, cheetah, buffalo, and approximately 450 bird species, as well as puku and Chobe bushbuck, which are indigenous to Chobe National Park.

You don’t need to leave the resort (except for game viewing obviously) since everything you need to kick back and relax is right here. The lodge boasts 112 luxury rooms and four suites (all en-suite and air-conditioned) that excel in comfort. The rooms face the Chobe River; gaze at wildlife as they quench their thirst, or take in breathtaking sunsets - they simply never get old. Rooms are equipped with tea and coffee-making facilities, ceiling fans, mini bars, hairdryers as well as mosquito nets and electric insect repellants. Rooms and suites at the Cresta Mowana Safari Resort & Spa also have satellite television (although we highly recommend tuning into ‘bush TV’, meaning: river views) and a direct dial phone. The main area is where you come to sample excellent meals. Chef Dominique always goes over and beyond the call of duty to meet the (dietary) requirements of his guests. You can pick three restaurants: for excellent cuisine with traditional African flavours, go to the Serondella Restaurant. Or, if you’re in the mood for a sundowner after exhilarating safari activities, decide on a cocktail at the Savuti Bar. If you’re feeling peckish, the Boma Terrace offers yummy snacks during the day. But wait, there’s more: did you ever get your hair done in a tree house? You can here. Or take a dive in the sleek infinity pool, surrounded by lounge chairs. As mentioned, there is no need to leave the property, but if you do feel like it, the buzzing town of Kasane is not too far off.

Activities at Mowana Lodge

Flame of Africa, a passionate team of experienced and skilled safari enthusiasts, supply safari activities for this lodge. Owner Brett McDonald, a seasoned traveller and advocate for African travel, will personally make sure your trip will be special. What are the options? Try your hand at fishing for Tiger Fish during a boat trip, venture out on safari game drives in vehicles with ultra-comfortable bucket seats, or encounter wildlife during a river sunset cruise. And perhaps top it off with a delicious ‘braai’ (traditional African barbecue) on Brett’s floating restaurant? This unique rondo restaurant, called The Raft, gently floats on the Chobe River and provides a place for locals and like-minded travelers to meet. Besides great food, it doesn’t matter which safari activity you pick: spectacular game viewing is on the menu. The Chobe floodplains and Chobe River form a unique eco system and this area is well-known for a high concentration of wildlife: you will find yourself in the highlight of Chobe National Park. It is not uncommon to see hundreds of elephants on these floodplains at one time. Now that is truly magical.

Tripadvisor comments Mowana Lodge

A really super 3 night stay at this marvellous hotel. Chobe is just Nature at its best and the Cresta Mowana certainly brings to the party to make it so. There was no need for us the leave the hotel, as everything is laid on. From good food to game drives both on land and on the river. Friendly and extremely helpful staff bring the experience full circle.

Judge J

We travelled to Kasane and stayed in Cresta Mowana Lodge in the first week of May. We had a wonderful stay. The rooms were clean and any request were attended immediately. Can't wait to come back! Felt like home away from home.

SMILE011 from Canada