Cresta Jwaneng's 'Bush Dining Experience' Under Kalahari Skies
Jwaneng, Botswana: Cresta Marakanelo Limited is proud to announce the launch of the Bush Dinner Experience at Cresta Jwaneng — an immersive offsite evening experience set under the expansive skies of the Kalahari, offering a rare blend of nature, culture, and cuisine in Botswana’s diamond capital.
Located just outside the town known for the Jwaneng Diamond Mine, the world’s richest diamond mine by value, the Bush Dinner brings to life the hidden beauty above ground — where golden sunsets, starlit skies, and Botswana’s bold flavours create an unforgettable evening. Designed for small and large group settings, the Bush Dinner is ideal for corporate events, team-building sessions, retreats, family reunions, and private celebrations, and is available from Cresta Jwaneng by prior arrangement.
As part of the experience, the evening unfolds around crackling bonfires, lantern-lit tables, and pan-African cuisine served under the Jwaneng. Dishes reflect the richness of Botswana’s culinary traditions, with options for braai-style or and fire-roasted meats, luxurious ala carte dishes or the traditional buffet servings. Optional live entertainment including Setswana traditional dancers, acoustic musicians, or spoken word performances, can be added to enrich the atmosphere and to create an atmosphere of celebration, reflection, or team bonding.
“In a town where the earth yields the world’s most precious stones, we wanted to offer an equally memorable experience above ground,” said Julius Keepilwe, General Manager of Cresta Jwaneng. “The Bush Dinner brings people together in the oldest of ways — with food, fire, stories, and stars.”
The launch of the Bush Dinner Experience reinforces Cresta Hotels’ growing footprint in Jwaneng, which is now home to two properties offering distinct yet complementary experiences. Cresta Jwaneng provides reliable comfort and convenience, with well-appointed rooms, conferencing facilities, a swimming pool, and a central location ideal for business and leisure travellers. The newly opened Cresta Grande Jwaneng brings elevated luxury to the region, as a modern property offering upscale amenities, contemporary dining, sophisticated conferencing, and now, exclusive access to experiences like the Bush Dinner. Together, the two offerings ensure that Jwaneng visitors whether on business, leisure, or incentive travel, can enjoy a seamless stay with a range of hospitality options.
As Botswana’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, Jwaneng is emerging not only as a diamond powerhouse but as a destination in its own right, as a gateway to the Kgalagadi, a centre of commerce, and now, a place where guests can unwind under the stars. The “Bush Dinners” are a natural extension of Cresta Jwaneng’s commitment to innovation in hospitality and experiential travel, aligned with the brand’s vision to help guests “See Jwaneng Differently.”
“The town of Jwaneng has its own magic. Its stillness, its sunsets, its soul,” said Keepilwe. “We wanted to create something that honours this landscape while giving our guests a deep sensory experience of Botswana.”
In true keeping with this homage to the Botswana landscape, guests are welcomed by the flicker of lanterns, the scent of firewood, and on colder evenings, the warmth of the bonfire. As the sun dips below the horizon and stars flood the sky, the evening unfolds with a culinary journey showcasing the rich bounty of Botswana — from game meats and traditional seswaa to vibrant vegetables, local grains, and flame-grilled delicacies, all prepared the utmost creativity and served with flair.
“In a town that produces the world’s most valuable diamonds, we wanted to create an experience above ground that is just as rare and memorable,” continued Keepilwe. “The Bush Dinner Experience is our invitation to see Jwaneng in a new light — as a destination of beauty, depth, and warm hospitality.”
The experience is designed for group bookings and can be tailored to suit themes, event types, and dietary preferences. Whether it’s a group of colleagues unwinding after a conference, a family reconnecting in nature, or a group of local or international tourists marking their journey through Botswana, the Bush Dinner provides an experience that is at once grounding, indulgent, and deeply authentic.
About Cresta Hotels
Cresta Hotels is one of Southern Africa's leading hotel management groups, operating business and resort hotels in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa. Cresta Hotels run a total of 18 hotels; 12 in Botswana, 5 in Zimbabwe and 1 in Cape Town, South Africa all filled with African heart and soul.