Cresta Botsalo Hotel transitions to Botsalo Hotel
staff writer | Wednesday May 13, 2026 06:00
Effective May 31, 2026, the listed hotelier will officially hand over operations of the property to the Botsalo-Nsunge family, the owners of the hotel. The transition will see the hotel operating under the new name, Botsalo Hotel, while maintaining continuity in services and guest experience. Cresta stated that the decision not to renew the lease forms part of its broader strategic direction and portfolio optimisation strategy. Despite the operational transition, both parties have assured guests, partners, and stakeholders that the process will be seamless and non-disruptive.
'All existing bookings made at Cresta Botsalo will be fully honoured by Botsalo Hotel, with no changes to confirmed reservations, rates, or service expectations,' read statement from the group. 'Guests can therefore expect uninterrupted service and continuity in their travel plans during and after the transition period,' it added. The transition also signals the continuation of a family legacy deeply rooted in Botswana’s hospitality sector. The Botsalo property has long been recognised as an important establishment within the country’s tourism industry. Following the passing of the founding patriarch, Botsalo Nsunge, and his wife, Galefete Nsunge, the next generation of the Botsalo-Nsunge family has reaffirmed its commitment to preserving and growing the family’s legacy while maintaining the hotel’s contribution to the local economy.
A major focus of the transition process has been employee protection and operational stability. However, Cresta has announced that the majority of employees currently working at Cresta Botsalo are expected to be retained under the new Botsalo Hotel structure, ensuring continuity of operations and safeguarding livelihoods. To support the transition, Cresta has committed to providing structured advisory and operational support to the Botsalo-Nsunge family at no cost until September 2026.
The support will include assistance with operational systems and processes, financial management and accounting frameworks, supplier and service provider integration, and general hotel management training. The parties have also agreed on a structured handover of furniture, fixtures, and equipment to ensure that hotel operations continue without interruption. Managing Director of Cresta Marakanelo Limited, Mokwena Morulane, said Cresta Botsalo had been an important part of the company’s portfolio for nearly two decades. “We are proud of the role we have played in its growth and remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition that protects both employees and guests. Importantly, all guest bookings will be honoured, and service continuity will be maintained under the new management,” he said. A representative of the Botsalo-Nsunge family said taking over operations of the hotel carries deep personal and historical significance for the family.
“As we take over operations, we do so with a strong commitment to preserving our parents’ legacy, protecting jobs, and maintaining the trust of our guests. We look forward to welcoming all guests under the Botsalo Hotel name, with all existing bookings fully honoured,” the representative said.
The family also expressed gratitude to Cresta Marakanelo for what it described as a mutually beneficial relationship over the years and for ensuring a smooth transition process