Home › Destinations › Kasane
Kasane, Botswana - Things to Do in Kasane

Things to Do in Kasane

Kasane, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide

Kasane is a small but vibrant town in northern Botswana that serves as the gateway to the world-renowned Chobe National Park. Strategically positioned at the confluence of four countries - Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe - this frontier town offers unparalleled access to some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife experiences. The town sits along the banks of the Chobe River, creating a natural highway for elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and countless other species that call this region home. Despite its modest size, Kasane punches well above its weight as a safari destination, offering everything from luxury river cruises to authentic bush camping experiences. The town's proximity to Victoria Falls (just 80km away) makes it an ideal base for combining wildlife viewing with one of the world's natural wonders. With its relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and stunning natural surroundings, Kasane provides an authentic African experience while maintaining comfortable amenities for international visitors.

Top Things to Do in Kasane

Chobe River Safari Cruise

Experience Africa's wildlife from the water on a sunset cruise along the Chobe River. This is considered one of the best ways to see elephants, as herds regularly come to drink and bathe along the riverbanks, often swimming between islands. The golden hour lighting creates perfect photography conditions while you spot hippos, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife.

Booking Tip: Book sunset cruises for $35-60 per person through established operators like Chobe Safari Lodge or Pangolin Voyager. Morning cruises offer better bird watching but fewer elephants. Choose operators with smaller boats (maximum 12 people) for better wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

Chobe National Park Game Drive

Explore one of Africa's premier wildlife destinations on a traditional 4x4 safari through Chobe National Park. The park boasts the highest concentration of elephants in Africa, with herds often numbering in the hundreds. Beyond elephants, expect to see lions, leopards, buffalo, and countless antelope species across diverse landscapes from riverine forests to open savannas.

Booking Tip: Full-day game drives cost $80-120 per person including park fees and lunch. Book with operators offering open-sided vehicles for better visibility and photography. Early morning departures (6 AM) provide the best wildlife activity and cooler temperatures. Verify that park fees are included in quoted prices.

Victoria Falls Day Trip

Take advantage of Kasane's proximity to Victoria Falls with a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey includes border crossings into Zambia or Zimbabwe, where you'll witness the thundering 'Smoke that Thunders' and feel the mist from this 108-meter waterfall. Many tours combine falls viewing with cultural village visits or adventure activities.

Booking Tip: Day trips range from $150-250 per person including transport, visa assistance, and falls entry. Choose tours that include both Zambian and Zimbabwean sides for complete views. Book through operators experienced with border procedures. Bring passport, yellow fever certificate, and waterproof camera protection.

Mokoro Delta Excursion

Experience the traditional dugout canoe transportation method of the Okavango Delta on a peaceful mokoro trip through papyrus-lined channels. Local polers guide these narrow boats through shallow waterways where you'll encounter reed frogs, colorful birds, and aquatic plants while learning about traditional fishing and navigation techniques.

Booking Tip: Half-day mokoro trips cost $40-70 per person and are best during high water season (June-September). Choose community-based operators to support local livelihoods. Bring sun protection and insect repellent. Some operators combine mokoro trips with walking safaris on small islands.

Sedudu Island Nature Walk

Take a guided walking safari on Sedudu Island, a peaceful sanctuary in the Chobe River accessible only by boat. This small island offers intimate wildlife encounters on foot, including close-up views of various antelope species, monitor lizards, and exceptional bird watching opportunities. The guided walks provide insights into smaller ecosystems often missed on vehicle safaris.

Booking Tip: Island walks cost $25-45 per person including boat transfer and typically last 2-3 hours. Best visited during dry season (May-October) when wildlife concentrates around water sources. Book with guides certified by the Botswana Tourism Board. Wear neutral colors and closed shoes for walking.

Getting There

Kasane Airport (BBK) receives regular flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Maun, with Air Botswana and smaller charter airlines providing connections. Overland travel is possible via well-maintained roads from Livingstone, Zambia (80km) or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (80km), though border crossings can be time-consuming. Many visitors arrive as part of organized safari circuits that include ground transportation. Self-drivers should ensure vehicles have current insurance valid for multiple countries if planning regional exploration.

Getting Around

Kasane is small enough to walk around the main town center, but most safari activities require organized transportation due to the distances to national park gates and river access points. Hotel shuttles connect major lodges to the airport and town center. Taxis are available but should be arranged through hotels for reliability and fair pricing. Car rental is possible but most visitors find organized tours more convenient and cost-effective for wildlife activities, as guides provide essential local knowledge and park access.

Where to Stay

Chobe Safari Lodge area
Kasane town center
Chobe Marina Lodge vicinity
Chobe Game Lodge area
Cresta Mowana Safari Resort area
Chobe Bush Lodge area

Food & Dining

Kasane's dining scene centers around safari lodges and a handful of local restaurants serving both international and traditional Botswana cuisine. The Old House and Hunters Pub offer reliable Western fare and cold drinks in relaxed settings popular with both tourists and locals. For authentic experiences, try local favorites like seswaa (shredded beef) and morogo (wild spinach) at small family-run establishments in town. Most safari lodges provide excellent buffet meals featuring game meats, fresh fish from the Chobe River, and international options, often included in accommodation packages.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Botswana

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Daily Grind Cafe + Kitchen

4.6 /5
(720 reviews) 2
cafe

Norii Japanese Restaurant Ubud by Wonderspace

4.8 /5
(519 reviews)

Marc's Eatery

4.5 /5
(348 reviews) 2
bakery cafe store

The Duck Café

4.6 /5
(223 reviews)
bar cafe store

Okavango Brewing Company

4.5 /5
(115 reviews)
bar

Pepe Nero Ristorante Italiano

4.5 /5
(108 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The dry season from May to October offers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around the Chobe River and water sources become predictable. June through August provides comfortable temperatures and excellent game viewing but represents peak season with higher prices and crowds. The wet season (November-April) brings lush landscapes, excellent bird watching with migratory species, and lower accommodation rates, though some roads may become impassable and wildlife more dispersed. April and May offer an excellent compromise with good weather, decent wildlife viewing, and moderate prices.

Insider Tips

Pack layers as temperatures can vary dramatically between early morning game drives and midday heat, with winter evenings becoming surprisingly cold
Bring a good camera with zoom lens and extra batteries, as charging opportunities may be limited during bush camping and wildlife photography opportunities are exceptional
Consider staying at least 3-4 nights to fully appreciate both land and water-based safari experiences, as rushing through in 1-2 days doesn't allow for the rhythm of wildlife viewing

Explore Activities in Kasane