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Kasane, Botswana - Things to Do in Kasane

Things to Do in Kasane

Kasane, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide

Kasane, a small town in northern Botswana, serves as the gateway to one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife destinations - Chobe National Park. Located at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, this strategic position makes it the perfect base for exploring the region's incredible biodiversity and natural wonders. The town sits just minutes away from the famous Chobe riverfront, renowned for having one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. Despite its modest size, Kasane punches well above its weight as a safari destination, offering world-class game viewing opportunities and serving as a convenient hub for visiting the nearby Victoria Falls, just 80 kilometers away. The town's proximity to four countries - Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia - makes it an ideal starting point for multi-country African adventures, while the Chobe River provides unique opportunities for boat-based wildlife viewing that sets it apart from traditional land-based safari destinations.

Top Things to Do in Kasane

Chobe River Safari Cruise

Experience one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities aboard a boat safari along the Chobe River. The river attracts massive herds of elephants, especially during the dry season, along with hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, and countless bird species. The sunset cruises are particularly magical, offering incredible photography opportunities as animals come to drink at the water's edge.

Booking Tip: Book sunset cruises well in advance during peak season (May-October). Prices range from $45-80 per person. Choose operators with smaller boats for better wildlife viewing and photography. Morning cruises typically offer better bird watching opportunities.

Chobe National Park Game Drive

Explore Botswana's first national park on a traditional 4x4 safari vehicle through diverse ecosystems ranging from floodplains to woodland savannas. The park is famous for its large elephant population, but also hosts lions, leopards, wild dogs, and over 450 bird species. The Savuti area is particularly renowned for predator sightings and dramatic wildlife interactions.

Booking Tip: Full-day game drives cost $80-150 per person including lunch. Book with reputable operators who provide knowledgeable guides and well-maintained vehicles. Early morning drives offer the best wildlife activity and cooler temperatures.

Victoria Falls Day Trip

Take advantage of Kasane's proximity to one of the world's natural wonders with a day trip to Victoria Falls in neighboring Zambia or Zimbabwe. The thundering falls, known locally as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' (The Smoke That Thunders), offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities. The trip typically includes border crossing assistance and guided tours of the falls viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $120-200 per person including transport and border fees. Bring passport and yellow fever certificate if required. Book tours that include both Zambian and Zimbabwean sides for complete experience. Waterproof clothing recommended during high water season.

Cultural Village Experience

Visit local communities to learn about traditional Botswana culture, customs, and daily life in the region. These experiences often include traditional dancing, local craft demonstrations, and storytelling sessions that provide insight into the rich heritage of the Tonga and other local tribes. Many tours also include traditional meal preparation and tasting.

Booking Tip: Cultural tours cost $30-60 per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book through community-based tourism operators to ensure benefits reach local communities. Bring small gifts like school supplies if visiting during school programs.

Fishing Safari on Chobe River

Try your hand at catching tiger fish, bream, and other species on the Chobe River while enjoying the scenic beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities. These fishing excursions combine angling with game viewing, as elephants and other animals frequently visit the riverbanks. Both catch-and-release and traditional fishing options are available.

Booking Tip: Fishing tours cost $60-120 per person for half-day trips including equipment and guide. No fishing license required for tourists on guided tours. Best fishing is during dry season (May-October). Bring sun protection and comfortable clothing.

Getting There

Kasane Airport (BBK) receives regular flights from Johannesburg, Maun, and other regional destinations, with the airport located just 5 kilometers from town. Overland travelers can reach Kasane by road from Livingstone, Zambia (80km), or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (80km), with border crossings at Kazungula. Self-drive visitors should note that a 4x4 vehicle is recommended for some park areas, and international driving permits are required. Bus services connect Kasane to major Botswana cities, though journey times can be long due to the remote location.

Getting Around

Most accommodations in Kasane offer airport transfers and safari transport, making rental cars unnecessary for many visitors. Taxis and local operators provide transport to Chobe National Park entrances and river cruise departure points. For independent exploration, rental cars are available but expensive due to the remote location. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation. Walking around the small town center is feasible, but most attractions require vehicle transport due to distances and wildlife considerations.

Where to Stay

Chobe Safari Lodge area
Kasane town center
Chobe riverfront
Kazungula border area
Chobe National Park concessions
Sedudu Valley area

Food & Dining

Kasane's dining scene centers around lodge restaurants and a handful of local establishments, with most visitors dining at their accommodation. The lodges offer international cuisine with African influences, often featuring game meats and fresh fish from the Chobe River. Local restaurants in town serve traditional Botswana dishes like seswaa (shredded beef) and morogo (wild spinach), along with standard international fare. Many safari operators include meals in their packages, and riverside dining experiences are popular. The town has limited nightlife, with most evening entertainment centered around lodge bars and traditional cultural performances.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Botswana

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

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)

When to Visit

The dry season from May to October offers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources, making this peak tourist season with higher prices and advance booking requirements. The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes, excellent bird watching, and lower accommodation rates, though some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding. April and May are ideal transition months with good wildlife viewing and fewer crowds. December to March can be very hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, but offers unique experiences like seeing newborn animals and migratory bird species.

Insider Tips

Book accommodations well in advance for dry season visits, as the limited number of quality lodges fill up quickly, especially during South African school holidays
Bring binoculars and a good camera with zoom lens for wildlife viewing - the distances can be significant and photo opportunities are incredible
Pack both warm and cool clothing as temperatures can vary dramatically between early morning game drives and midday heat, with evenings getting surprisingly cool during winter months

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