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Kasane, Botswana - Things to Do in Kasane

Things to Do in Kasane

Kasane, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide

Elephants walk down the main street here most evenings. Kasane sits where four countries meet along the Chobe River, creating one of Africa's most accessible wildlife crossroads. Total chaos in the best way. This small Botswana town is your gateway to Chobe National Park and its massive elephant herds. The Chobe River is a natural highway for both animals and visitors. Boat safaris here beat typical game drives—you're floating through a nature documentary.

Top Things to Do in Kasane

Chobe River Boat Safari

The Chobe River produces some of Africa's most spectacular wildlife viewing from the water. Massive elephant herds come to drink and bathe, especially during dry season. You'll see hippos, crocodiles, and countless bird species from this unique vantage point. Golden hour cruises are magic—animals silhouetted against dramatic African sunsets.

Booking Tip: Book sunset cruises well in advance during peak season (May-October) as they fill up quickly. Expect to pay $40-80 per person for a 3-hour cruise. Look for operators with smaller boats (under 20 people) for better wildlife positioning and photography angles.

Chobe National Park Game Drive

Chobe National Park protects over 120,000 elephants. The park delivers some of southern Africa's most reliable big game viewing, with lions, leopards, buffalo, and wild dogs roaming diverse ecosystems. Game drives here feel genuinely wild—fewer crowds than East African parks and animals less used to vehicles.

Booking Tip: Full-day safaris cost $80-150 per person including lunch and park fees. Early morning drives (6 AM start) offer the best predator activity and cooler temperatures. Choose operators that combine boat and vehicle safaris for the most comprehensive experience.

Victoria Falls Day Trip

Victoria Falls sits just 80 kilometers away. This UNESCO World Heritage site creates constant mist that supports a unique rainforest ecosystem, while viewpoints on both Zambian and Zimbabwean sides offer different perspectives. The sound and spray of 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' (the smoke that thunders) overwhelms your senses.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $120-200 per person including transport, park fees, and lunch. The Zimbabwean side offers better overall views, while the Zambian side gets you closer to the falls. Bring waterproof clothing during high water season (March-July) as you'll get soaked from the spray.

Cultural Village Experience

Local villages around Kasane offer authentic insights into traditional Tswana culture. These community-run experiences include demonstrations of traditional crafts, cooking, and daily life while supporting local economies through tourism. You'll learn about traditional medicine and see traditional dancing. Often you'll participate in basket weaving or traditional cooking.

Booking Tip: Village visits cost $25-50 per person and should be booked through reputable operators who ensure fair compensation for communities. Half-day experiences work well combined with afternoon game activities. Look for programs certified by the Botswana Tourism Board for authentic, respectful cultural exchange.

Quadpoint Border Crossing

The four-country meeting point is more symbolic than visually dramatic. The real interest comes from boat trips along the borders, seeing how landscape and wildlife management change between countries. It is fascinating to understand how international cooperation manages wildlife that moves freely across these artificial boundaries.

Booking Tip: This is usually included as part of boat safari packages rather than a standalone activity. If booking separately, expect to pay $30-50 for a 2-hour trip. The experience is more about the concept and cross-border stories than dramatic scenery, so manage expectations accordingly.

Getting There

Air Botswana flies directly from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Maun into Kasane Airport. Most international visitors connect through Johannesburg, though the overland route from Victoria Falls takes just 90 minutes by road. The town sits on the main four-country highway, but border crossings get slow during peak season.

Getting Around

You can walk the small town center easily. Everything else needs transport—airport transfers, safari bookings, game drives to Chobe National Park. Most lodges handle transfers and can arrange activities, while car rental agencies operate from the airport. Book complete packages rather than arranging transport separately.

Where to Stay

Chobe Safari Lodge area
Chobe Game Lodge area
Town center
Chobe Marina Lodge area
Cresta Mowana area
Riverside camping areas

Food & Dining

Most visitors eat where they stay. Kasane has a handful of restaurants beyond lodge dining rooms, with Old House and Travelodge Restaurant offering casual meals and river views. Local markets sell fresh produce and traditional foods. Safari packages usually include meals—the smart choice given limited restaurant hours and the town's remote location.

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

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)

Bonita Gardens Cafe - Palapye, Botswana

4.7 /5
(103 reviews)
cafe park store

When to Visit

May to October delivers the best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around the Chobe River. Expect higher prices and more crowds during this peak season. The green season from November to April brings dramatic storms, lush landscapes, and excellent birding—but some roads become impassable and wildlife spreads out. Consider shoulder months like April-May or October-November for the best balance.

Insider Tips

Elephants regularly walk through town in the evening—keep car doors locked and don't walk alone after dark, as these are wild animals despite the urban setting
Many lodges offer day visitor packages that include lunch and pool access, which can be worth it for the facilities and river views even if you're staying in town
The border with Zimbabwe closes at 6 PM, so plan Victoria Falls day trips accordingly—getting stuck on the wrong side means expensive emergency arrangements

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Itineraries

Sample trip routes and plans for Kasane

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Kasane

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Kasane

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Kasane

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