This riverside town at the edge of Chobe National Park acts as a gateway for safaris and river cruises to spot elephants, hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Kasane, a small town in northeastern Botswana, sits where Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia meet. You might see elephants walking past the supermarket or hippos grazing on front lawns at night. Take a morning boat ride on the Chobe River to watch baby elephants splashing in the water, or drive 70 kilometers to feel the spray from Victoria Falls. The nearby Chobe National Park has one of Africa's largest elephant populations, with more than 50,000 of these giants roaming its woodlands and riverbanks.
Getting to Kasane
Kasane International Airport connects the town with Gaborone, Maun, and Johannesburg through regular flights. You can reach Kasane by road from Victoria Falls (70 km), Francistown, or Maun on well-maintained highways. The Kazungula Ferry crossing, just 6 km from town, links Botswana with Zambia for those traveling north.
Wildlife Viewing Along the Chobe River
The Chobe River flows along the town's northern edge, creating a natural wildlife corridor. Elephants wade across the water, hippos graze on the banks, and buffalo gather in herds of hundreds. During morning and afternoon boat trips, you'll float past drinking elephants, crocodiles warming themselves on sandbanks, and countless water birds. Wildlife activity peaks in the dry season when animals gather near the water.
Exploring Chobe National Park
The park begins 10 kilometers from town, without fences between wildlife and urban areas. You can spot lions lounging in the shade, leopards in the woodland areas, and over 460 bird species throughout the park. Game drives take you through flood plains where zebras graze and into mopane forests where elephants strip bark from trees.
Local Landmarks
The Prison Baobab's hollow trunk once held prisoners in the early 1900s. Between Kasane and Kazungula, the Kasane Hot Springs bubble with warm, mineral-rich waters where elephants and antelope often drink. At the CARACAL Biodiversity Centre, you can see 17 species of local snakes and learn about ongoing conservation projects.
Planning Your Stay
Accommodation options line the Chobe River, from basic camping grounds to luxury lodges. The town center has shopping centers, banks with ATMs, and medical facilities. Most lodges and camps can arrange game drives, boat trips, and day excursions to Victoria Falls. Book activities in advance during peak season (July-October) when wildlife viewing is at its best.
