Kasane is a small, friendly town of about 10,000 people perched on the banks of the Chobe River in northern Botswana, right at the doorstep of Chobe National Park. What makes Kasane's location remarkable is its proximity to four countries: Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia all converge within a few kilometers of town, connected by the Kazungula Bridge. This makes Kasane a natural hub for combining a Chobe safari with Victoria Falls, which sits just 80 km away in Zimbabwe. The town itself is compact and low-key, essentially a single road lined with lodges, restaurants, a few shops, and the offices of safari operators who run daily game drives and boat safaris into Chobe. The Chobe River at sunset, with elephants silhouetted against the sky and hippos grunting in the shallows, is one of Africa's great natural scenes, and Kasane puts you minutes away from it. The town has grown steadily as Chobe tourism has expanded, with accommodation ranging from backpacker campsites to luxury riverside lodges.
Things to Do in Kasane
Chobe National Park Game Drive
NatureMorning or afternoon 4x4 game drives into Africa's elephant capital. Herds of hundreds are common during the dry season.
Duration: ~4 hours
Chobe River Boat Safari
NatureCruise the Chobe River at sunset among elephants bathing, hippos surfacing, and crocodiles sunning on the banks. The signature Kasane experience.
Duration: ~3 hours
Victoria Falls Day Trip
NatureDrive or take a shuttle to Victoria Falls (80 km). View one of the Seven Natural Wonders, then return to Kasane the same day.
Duration: ~8 hours
Kasane Neighborhoods
Where to stay and explore
Chobe Riverfront / Lodge Strip
Very goodTourist-oriented, scenic
The main stretch of lodges, hotels, and restaurants along the Chobe River. This is where most visitors stay.
Price level: Mid-high
Kasane Town Center
GoodFunctional, small-town
Small commercial area with a supermarket, filling station, banks, and local shops.
Price level: Budget
Kazungula
GoodTransit, border town
Border area south of Kasane where the Kazungula Bridge connects to Zambia. Also the point where four countries nearly meet.
Price level: Budget
Food & Restaurants
Kasane's dining options are limited but adequate, with most restaurants attached to lodges. The food is decent tourist fare with some local Botswana dishes available.
Must-Try Dishes
Seswaa
Pounded beef, Botswana's national dish
Fresh Bream
Locally caught river fish, grilled or fried
Top Restaurants
The Old House
$$International • Riverfront
Relaxed atmosphere, good pizza and grills
Coffee Buzz
$Cafe • Town center
Good coffee, pastries, and light meals
Kasane Nightlife
Kasane has almost no nightlife scene. This is a small safari town where most visitors are in bed early for dawn game drives. Evening entertainment is limited to lodge bars, sunset cruises, and the occasional campfire.
Best areas: Riverfront lodges
Chobe Safari Lodge Bar
Lodge BarRiverfront
Open-air bar overlooking the Chobe River. Best place for a sundowner in Kasane.
Old House Bar
Restaurant/BarTown center
Casual spot for drinks and dinner in a relaxed garden setting
Shopping in Kasane
Shopping in Kasane is very limited. There is a small supermarket for supplies, a couple of curio shops selling crafts, and that is about it. Stock up in Maun or Gaborone before arriving.
Malls
- Kasane Mall (Town center)
Markets
- Kasane Craft Market - Craft market
- Spar Kasane - Supermarket
What to Buy
Safety in Kasane
Kasane is extremely safe for tourists. The main hazard is wildlife: elephants walk through town regularly, especially at night. Keep a respectful distance and never get between an elephant and the river.
Safe Areas
- ✓ Everywhere in town
Avoid
Safety Tips
- • Watch for elephants when walking at dusk or after dark
- • Never approach wildlife on foot
- • Carry a flashlight at night on lodge grounds
- • Lock food away as baboons and monkeys are opportunistic
Getting Around Kasane
Lodge Transfers
RecommendedMost lodges provide airport transfers and arrange game drives. The easiest option.
Usually included in lodge rate
Taxi
RecommendedAvailable around town for short trips.
$3-8
Car Rental
Available but not necessary unless self-driving into Chobe or continuing to Maun.
$60-100/day
Walking
Town center is walkable but lodges are spread along the river road. Watch for elephants on the road, especially at night.
Kasane Weather
Subtropical with hot, wet summers and warm, dry winters
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| january | 32°C | 20°C | 130mm | Hot, peak rains |
| february | 31°C | 20°C | 110mm | Hot, rainy |
| march | 31°C | 19°C | 70mm | Warm, rains easing |
| april | 30°C | 16°C | 15mm | Cooling, drying |
| may | 28°C | 11°C | 2mm | Cool, dry |
| june | 25°C | 7°C | 0mm | Cool, dry |
| july | 25°C | 6°C | 0mm | Cool mornings, pleasant days |
| august | 28°C | 9°C | 0mm | Warming, dry |
| september | 33°C | 15°C | 3mm | Hot, dry |
| october | 35°C | 20°C | 25mm | Very hot, first storms |
| november | 33°C | 20°C | 65mm | Hot, thunderstorms |
| december | 32°C | 20°C | 110mm | Hot, summer rains |
How Many Days in Kasane?
1
Minimum
2
Recommended
3
Ideal