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Kasane is a small city in Botswana near the “Four Corners” of Africa. It serves as a gateway to Botswana’s parks like in Chobe National Park and neighboring attractions like Victoria Falls.

Coming from Gaborone, I caught a flight with Air Botswana to Kasane Airport. The national airline connects the main cities of the country. On this route, I flew on a ATR72. The flight was comfortable and the plane was in good condition. They even served a meal for the short flight.

From the airport, I took the shuttle to my hotel the Cresta Mowana. Soon after arriving I started exploring the area.

Chobe River Cruise

I joined the hotel’s boat cruise along the river and into the Chobe National Park. Our large flat-bottom riverboat had an experienced driver and guide to provide some insights on the animals. With a small group of seven on board, we all had plenty of space to enjoy the view.

After a short drive, we stopped to register and pay the park fees at a dock. Then slowly went down the river to enjoy the wildlife. I indulged a local St. Louis beer on picture breaks.

The highlight of the cruise was the herds of elephants we saw playing in the water and eating grass on an island. Swallows that made their nest on the roof of the boat were flying around, apparently not too pleased with us commandeering their home. There were many hippos, antelopes, and birds.

That evening I met with Ntana, an officer from the Botswana Tourism Authority. He gave me a thorough introduction to the city and told me of his love for the animals and nature.

We went for dinner at a nearby resort restaurant. They had a massive buffet and even served Kudu braai which I eagerly tried.

On the drive back he drove me around to show me how small the Kasane really is and how close it is to the national park. To demonstrate his point, on one road we found a herd of elephants just lounging about right near some houses. Openings in the gates are created to provide a path for the animals to enter and leave the park.

Living in Kasane will bring about some very unique stories. Ntana told me about the time he found a large elephant outside his bedroom window munching on his mulberry bush and then there was the time his truck was destroyed by a charging buffalo.

Everyday is a safari in Kasane.

Chobe National Park

The next morning I attended an early morning game drive in the park organized by the hotel. They even had coffee and snacks to start the morning.

Our drive followed the river bank where we saw hippos scurrying off the road as we approached. It was exciting to see them so close. There were also some elephants and a variety of birdlife.

The three-hour game drive at dawn was serene. We had one stop for a drink at a rest area in the park.

Back at the hotel, I checked out and met with Ntana. He helped me locate a tourist shirt before seeing some local sights.

Seboba Cultural Village and Recreational Park

One of the new initiatives of the Tourism Authority is to provide a venue where tourists can interact and understand the local culture. This is done through a cultural village, crafts market, dance arena, and information center. The crafts for sale are all locally produced.

There are also walking trails and an observation point with a magnificent view over the rapids.

Kasane Hot Springs

After a short drive we arrived at a field where a hidden hot spring was located. Nana showed me the exact area where the warm water was flowing. Certain people believe that the waters have healing powers among other benefits.

Finally we went to the river so I could catch my ferry to Zambia. Ntana roughly pointed out where the “Four Countries” borders meet in the middle of the river. I thanked him and headed towards the approaching ferry.

Kazungula Ferry

The ferries are very frequent and even transport large trucks across the river. My ride was free of charge.

A man told me not to take the next ferry and wait for the one after. When I found out they were both going to Zambia and everyone else was getting on, I ignored him and boarded. He then followed suit. Not sure what he wanted from me but whatever it was, he didn’t get it.

A bored guard sat on one end of the ferry with an AK-47 loosely hung on his shoulder. I crossed the river and entered Zambia.