KASANE

Not too long ago Kasane was a remote and forgettable small village. However, its strategic location along the main tourist routes (meeting point of four countries - Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia) has led to rapid expansion in recent years. Six kilometres east of Kasane is tiny Kazungula, which serves as the border post between Botswana and Zimbabwe and the landing for the Kazungula Ferry between Botswana and Zambia.

Situated on the Chobe River in the northeast, Kasane is a bustling little town offering trouble-free access to the Chobe National Park. As there are no boundary fences between the park and the village, game such as elephant and hippo can frequently be seen wandering down the road and through the Kasane campsites.

A number of large dead trees along the Sedudu Valley Road are ideal for spotting elusive leopards, which are plentiful in the area.

Kasane also offers access to two other tourist sights: Nambia's Caprivi Strip to the west and the Victoria Falls to the east on the Zimbabwe/Zambian border.

There are a number of garages, banks, shops and river lodges in the village, as well as an international airport just 4km out of town. The lodges offer morning and evening drives into the park as far as Serondela.

Kasane also boasts an old and dignified baobab tree with its own story to tell: in the early twentieth century the hollowed out centre of the tree trunk served as the local prison for many years before the current brick structure behind it was built.

A short drive out of Kasane takes you to a bend in the Chobe River near the Kasane Rapids. A number of picnic sites can be found in the area, that are worth a visit if only to glimpse the abundance of birdlife that can be seen close to the rapids. Look out for unusual species such as the African finfoot and the halfcollared kingfisher. Most of the lodges offer river cruises, which provide a good opportunity to view birds and animals alike from close quarters. Sunset over the Chobe River is arguably one of the most photographed in Africa.

Kasane is also popular as a fishing safari destination. A wide variety of fish species can be found in the waterways off Kasane including tigerfish and bream. Most of the lodges in the area cater for fishing safaris as well as boat and tackle hire.

Across the Chobe river from Kasane is the flat grassy plains of Sedudu Island, a grazing ground for elephant, hippo and buffalo.

Visitors to Kasane can also visit the Kasane Hot Springs natural mineral spa and Inchingo fishing camp, which is an excellent area for fishing. The Sedudu Island on the Chobe River is also a favorite site for game viewing and bird watching. While in Kasane make sure to participate in one of the regular sundowner river cruises, a trip on the rapids of the Chobe River and a visit to the old hollow baobab tree.

AVAILABLE HOLIDAY PACKAGES TO THIS REGION:

Bostwana Green Season Spectacular - 10 nights holiday package 10 Nights Victoria Falls, Chobe, Linyanti, Moremi Game Reserve & Okavango Delta (Optional Kalahari Extension) Rate : 10 Nights from $3,350.00

Botswana & Victoria Falls - 6 nights holiday package 6 Nights Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari  The Zambezi Waterfront Chobe Safari Lodge Rate : 6 Nights from $1,025.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana & Victoria Falls - 6 nights holiday package 6 Nights Victoria Falls & Chobe Luxury Safari Tongabezi Lodge Chobe Chilwero Rate : 6 Nights from $3,190.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Best Value Lodge Safari - 10 nights holiday package 10 Nights Victoria Falls, Chobe, Moremi Game Reserve, Okavango Delta & Makgadikgadi Rate : 10 Nights from $2,950.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Chobe & Victoria Falls - 6 nights holiday package 6 Nights Victoria Falls & Chobe Superior Thorntree Lodge Muchenje Safari Lodge Rate : 6 Nights from $1,790.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Guided Lodge Tour - 11 nights holiday package This 11 night / 12 day safari starts in Kasane and ends in Maun. Rate : 11 Nights from $3,900.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Mobile Lodge Safari - 12 nights holiday package 12 Nights Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve & Okavango Delta Rate : 12 Nights from $4,025.00

Botswana Northern Explorer Safari - 10 nights holiday package 10 Nights / 11 Days Maun to Kasane or Kasane to Maun Maun, Kasane, Livingstone or Victoria Falls Airport Camping On An Authentic Mobile Tented Safari NORTHERN EXPLORER DEPARTURE DATES 2008 Rate : 10 Nights from $3,300.00 [per person sharing]

Botswana Northern Highlights - 10 nights holiday package 10 Night Victoria Falls, Chobe, Linyanti, & Okavango Delta Rate : 10 Nights from $3,955.00 [per person sharing]