This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Kasane, Botswana, is a small city in the northeast of Botswana. You will want to stay in Kasane if you are going to explore Chobe National Park, one of the top sites in Botswana (and even Southern Africa).
Chobe National Park is one of the best places in Africa for game drives -- here you can spot four of the big five. Chobe is one of the cheapest national parks in Africa, and with the availability of Kasane, Botswana hostels close by in town and many tour agencies offering game drives, Chobe is one of the most accessible national parks for backpackers and travelers that do not have access to their own transport.
There are several tour agencies in town that can book you on a game drive or a river cruise in Chobe National Parks. Planning far in advance is often not necessary and not booking it from home will save you money. Your Kasane, Botswana hostel can also help you to book a game drive or river cruise, but you will pay them a small commission.
Kasane is only a few minutes away from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian border. If you do not intend to travel onward in Botswana, you might as well visit Chobe as a day trip from your hostel in Livingstone, Zambia, or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Both cities are only ninety minutes' driving away. From both cities you can book day trips. For the best experience, however, it is recommended to stay overnight in Kasane. This will give you the opportunity to witness a fantastic sundowner over the river, and the best time to see lions is in the early morning.
Unlike many national parks elsewhere in Africa, there are no fences around Chobe National Parks. The wildlife roams around freely and reach town frequently. It is therefore strongly discouraged to leave your Kasane, Botswana hostel by foot after sunset and early mornings, as carnivores, elephants, and other wildlife dangerous to life often roam around. Even crossing the street can be dangerous to life. If unsure, ask locals -- the citizens of Kasane are extremely friendly.
Written by local expertz for Kasane
Martin Straatman
