Kasane and the Chobe NP – 7/31/16
Transport
Since I knew it’s quite a long road from Maun to Kasane with public transportation, I managed to find a safari which could leave me directly there, rather than return back to the starting point. From Kasane to Victoria Falls there are transfer organized by the hotels, which cost about 60 USD. As I was alone, I used taxis. 50 BWP from the center to the border, and then 30 USD to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Sleep
Old House Kasane, centrally located, close to supermarkets, and overlooking the river, with its own pier, beautiful at sunset. 850 BWP. Bars with thatched roof, very cosy atmosphere. Very nice room, but a little bit expensive
Great breakfast, including homemade cakes. friendly staff, but a little clumsy and slow to serve the dinner, they did a mess with my final bill (always better to pay immediately for any drink or food order, and keep the receipts) and no one was able to give me info on the transfer to Victoria Falls. Luckily the next morning there was a girl, I think her name is Sarah, who brilliantly settled everything.
Eat
In the town center, I saw some fast food and restaurants. I had dinner at the Old House, 60 BWP for a small river fish, maybe I should have tried the downtown options.
Excursions
Kasane lies on the banks of the Zambezi, in the northern stretch of the Chobe National Park. Foreigners come here to see the wildlife cooling off in the water, driving cars along a single path, which seems to be quite congested, or comfortably sit on a boat at sunset.
The cruises are relatively inexpensive; any hotel or backpackers can organize them, but it’s also possible to pop up at the main pier, and buy tickets directly by the cruise companies. Costs are about 350 BWP + the park entry fees (100 BWP). The stars of the cruise are the elephants, who drink on the banks, or cross the river swimming in search of new pastures
Many birds
and reptiles, as well as large herbivores
Magnificent sunsets
Impressions
Unfortunately in Kasane there is lack of cheap accomodations. The only cheaper options I found were a permanent tent at Thebe River Safaris (270 BWP), and then Bophirimo GH, (510 BWP for a self contained cottage), both outside city centre