Kasane, Botswana at a glance
Kasane sits on the Chobe River in the far north of Botswana and is the main gateway to the Chobe Riverfront. Hotels, guesthouses, campsites and shops line the river, and the town is the usual starting point for trips into the park and across to the neighbouring countries.
Most visitors use Kasane for two things: a Chobe river cruise in the afternoon and a game drive along the Riverfront in the morning. Both start within minutes of town, so you can see the park without a long transfer.
Our pick: a day out of Kasane
Boat and game drive starting from Kasane, a good first look at the park.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Kasane boat cruises, game drives and day trips
Chobe River cruises, Riverfront game drives and day trips that start in or near Kasane, with live prices and availability.
What you find in Kasane
The practical side of staying in town.
Places to stay
The town has hotels, guesthouses and campsites along the river. Not every place sold as a Chobe lodge is inside the park, so check the location before you book. Our Chobe accommodation guide explains the areas.
Shops and supplies
Kasane has shops, so you can buy food and supplies here before a self-drive trip or a few nights of camping. Stock up before you head into the park.
Health care
Medical care in Kasane is limited. Travel insurance, malaria advice from your doctor and a basic first aid kit are worth sorting out before you arrive, because the north of the Chobe region carries a high malaria risk all year.
Getting around
The park gate, the river landings and most places to stay are close to each other, so short taxi or transfer rides cover most plans. If you want your own car, read the notes on getting to Chobe.
Kazungula: the border crossings next to Kasane
Kazungula, near Kasane, is where you cross to Zambia and Zimbabwe. These are two different crossings. A road crossing leads to Zimbabwe. A cable-stayed bridge over the Zambezi leads to Zambia and was opened on 10 May 2021, with traffic starting the next day.
Opening hours change, so treat any time as a planning guide. For the Zambia bridge, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. is the usual figure, and 24-hour operation was announced for 2026. For the Zimbabwe road crossing, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. is a common planning figure. Check the current hours on the day before you travel.
A third crossing, at Ngoma, leads to Namibia. For the country across the river, read our guide to the Caprivi Strip.
Day trips to and from Kasane
Kasane is also the end point of a long day trip from the falls.
From Victoria Falls and Livingstone
The distance between Kasane and Victoria Falls is 80 to 95 km, depending on the start and end points, plus time at the border. Many visitors cross by organised day trip, with a boat cruise and a game drive in one day. Read more on the Chobe day trip from Victoria Falls, or see our own day trip guide.
Into the park
Sedudu Gate is the closest entrance to the Riverfront. A morning game drive and an afternoon cruise can be combined, and both are easy to book from Kasane. Park fees are paid separately unless your tour says they are included.
Chobe park fees →To Namibia
Ngoma is the border post to Namibia. Since 1 April 2025, many nationalities need a visa for Namibia, so a river trip across the border needs planning. Ask your operator what is arranged for you.
Sedudu Island and the river
The river in front of Kasane includes Sedudu Island, which was the subject of a dispute between Botswana and Namibia. On 13 December 1999 the International Court of Justice decided that the island belongs to Botswana. It is a settled matter, and it explains why you see both names, Sedudu and Kasikili, on maps and in books.
For the wildlife along this stretch, including elephants, hippos and buffalo on the floodplain, see our guide to the Chobe Riverfront.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where to go next.
Kasane: frequently asked questions
Where is Kasane?
Kasane is in the far north of Botswana on the Chobe River. It is the main town for visiting Chobe National Park and lies close to the borders with Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
How far is Kasane Airport from the town?
The airport (BBK) is about 4 km south of the town. The road distance to the centre is about 5.6 km. Ask your accommodation or operator to arrange the transfer.
How far is Sedudu Gate from Kasane?
About 6 km west of town, roughly 10 minutes by car. From other points in town it can be up to 10 km, so the figure depends on where you start.
How far is Kasane from Victoria Falls?
Between 80 and 95 km, depending on the start and end points, plus time at the border. The border wait varies, so allow generous time.
Is there a bridge from Kasane to Zambia?
Yes. The Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi opened on 10 May 2021. The crossing to Zimbabwe is a separate road crossing.
Do I need a visa to cross from Kasane to Namibia?
Since 1 April 2025, Germans, Austrians, Swiss, British and US citizens, among others, need a visa for Namibia, and a stay in Botswana does not cover it. Ngoma is the border post to Namibia.