Originally a quiet little village on the Chobe River, Kasane rose to fame in 1975 when Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton remarried in the adjacent Chobe National Park.

Today, fast-growing Kasane is a tourism hub for visitors to the Chobe National Park; it's also a convenient refuelling and shopping point for travellers travelling between Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia. Accommodation options range from camping to very upmarket game lodges, plus there are restaurants and shops to cater for all tastes and budgets.

Adjacent to the town is the popular Chobe Riverfront section of the Chobe National Park. The park has one campsite and two upmarket lodges, but staying in Kasane while undertaking day trips into the park, is a viable and convenient option. There are no fences around the park so it's not unusual to see wildlife in adjacent areas including lodge grounds.

A boat cruise on the Chobe River is a memorable way to experience its wildlife. Bookings are recommended and can normally be done through your accommodation venue. Of course, you can also do a self-drive game drive to the Chobe Riverfront, or book a game drive with your lodge.

There's good birdwatching on the river, especially near Kazungula, at the Kasane Rapids. Birdwatchers should be on the lookout for specials such as the Rock Pratincole. Behind the Kasane Police Station, you'll find a large, hollow baobab tree which was used as a prison before Botswana’s independence. The CARACAL Biodiversity Center is a rehabilitation center for injured wild animals and birds and also houses about 17 species of snakes.

The river flows past the town and it’s home to wildlife, including dangerous game, so visitors should take care when walking in these parts; sightings of elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, and hippos aren't uncommon. Kasane Hot Spring is a natural spring situated in the Wildlife Corridor between Kazungula and Kasane; its salty waters are believed to have medicinal powers. But manage your expectations; there are no man-made pools or other facilities.

You'll find Impalila Island just north of Kasane. This island is the most easterly tip of Namibia's Zambezi region and is formed by the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers to the north and south respectively, and the Kasai Channel to the west. It can only be accessed by plane or boat. Its name means 'the faraway place' and it's here that Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet. Once a military base for the South African Defence Force, Impalila Island now forms part of the Impalila Conservancy and is home to the Lozi tribe. Although it’s part of Namibia, access to the island's lodges requires a visit to the Kasane Immigration Office.

FUEL:
Kasane has Engen and Shell garages. Always have some spare petrol in case of emergencies, as the garages do run out occasionally. They are often without diesel as all the trucks fill up there before entering Zimbabwe and Zambia (much cheaper in Botswana).
Credit card machines don’t always work, so make sure you have extra cash on hand.

HEALTHCARE:
Hospital contact added is for Kasane Primary hospital. There are two private clinics. Phone New Hope Private Clinic: +267 625 1733.

MECHANICAL REPAIRS:
For car repairs there is the Motovac situated at the Kasane Business Centre open from 08h00 to 17h00 during working days and from 08h00-13h00 on Sat and Sun.

SHOPS & SERVICES:
The Kasane Spar is well-stocked with fresh meat and produce, and there's a Tops liquor store to top up your liquid refreshments. You'll also find a Choppies, a large Shoprite supermarket (with extensive butchery and bakery), as well as a Shell and Puma fuel station. The Old House Restaurant is popular with locals and offers good meals.

TOWING SERVICES:
Tow-in Services contacts added are for Mario's Gar.age – try: +267 625 2294 or Cell: +267 71 233 180. They provide this service anyway around Chobe District.

USEFUL NUMBERS:
New Hope Private Clinic: +267 625 1733.
Itenge Laundry & Dry Cleaning: +267 71 309 839.

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