Kasane

Kasane sits on the Chobe river at the northern tip of Botswana, a few kilometres from where the borders of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe come together at the Zambezi. It is the gate town for Chobe National Park and the base for the river cruises that are the area's signature activity, with elephant coming down to drink in the late afternoon. Baboons and warthogs move through the town itself, and the Victoria Falls are close enough for a day trip.

What you actually see

• The Chobe river cruises - afternoon boats with elephant and hippo on the banks.
• The park gate - the main northern entrance to Chobe National Park.
• The four-country point - the meeting of borders at the Zambezi nearby.
• The town wildlife - baboons, warthogs and occasional elephant on the streets.

When to go

May to October is the dry season, when animals concentrate on the river and cruises are at their best. The rains from November to April bring green country and fewer visitors. July to September is peak season and busiest.

Honest expectations

River cruises can be crowded with boats at good sightings in peak season. Prices are high and rise sharply in the dry months. Wildlife in town is not tame; elephants and baboons cause real problems.

Nearby

Chobe National Park is west, and Kazungula is a few kilometres east.