The Mogendes open a guesthouse in the pristine Kasane

Superior kids make superior parents. This adage has been proven true by the Mogende family of Tonota, the latest locals to own a lodge in the tourist town of Kasane.

Kasane is the home of the great Chobe River and the attractive different wildlife species that come with it. As young children in their respective villages of Tonota and Tsetsebjwe, before they got to know each other, Both Khumo and his wife, Masego Mogende, dreamt of owning a business. The dream turned into a reality some five years ago when the newest joint in Kasane, named, The Royalty Hive Guest house, was conceived. With great nostalgia, Mogende, a former soldier with the Botswana Defence Force reminisces: “When I first met my wife, Masego, she already owned a plot in the plateau Kasane. The land was suitable for any business, in particular a lodge, due to its proximity to the Chobe river. It was also on a high ground, overlooking the river.” She had shared with him her childhood passion of wanting to own a lodge.

“I immediately became excited because this has always been my passion and dream too. As a soldier I had frequented Kasane on operational trips and developed an interest in the tourism industry. I retired from the army in 2017 and we agreed to start our dream project.”

They subsequently started the process of changing land use, which was approved, and the process took almost two years. With a business plan in hand, they approached the Local Enterprises Authority ( LEA) for professional guidance.

“The officers in that office were friendly and helpful, they went overboard to assist us and within a very reasonable time.”