FOUR THINGS TO DO IN KASANE

Sunset cruise

A sunset cruise on the Chobe might be the best thing to do in the whole of Africa.

All the lodges in Kasane can arrange a sunset cruise and the different operators all charge about the same rate. You also have to pay park fees since you’ll enter Chobe National Park. Rates: Chobe Safari Lodge P220 (R288) per adult; P110 (R144) per child under 12. Park fees P120 (R157) per adult; P60 (R79) per child aged 8 – 17; free for children under 8.

Take note: If you visit the park in the morning for a game drive, you don’t need to pay park fees again in the evening for your cruise. Do your two Chobe outings on the same day to save some bucks. Contact: Enquire at your accommodation in Kasane.

Helicopter flight

Unlike Vic Falls and Livingstone, the sound of helicopters and microlights isn’t omnipresent in Kasane. This is a good thing, but the Chobe floodplain is also spectacular from the air.

The only pilot who can take you up is Mogomotsi Gaebepe from Pyrus Eagles. His Robinson helicopter can carry three passengers. You’ll see the Chobe River, Sedudu Island and the channels that connect the Chobe and the Zambezi, plus all the birds and animals that live there. Rates: 15-minute flight P765 (R1 000) per person; 30-minute flight P1 994 (minimum two people per flight). It’s cheaper than a helicopter flip over Vic Falls. GPS: S17.79491 E25.16487 Contact: 00 267 71 431 749; 00 267 625 1844; info@pyruseagles.com

Chow on the Chobe

Here’s something different: The Raft is a restaurant anchored on the Chobe River near Sedudu Island, accessed by boat from Kasane. You might see elephant, hippo and other wildlife while you eat your steak.

The restaurant is on the Namibian side of the river, but you stay on the water so you won’t have to show your passport to get a side salad. The whole outing takes about two hours. The restaurant is only open for lunch. Rate: US$38 (R544), which gets you a choice between three types of braaied meat, two salads, garlic bread, dessert and two drinks, plus the boat ride. Contact: 031 762 2424 (SA bookings); info@ flameofafrica.com

Take photos like a pro

Want to take great wildlife photos but don’t have the right gear? Then do a tour with the professional guides from Pangolin Photo Safaris. They’ll take you right up to the birds and beasts and supply you with a camera and zoom lens if you don’t have your own.

You’re guaranteed great shots and you get to keep the SD card with all your photos. Visit their website for information about their longer photography tours and their photography houseboat on the Chobe River. Rate: US$90 (R1 279) per person for a three-hour tour on the river (or a similar tour on land) – this is a special reader offer. Mention you read about their photography tour in this magazine. Contact: 021 418 2312;

pangolinphoto.com