Kasane

Africa > Botswana > Kasane (BBK)

The Car or no Car advice for  Kasane can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Kasane ;  is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).

🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Kasane ?

These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.

🇧🇼 Mode

Score
🚆 Non-car score non-car score 2

💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Kasane?

These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.

🇧🇼 Factor

Score
🚗 Car Score car rental availability score 6
🚗Do we need a car in Kasane? Is it worth it? Should we rent one? | Comment
Kasane is one of the clearest examples in southern Africa where the car-or-no-car decision depends entirely on what kind of visitor you are. This is a small town, but it sits at the centre of some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife areas. So, should you rent a car in Kasane? Often yes — but not always, and not for everyone.

📍 Getting Around Kasane — the Reality

Kasane itself is small and lightly built-up.

  • The town centre is compact

  • Distances within Kasane are short

  • Walking works locally, though heat is a factor

  • Traffic levels are low

If you stayed only in town, a car wouldn’t be essential — but few visitors come just for that.

🐘 A Safari Hub, Not a City Destination

Kasane’s importance comes from its location.

It sits at the crossroads of:

  • Chobe National Park

  • The Chobe River

  • Day trips to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe and Zambia)

  • Cross-border routes into Namibia’s Caprivi Strip

These destinations are spread out and not connected by public transport.

🚙 Self-Drive vs Organised Safaris

This is where the decision becomes nuanced.

A rental car (often a 4WD) is useful for:

  • Self-drive safaris in Chobe

  • Flexible wildlife viewing times

  • Cross-border road trips

  • Independent travel between parks

However, many visitors do not self-drive at all.

🚐 Tours and Transfers Work Extremely Well

Kasane is exceptionally well set up for organised excursions.

  • Guided game drives into Chobe

  • River safaris on the Chobe River

  • Transfers to Victoria Falls

  • Hotel-arranged transport

For first-time safari visitors, this is often safer, easier, and more rewarding than driving yourself.

🚗 When Renting a Car Makes Sense

A rental car makes sense if:

  • You’re experienced with African self-drive travel

  • You want multi-country flexibility

  • You plan to explore beyond standard tour routes

  • You’re staying longer and moving frequently

Otherwise, it can be unnecessary.

⚠️ Practical Considerations

  • 4WD strongly recommended for self-drive safaris

  • Wildlife on roads, especially at dawn and dusk

  • Border paperwork if leaving Botswana

  • Rental availability is limited — book early

Driving is feasible, but preparation is essential.

Conclusion: should you rent a car in Kasane?

Maybe — depending on your travel style.

Kasane is not a place where you need a car to see the highlights, thanks to excellent safari tours and transfers. But for confident, experienced travellers, a rental car opens up a wider, more independent safari experience.

💡 Rule of thumb:
First safari? Skip the car. Experienced overlander? Rent one. 🐘🚙

🚗Do we need a car in Kasane? Is it worth it? Should we? Destinations | Comment

🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table

This summary score brings how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it, driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.

🇧🇼 Factor

Score
🚗Should You Rent a Car in Kasane?
 overall should you rent a car score 9
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