- A breakdown of the plan driving the Kasane/Kazungula Redevelopment Project
For decades, Kasane has occupied a paradoxical space. Despite its stunning location on the Chobe River, it has largely functioned as a high-speed transit lounge—a gateway where travelers touch down briefly before disappearing into the Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, or crossing the border to the tourist magnets of Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
While its neighbors in Zimbabwe and Zambia have spent years diversifying their offerings, Kasane’s local industry has been dominated by exclusive, high-end wildlife tourism. On the surface, the town boasts luxury lodges, but beneath that veneer, it has remained an administrative center—a place of government offices and freight logistics rather than a vibrant destination.
The Kasane-Kazungula Redevelopment Project (KKRP) is set to change that narrative. It is a rare opportunity to correct decades of “planning mishaps” and transform the region from a mere passageway into a world-class international tourism hub.
The first deliverables of this ambitious project to transform Kasane and Kazungula into a premier regional and international tourism hub have been bold. Recently the ministry of environment and tourism under whose purview the project was mooted official opened and handed over two key infrastructure projects.
The two new facilities – a government institutional office building and a government fleet management workshop replace old offices previously located along the Kasane and Kazungula riverfront. Relocating these services is a strategic move to free up prime riverfront land for tourism investment by Batswana.
Minister of Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi conducted the official opening on Tuesday, handing over the fleet management workshop to the Ministry of Transport and the institutional office building to the Ministry of State President, Defence, and Security.
Beyond the Safari Vehicle
The project is an offshoot of the Kasane/Kazungula Tourism Development Master Plan. Its primary mission is simple but ambitious: diversify Botswana’s tourism product so it is no longer solely reliant on the lucrative, yet exclusive, luxury safari market.
The plan acknowledges a hard truth: currently, the average stay in Kasane is just two nights—exactly the time needed for one river cruise and one game drive. There is little to tempt guests out of their lodges and into the local community. The town lacks a “sense of place.”
To fix this, the KKRP is built on three strategic pillars: Tourism Diversification: Moving beyond traditional safaris to offer urban recreation and cultural experiences.
The second pillar is that of Property Relocations, primarily moving government buildings and institutions (including the Chobe Brigade and the local prison) away from the riverfront to unlock prime land for development.
Lastly the project seeks to make Infrastructure Upgrades by Creating public spaces that serve both international visitors and local residents.
A New Look for the Waterfront
The redevelopment focuses on five key “anchor” sites. At the heart of the vision is a central leisure and recreation hub in Kasane, featuring a marina, restaurants, cafes, and a community marketplace.
Further along the water in Kazungula, a second hub will be developed near the bridge, catering to a younger, more diverse market while housing a monument dedicated to the heroes of the Liberation Struggle. Other highlights include: The Seboba Cultural Village Expansion: A state-of-the-art conference center and hotel to stimulate the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) market.
A new walkway and picnic venue at the culturally significant Hot Springs Site: location, and the eco-residential estates adjoining the Chobe National Park.
Phasing the Future
The rollout is divided into three priority phases. Priority A (slated for the next three years) focuses on the “low-hanging fruit”: improving jetties, building the riverfront boardwalk, and establishing the KAZA Tourism and Environment College (KATEC) to ensure local youth are trained for the new jobs this growth will create.
Priority B shifts toward large-scale commercial ventures, including a sports stadium, a spa hotel, and an elephant sanctuary research center. Looking further ahead, Priority C introduces more adventurous concepts, such as an aerial cable car connecting the plateau to the town center and an adventure sports circuit in the forest reserves.
The Blueprint for Execution: A Shared Responsibility
A project of this scale requires a delicate balance between state-led infrastructure and private-sector innovation. The KKRP is designed as a collaborative ecosystem, with clear mandates for different players.
The Public Sector: Building the Foundation
The government’s primary role is to create the “bones” of the new destination—focusing on accessibility and public spaces. Immediate Priorities: The initial three-year push involves state-led upgrades to riverfront jetties, boat landings, and public campsites. Long-term Assets: The state will also spearhead the development of a Botanical Park and a major sports stadium complex, complete with a multi-purpose indoor exhibition centre.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): The Commercial Heart
The most transformative “lifestyle” elements of the plan rely on joint ventures. These partnerships aim to bridge the gap between community needs and commercial viability. The Leisure Hubs: The pedestrianised town centre—featuring traders’ stalls and a community marketplace—will be a joint execution. High-Value Infrastructure: Key landmarks like the Kazungula Bridge viewing point, the Seboba Cultural Centre, and the State-of-the-Art Conference Hotel fall under this shared mandate. Skills & Education: The KAZA Tourism and Environment College (KATEC) is perhaps the most vital PPP project, ensuring that as the industry grows, the local workforce is ready to lead it.
Private Sector: Innovation and Niche Markets
To truly diversify beyond the standard boat cruise, the plan relies on private developers to bring specialized expertise and capital to the table. Wildlife & Conservation: The private sector is tasked with leading the Big Five Elephant Sanctuary, the enlargement of the CARACAL animal rescue centre, and the improvement of the crocodile sanctuary. High-End & Adventure: From the Residential Eco-Estate and Spa Hotel to the ambitious cable car connecting the plateau to the town centre, these projects are designed to be private-sector led, driving the “premium” and “adventure” segments of the new Kasane.
A Sustainable Roadmap
This is not just a dream; it’s a data-driven strategy. The framework draws from research by the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and benchmarking trips to other KAZA (Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area) towns.
By reclaiming the riverfront and investing in diverse attractions—from botanical parks to night game drives—Kasane-Kazungula is finally stepping out of the shadows of its neighbors. The goal is no longer just to be a stop on a map, but a destination that invites the world to stay a little longer.
Look out for Part 2 of this Inside Story Feature in our next edition
