18 Sep 2013

It goes without saying that Kasane is one of the most beautiful places in Botswana, quite possibly even in the world.

With unparalleled vast species of wildlife especially elephants, it is no wonder Kasane is known to some as The Place of Giants. It is perhaps the giants and the scenic views of the river that have made Kasane one of the most sought after tourist destinations of choice the world over.

However, once one has stayed long enough in Kasane, they will realise that there is a certain vibe, a somewhat somber mood about residents of the township, especially the working class.

They are not as excited as one would expect about the unbelievably hypnotising sunsets that play out every evening, nor are they thrilled by the sights of elephants and buffaloes by the sides of the road; sights that have tourists paying thousands and thousands of dollars to get a glimpse of.

It is almost like they are surviving from one day to the next, oblivious of the beauty that beholds the ‘paradise’, as popular Radio Botswana caller and Kasane resident, Mr Sangwana Sangwana would call it. Why? One may wonder. ‘It’s too far’, most always say. And that it is Kasane 927 kilometers away from the capital city, Gaborone; and the nearest city, Francistown, is 490 kilometers away.

Sadly the reality is that most workers in Kasane are separated from their spouses and families, the situation that has robbed them of enjoying the splendor of Kasane with their loved ones. As such for many, Kasane has become just a means to an end.

At meetings and forums it is common for people to ask each other “How long have you been here?”Any answer more than three years or even two would be met with “don’t you want to be transferred somewhere else?” It seems most are eager to make a quick exit out of this place, however beautiful, however enchanting, however fascinating to its visitors.

Not only is the geographical location a disadvantage, the price of food and rental is steeper than in most towns around the country. Accommodation also remains a challenge for many especially civil servants, as the District Administration is overwhelmed by increasing requests for housing.

Alternative housing is not any better as there are very few decent looking houses at affordable prices around Kasane and as such many have settled for living in one roomed and two roomed houses often with no hot water.

A one roomed house costs between P400 to P500.These and other factors may be the reason why residents here have underwhelming enthusiasm about their place of residence despite it being a tourism hub for Botswana.

However there are some pros to living here, observably. Where else does one get to cross over to a different country to do their hair and be back in time for lunch? Actually, three countries; Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe are all a stone throw away.

And where else do you get to host corporate events on a boat, cruising inside the magnificent Chobe River? Picnics by the popular letswai area along the river bank, the diversity of the people including tourists from different parts of the world plus of course the 70 000 plus estimated elephants in the Chobe region are just a tip off the iceberg about why Kasane remains a truly unique experience in spite of its remoteness.

It has what the French would call a certain je ne sais quoi. You just cannot put a finger to one particular factor. Ends