In the City: Exploring Kasane, Botswana

We’re stretching out far and wide to bring you one of our newest chapters in Kasane, Botswana. Clive Miller, chapter leader of Travel Massive Kasane and safari company owner, is here to tell us some of Kasane’s most incredible places to visit.

Perhaps this interview may just push you to head to Travel Massive Kasane’s next event!

How long have you lived in Kasane?

I’ve lived in Kasane for 7 years. Having worked in the world of safari in Zimbabwe I arrived in Kasane to help spearhead the expansion and modernization of Safari & Guide Services.

What makes your city so awesome or unique?

We have, without a doubt, more elephants than any other town or city in the world. I’ve also regularly had leopards, hyenas and lions around my house as well as assorted buffalos, hippos and other things that go bump in the night. If driving to work and seeing elephants isn’t awesome, I don’t know what is.

What surprises people most about your city?

The fact that they arrive and can see very large animals wandering around town without even going into the national park. While warthogs commonly compete with us for the pavement, one can quietly conduct a bird safari just by walking down the street. Just be careful walking out of town, one never knows where the buffalo are hiding.

Are there any myths or misconceptions about your city, people, custom, or culture?

I think many friends back home think we live a “Robert Redford Out of Africa” existence. However, much of the time we are working like crazy and sorting out the kind of problems one would never see where I grew up in Scotland. However, on the odd occasion, I do stop and think things like “hmm, I am sitting on top of a crocodile”, “yes, that elephant is trying to put its trunk through my car window” or “why is that baboon in my house?” Sometimes it’s just the simple pleasures like marvelling at the colours of the elusive Schalows Turaco.

Is there a social, political or environmental issue at the heart of your city which people want to drive change to?

The environment means everything to where we live. Without it there would be no Kasane. We are forever battling to bridge the gap between economic and urban expansion, human-wildlife conflict and ensuring tourism co-exists hand-in-hand with human “progress”.

Best sustainable travel tips for visiting your city?

Read up about where you are going so you can get the most out of it. Also check out how you can give back to the local community. There are a myriad of ways of doing this; from supporting an NGO (even by just visiting a project) or dropping off gifts at a local school.

Best local food or restaurant?

Dinner at the Old House. They sometimes do an awesome Eisbein. (Enough to feed a small army.)

Best local drink or bar?

Just find a place where you can have a drink with the sunset. You might be on a fancy terrace, sitting on the bonnet of your car or in the bush – it doesn’t matter where. Mathematically speaking: Sunset+Sundower=Bliss.

Best local neighbourhood to explore and why?

Go and see the animal neighbours – Chobe National Park is on our doorstep!

Best cultural tradition?

The talent that goes into local basket weaving is very impressive. The dancing is also awesome to watch.

Best time of year to visit and why?

Best time of year to visit Kasane and Chobe is January to December. There are always birds and animals depending on what you are looking for!

Are there any helpful words or lingo in the local language we should know?

A simple “dumela ra” (hello – “ma” if speaking to a lady) kaleboga (thankyou), “Le kae” (how are you), “Tsamaya Sentle” (go well) can go a long way.

In the City is a monthly series that profiles a unique Travel Massive city around the world. Connect with Clive on Travel Massive, Facebook and Twitter. Be sure to join the Travel Massive Kasane chapter for updates on their upcoming event.