History of Kasane

Foundation and Origins

The history of Kasane is rooted in the traditions of local peoples and does not have a single documented founding date, similar to European capitals. Initially, it was a small settlement of the Subiya people (BaSubiya). It is believed that the modern name of the city is derived from the name of a local chieftain, Kasane, who ruled this territory in the past. The city developed naturally, growing from a traditional village into an administrative centre.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of Kasane from a modest settlement into an important regional hub was driven by several unique factors:

• Unique Geography: The city is situated at a strategically important point at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, in close proximity to the place where the borders of four countries meet: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
• Transport Hub: Due to its location, Kasane has historically served as a natural gateway for the movement of people and goods between various regions of Southern Africa.
• Natural Resources: The abundance of wildlife and forest resources attracted hunters and traders initially, and later became the foundation for the creation of the famous Chobe National Park.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before the era of active tourism, life in Kasane flowed in harmony with the environment, forming a specific way of life:

• River Livelihoods: The Chobe River was the centre of life; local residents traditionally engaged in fishing and floodplain agriculture, utilizing the fertile soils along the banks.
• Timber Industry: In the first half of the 20th century, the harvesting of valuable timber species (particularly teak) played an important role in the region's economy, which contributed to the development of primary infrastructure and roads.

Major Milestones in History

The history of Kasane is inextricably linked with the development of the Chobe region and the establishment of Botswana's tourism industry. Below are the key events that shaped the modern appearance of the city.

• 1885 — The territory of the current Chobe District becomes part of the British Bechuanaland Protectorate, which defined the colonial borders of the region.
• 1930s — The beginning of industrial teak logging in the vicinity, leading to the creation of the first infrastructure and settlements for loggers.
• 14 July 1960 — Establishment of the Chobe Game Reserve by the colonial administration to protect wildlife from uncontrolled hunting.
• 1967 — Shortly after Botswana gained independence, the reserve receives the status of Chobe National Park — the first in the country.
• 1975 — The city gains global fame in social chronicles when Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton remarry here.
• Early 1990s — Rapid development of the tourism sector, accompanied by the construction of large lodges and hotels along the riverbank.
• 2006 — Creation of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), with Kasane at its centre, strengthening the city's status as an eco-tourism hub.
• 22 June 2018 — Opening of the new modern terminal at Kasane International Airport, capable of handling more flights.
• 10 May 2021 — Launch of the Kazungula Bridge across the Zambezi River in close proximity to the city, which radically improved the transport accessibility of the region.

Key Stages of the City's Development

The development of Kasane is a story of the transformation of a remote outpost into a strategic tourism and logistics centre of Southern Africa. Below are the main milestones that defined the modern look and economy of the city.

• The Logging Era (1930s – 1950s).
  Significance: The initial economic foundation. Industrial teak extraction attracted the first settlers and contributed to the laying of basic roads, turning temporary camps into a permanent settlement.
• Foundation of Chobe National Park (1967).
  Significance: An economic turning point. The official status of a protected area ended the era of uncontrolled hunting and defined the city's main specialization — ecological tourism, which became the main source of income for local residents.
• Construction of Riverside Lodges (1990s).
  Significance: Urbanization of the coastline. During this period, large hotel complexes were built along the Chobe River (for example, Chobe Safari Lodge and Mowana). This formed the tourist facade of the city and created hundreds of jobs in the service sector.
• Entry into the KAZA Transfrontier Zone (2011).
  Significance: Geopolitical status. The official launch of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area made Kasane the geographical centre of the world's largest nature conservation zone, increasing its importance as a venue for international environmental conferences.
• Opening of Kasane Mall (2010s).
  Significance: Development of the urban environment. The appearance of modern retail (Spar, Choppies supermarkets) and banking infrastructure allowed the city to provide not only for tourists but also for the growing local population, reducing dependence on supplies from other regions.
• Airport Modernization (2018).
  Significance: Transport accessibility. The opening of a new terminal and the expansion of the runway allowed for the reception of larger aircraft, which increased the flow of tourists and simplified logistics for the premium segment of travellers.
• Launch of the Kazungula Bridge (2021).
  Significance: A logistics revolution. Replacing the ferry crossing with a modern bridge turned the surroundings of Kasane into a key node of the "North-South" trade corridor connecting Botswana with Zambia and the DRC, which stimulates the development of roadside services and trade.

Urban Planning Features and Layout

The architectural appearance of Kasane differs radically from classic European cities. There is no historical centre with dense buildings here; the city developed as a linear settlement stretching along the southern bank of the Chobe River. Urban planning is subject to two main factors: the natural landscape and the tourism function.

• Linear Structure: The main infrastructure and residential quarters are located along the main road running parallel to the river, which ensures easy access to the water and scenic views.
• Integration with Nature: The boundaries between the city and the wild are blurred. Buildings are often surrounded by natural vegetation, and the absence of high fences on many plots allows wild animals to move freely around the outskirts.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The development of Kasane is a combination of utilitarian administrative buildings and specific resort architecture, which can be divided into several conditional stages.

• Post-Colonial Functionalism (Mid — Late 20th Century)
  During the formation of independent Botswana, administrative buildings appeared in the city: police, post office, local council offices.
  Characteristic features: Single-storey brick or concrete structures, gable tin roofs, minimal decoration, emphasis on practicality and protection from the heat.
• "Safari Style" and Eco-Architecture (1990s — Present)
  With the development of tourism, a unique style of local lodges and hotels was formed, becoming the hallmark of the region.
  Characteristic features: Use of natural materials (wood, stone), high thatched roofs, open terraces, panoramic windows. Buildings are designed to visually blend with the savannah landscape.
• Contemporary Modernism (2010s — Present)
  Economic growth brought modern structures of glass, steel, and concrete to the city, typical for retail and transport facilities.
  Characteristic features: Large glazed spaces, air conditioning systems, strict geometric shapes adapted for the African climate.

Iconic Structures

Although there are no ancient monuments in Kasane, several objects form its modern architectural appearance:

• Chobe Safari Lodge: An example of classic "safari architecture". The complex, existing since 1959 and repeatedly updated, demonstrates the use of massive wooden beams and traditional thatched roofs.
• Kasane International Airport: A vivid example of modern architecture. The terminal building is stylized to reflect the forms of local nature and resembles the silhouette of a bird in flight, combining modern technologies with ethnic motifs.
• Kazungula Bridge: A grandiose high-tech engineering structure located near the city. Its curved pylons and cable-stayed construction have become a new visual symbol of regional modernization.

Historical Figures and Explorers

Kasane's geographical position at the junction of four countries has attracted travellers and leaders for centuries.

• David Livingstone — Missionary and Explorer of Africa.
  In 1851, the famous Scotsman reached the banks of the Chobe River (which he called the Linyanti) in the area of modern Kasane. His visit and diary entries became the first detailed documentary evidence of the geography and peoples of this region for the European world.
• Sebetwane — Chief (King) of the Makololo people.
  An outstanding military commander of the 19th century who, during the great migration of peoples (Mfecane), led his people to the Chobe-Zambezi region. He used the fords in the area of present-day Kasane for strategic crossings, establishing control over vast territories around for a time.
• Frederick Courteney Selous — Hunter, Tracker, and Writer.
  A legendary hunter of the Victorian era, whose expeditions in the late 19th century passed through the Chobe region. His books about the wildlife of the region created a reputation for it as a "hunter's paradise," which later transformed into the idea of creating a reserve.

Political Figures

The decisions of these people defined the modern status of the city as the wildlife capital of Botswana.

• Sir Seretse Khama — First President of Botswana.
  It was during his rule in 1967 that the Chobe territory received the status of the country's first national park. This political decision turned Kasane from a logging settlement into a gateway for global eco-tourism.
• Ian Khama — Fourth President of Botswana.
  Known for his strict nature conservation policies and a total ban on trophy hunting during his rule. His initiatives strengthened the status of the Kasane region as a safe haven for the world's largest elephant population.

Celebrities and Culture

Social events also played a role in popularizing the resort on the international stage.

• Elizabeth Taylor — Hollywood Actress.
  In 1975, she chose the surroundings of Kasane (Chobe Game Lodge) for her remarriage to Richard Burton. This event instantly made the remote African town a fashionable destination for elite tourism.
• Richard Burton — British Actor.
  Together with Elizabeth Taylor, he drew the attention of the world press to the beauty of the Chobe River. Their stay here is still used by local guides as part of the cultural history of the city.