Sedudu
Island River island on Chobe River, subject of border dispute
River island in Chobe near Kasane that was the subject of a border case; visitors take boat safaris for elephant and buffalo sightings and extensive birdlife.
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Sedudu Island (also known as Kasikili Island in Namibian usage) is a river island in the Chobe River near the Botswana-Namibia border, noted for its role in a late 20th century international boundary case. The island lies within a dynamic riverine environment important for wildlife.
The island itself is a low, vegetated river island in the Chobe channel and is typically observed from riverboats or from the Chobe riverside; it is not a developed tourist site. The surrounding waters and floodplains support populations of hippos, elephants and waterbirds often seen on boat safaris.
Sedudu/Kasikili was the subject of a territorial dispute between Botswana and Namibia that went to the International Court of Justice. In 1999 the court ruled the island belonged to Botswana.
The island lies in the Chobe River just upstream of the Botswana town of Kasane and close to the Namibian border, within the greater Chobe riverine ecosystem.
- Territorial ruling: The island was the subject of a territorial dispute between Botswana and Namibia resolved by the International Court of Justice in 1999; the court awarded it to Botswana.
- Wildlife context: It lies in the Chobe River and forms part of the riverine habitat adjacent to Chobe National Park, making it important for local wildlife viewing from boats or the riverbank.
How to Get to Sedudu #
Access is by boat from Kasane (Botswana). Operators running Chobe River safaris will include a stop at the river islands when conditions allow; private boat charters are available from Kasane’s riverfront. Travelers typically stay in Kasane and take a morning or late-afternoon river trip.
Tips for Visiting Sedudu #
- Arrange a private boat from Kasane (Botswana) or Katima Mulilo (Namibia) - local skippers know the river's channels and seasonal sandbars.
- Visit in the dry season (May-October) for the best wildlife sightings and safer river conditions.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a long lens: hippos and elephants often graze on the riverbanks and can be surprisingly calm from a respectful distance.
Best Time to Visit Sedudu #
Best visited May-October when the river recedes and wildlife congregates on the remaining channels and islands.
Weather & Climate near Sedudu #
Sedudu's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 11°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (586 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (148 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 28°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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