Khutse Game Reserve: A Tranquil Kalahari Escape

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Discover Khutse Game Reserve: Botswana's hidden Kalahari gem offering tranquil wildlife encounters and stunning desert landscapes.

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Khutse Game Reserve

Khutse Game Reserve, meaning 'place where you can kneel and drink' in Setswana, offers a serene safari experience on the southern edge of the Kalahari Desert. Established in 1971, this 2,500 sq km reserve shares an unfenced border with the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, showcasing rolling grasslands, dry riverbeds, and picturesque pans that attract diverse wildlife.

A brief summary to Khutse Game Reserve

Monday 12 am-12 am
Tuesday 12 am-12 am
Wednesday 12 am-12 am
Thursday 12 am-12 am
Friday 12 am-12 am
Saturday 12 am-12 am
Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy tracks within the reserve.
Bring sufficient water, fuel, and supplies, as there are no shops within the reserve.
Book campsites in advance, especially during peak season.
The best game viewing is around the pans, particularly after rainfall or near artificial waterholes.
Be prepared for hot days and cold nights, especially during the winter months.

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Getting There

Driving

The most common way to reach Khutse Game Reserve is by driving from Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. The journey is approximately 240 km and takes around 4 hours. 1. **From Gaborone:** Take the A1 highway north towards Molepolole. 2. **Molepolole:** Continue on the Mahalapye-Molepolole Road towards Khutse Game Reserve. 3. **Final Approach:** The road from Molepolole to the reserve consists of sand tracks, requiring a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance. The last fuel station is in Molepolole, so ensure you fill up before proceeding. **Costs:** * Park Entry Fees (paid at the gate): * International Visitors: BWP 190 per adult per day. * SADC Residents: BWP 145 per adult per day. * Vehicle Entry Fee: BWP 75 per vehicle per day. * Camping Fees (managed by BigFoot Tours): Vary depending on residency. * International Visitors: BWP 350 per person per night. * SADC Residents: BWP 250 per person per night. **Note:** It is advisable to carry cash in Botswana Pula (BWP) for paying park fees. Contact the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) in advance to pay conservation fees and receive a voucher, or pay in cash at the gate. Book campsites well in advance through BigFoot Tours.

Discover more about Khutse Game Reserve

Khutse Game Reserve provides a tranquil and authentic safari experience, far from the bustling crowds of other Botswana parks. Established in 1971, Khutse, meaning 'place where you can kneel and drink', was the second game reserve created on tribal land. Sharing an unfenced boundary with the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, it encompasses 2,500 sq km of Kalahari habitat, including grasslands, fossil dunes, and dry riverbeds. The reserve's history is tied to an ancient river system that once flowed to the prehistoric Lake Makgadikgadi, leaving behind a network of scenic pans. These pans, such as Moreswa, Molose, and Motailane, become focal points for wildlife, especially after the rains, and some are supported by artificial waterholes to enhance game viewing year-round. Khutse is home to a variety of wildlife, including springbok, gemsbok, giraffe, wildebeest, and predators like lion, leopard, cheetah, and the elusive brown hyena. Birdlife is also abundant, making it ideal for birdwatchers. Visitors can enjoy game drives and guided nature walks with local San guides. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) for easier wildlife spotting or the wet season (November to April) for lush scenery and birdwatching. Getting to Khutse requires a 4x4 vehicle due to sandy tracks, and visitors must be self-sufficient with fuel, water, and supplies. Camping is the primary accommodation option, with basic campsites available at various pans.