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Khutse Game Reserve: A Kalahari Jewel

Experience Botswana's Kalahari: Self-drive safaris, remote campsites, and abundant wildlife in Khutse Game Reserve. A true wilderness adventure.

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Khutse Game Reserve, located in Botswana, offers an authentic and tranquil safari experience on the southern edge of the Kalahari Desert. Established in 1971, the 2,500 sq km reserve features rolling grasslands, fossil dunes, and seasonal pans that attract diverse wildlife. It's a favorite for those seeking a wild, isolated camping experience and self-drive safaris.

A brief summary to Khutse Game Reserve

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 facilities within the park.
  • Book campsites in advance, especially for weekends and South African holidays.
  • Pay park fees in advance or carry cash, as credit/debit card facilities may not be available at the entrance gates.
  • Deflate tires when entering the sandy areas and carry a compressor to reinflate them when returning to gravel roads.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The most common way to reach Khutse Game Reserve is by driving from Gaborone. 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. Molepolole is the last major town with fuel and supplies. 3. **Letlhakeng:** The tar road ends at Letlhakeng. Khutse South Gate is 100 km north of Letlhakeng on a gravel road. 4. **Sandy Tracks:** Approximately 10 km before the gate, the road turns to sand. Deflate tires here. 5. **Khutse South Gate:** Enter the reserve. **Costs:** * Park entrance fees: P190 per person per day for international visitors, P145 for SADC residents. * Vehicle fees: P75 per day. **Note:** A 4x4 vehicle is essential. Ensure you have enough fuel, as there are no fuel stations within the reserve. Cash is required for park entrance fees.

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Discover more about Khutse Game Reserve

Khutse Game Reserve, meaning "place where you can kneel and drink" in Setswana, is a protected area in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana. Established in 1971, it was the second reserve created on tribal land, following Moremi Game Reserve. The reserve spans approximately 2,500 square kilometers and shares a border with the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) to the north, with no separating fences. Khutse's landscape features rolling grasslands, dry riverbeds, fossil dunes, and grassed and bare pans. The pans, such as Moreswe, Mahurushele, and Molose, are remnants of an ancient river system that once flowed northeast to the prehistoric Lake Makgadikgadi. These pans fill with water during the rainy season (November to April), becoming hotspots for wildlife. Artificial waterholes at Molose and Moreswe Pans supplement water availability, attracting game throughout the year. Wildlife commonly sighted includes springbok, gemsbok, giraffe, wildebeest, hartebeest, kudu, and predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and the brown hyena. Birdwatchers can spot raptors, bustards, and ostriches. The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) when animals congregate around water sources, though the wet season offers unique scenery and vibrant birdlife. Khutse is ideal for self-drive safaris and camping, offering a remote and serene experience. There are several campsites available, but visitors must be self-sufficient, bringing their own water, fuel, and supplies. The reserve is accessible via the South Gate, approximately 240 km (4 hours drive) from Gaborone, making it a popular weekend getaway.

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