Khutse Game Reserve, Kgatleng District Travel Guide

4.5 (42)

Discover the Kalahari's beauty in Khutse Game Reserve: rolling grasslands, diverse wildlife, and tranquil pans await near Botswana's capital.

Khutse Game Reserve, meaning 'place where you can kneel down and drink' in Setswana, offers a tranquil safari experience on the southern edge of the Kalahari Desert. Established in 1971, the 2,500 sq km reserve features rolling grasslands, dry riverbeds, and picturesque pans that attract diverse wildlife, especially after the rains. It's a favorite for those seeking a taste of the Kalahari wilderness relatively close to Gaborone.

A brief summary to Khutse Game Reserve

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Khutse Game Reserve.

A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy tracks within the reserve.
The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (May to October) when animals congregate around water sources.
Bring plenty of water and fuel, as there are no supplies available within the reserve.
Book campsites in advance, especially during peak season.
Pay park entrance fees in advance at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) or in cash at the gate.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Kgatleng

Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Bahurutshe Cultural Village

Kgale Hill

Manyana Rock Paintings

Explore Khutse Game Reserve on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Khutse Game Reserve, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

Khutse Game Reserve is typically accessed by driving from Gaborone. The 240 km journey takes you through Kalahari villages, including Molepolole. From Molepolole, continue on the Mahalapye-Molepolole Road towards the reserve. The final stretch from Molepolole to Khutse is on sand tracks, requiring a 4x4 vehicle. Ensure you have enough fuel, as the last fuel station is in Molepolole. Typical costs: * Park entry fee: BWP 190 per adult per day for international visitors. * Vehicle entry fee: BWP 75 per day for foreign-registered vehicles. * Camping fees: Approximately BWP 350 per person per night for international visitors.

Discover more about Khutse Game Reserve

Khutse Game Reserve, a protected area since 1971, provides a glimpse into the Kalahari's stark beauty. The name 'Khutse' translates to 'place where you can kneel down and drink', a testament to the life-sustaining waters found here. This 2,500 sq km reserve, located on tribal lands, shares an unfenced border with the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) to the north, allowing animals to roam freely between the two.Khutse's landscape comprises rolling grasslands, fossil dunes, and dry riverbeds, remnants of an ancient river system that once flowed into Lake Makgadikgadi. The reserve's defining features are its pans – shallow depressions that fill with rainwater, attracting an abundance of wildlife. These pans, including Moreswa, Mahurushele, and Molose, become focal points for game viewing, especially during and after the rainy season. Artificial waterholes at Moreswa and Molose supplement these natural water sources, improving wildlife viewing throughout the year.While Khutse may not boast the same wildlife densities as other Botswana parks, it offers a chance to see animals such as springbok (often in abundance), gemsbok, giraffe, wildebeest, hartebeest, kudu, and predators like lion, leopard, cheetah, and the elusive brown hyena. Birdlife is also plentiful, with raptors, bustards, and ostriches commonly sighted.Khutse is particularly appealing to adventurous travelers seeking a self-drive safari and a camping experience in a remote, unspoiled environment. Several loop trails offer opportunities for exploration, including shorter drives around Sekhushwe and Mohurusile pans and a longer route to Moreswa Pan.