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Khutse Game Reserve: A Kalahari Oasis

Discover Botswana's Khutse Game Reserve: Untamed Kalahari landscapes, diverse wildlife, and tranquil camping under the African sky. A true wilderness escape.

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Escape to Khutse Game Reserve, a tranquil Botswana wilderness on the southern edge of the Kalahari Desert. Established in 1971, this 2,500 sq km reserve offers a serene safari experience with diverse wildlife, picturesque pans, and vast grasslands, far from the crowded tourist trails.

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 shops or fuel stations within the reserve.
  • Book campsites in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.
  • The best time for general wildlife viewing is during the dry season (May to October).
  • Be aware of wildlife and follow park rules; do not litter or disturb the animals.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The most common way to reach Khutse Game Reserve is by car, typically a 4x4. From Gaborone, take the A1 highway north towards Molepolole. From Molepolole, continue on the Mahalapye-Molepolole Road towards Khutse. The journey from Molepolole to the reserve involves driving on sand tracks, making a 4x4 vehicle essential. The last fuel station is in Molepolole, so fill up before heading to the reserve. Entrance fees are payable at the gate in cash (Pula/BWP). As of April 2022, international visitors pay BWP 190 per person per day, plus BWP 75 per vehicle per day. Check with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks for current fees.

  • Public Transport

    While less common, it is possible to use public transport to get closer to Khutse Game Reserve. Take a bus from Gaborone to Molepolole. From Molepolole, onward transport is limited. You would need to arrange a taxi or private transfer to take you to the reserve entrance. This option requires significant pre-planning and may involve long waiting times. It is advisable to confirm transportation options and costs beforehand. Expect to pay around BWP 50-100 for the bus from Gaborone to Molepolole. The cost of a taxi or private transfer from Molepolole to Khutse is negotiable and can range from BWP 500-1000 or more, depending on the vehicle and distance.

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Discover more about Khutse Game Reserve

Khutse Game Reserve, meaning 'place where you can kneel down and drink' in Setswana, offers a unique and tranquil safari experience in Botswana. Established in 1971, it lies on the southern edge of the Kalahari Desert, encompassing approximately 2,500 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. Sharing an unfenced boundary with the Central Kalahari Game Reserve to the north, Khutse combines rolling grasslands, dry riverbeds, fossil dunes, and grassed and bare pans. Khutse's landscape is a relic of an ancient river system that once flowed northeast to fill the prehistoric Lake Makgadikgadi. Today, the game viewing centers around the picturesque pans, such as Moreswe, Mahurushele, and Molose, which attract wildlife, especially after rains. Artificial waterholes at Moreswa and Molose supplement the natural water sources, improving game viewing throughout the year. Wildlife commonly sighted includes springbok, gemsbok, giraffe, wildebeest, hartebeest, kudu, black-backed jackal, steenbok, and duiker. Predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, smaller cats, and the endangered brown hyena are also present. Birdwatchers will find a variety of species to observe. Khutse is ideal for adventurous travelers who enjoy self-drive safaris and camping in a wild and unspoiled landscape. The reserve offers a sense of solitude, allowing visitors to connect deeply with nature. There are 25 campsites available, offering basic facilities such as pit latrines and bucket showers. Visitors must be self-sufficient, bringing their own water, fuel, and supplies. The best time to visit Khutse Game Reserve is during the dry season, from May to October, when wildlife congregates around water sources. However, the wet season (November to April) offers unique scenery and vibrant birdlife.

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