Mogonye Gorge: Botswana's Hidden Gem

Mogonye Gorge, a captivating natural attraction near Lekgolobotlo, Botswana, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and stunning vistas. This magnificent gorge offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the raw beauty of the Botswana landscape. The gorge is a significant nature preserve, protecting various flora and fauna endemic to the region. As you journey through the gorge, you'll be enchanted by the panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see, with rugged cliffs and lush vegetation creating a dramatic backdrop for your adventures. Hiking trails wind through the area, catering to both seasoned trekkers and casual walkers, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Along the trails, you can observe the diverse wildlife that calls this place home, including various bird species and small mammals, adding an element of excitement to your visit. The gorge also holds cultural significance for the local Balete people, who consider the area a sacred site. Mogonye Gorge includes Dinkgwana, regarded as a sacred place and ancestral site, Kgophu ya Dinonyane (Birds Spring), a small spring which attracts many types of birds, Khophu ya Thukwi (Aardvaarks) where Aardvarks once were found in large numbers. It was in this gorge that a woman, Mmamotshwane, found refuge during the Batswana-Boer War in 1852. The gorge was later named after her. The dominant tree species in the area include the mohudiri (red bushwillow), mosetlha (weeping wattle), mosu (umbrella thorn) and moselesele (sickle bush). The Mogonye community uses these trees for different purposes including fencing kraals, harvesting fruits like mmilo and morula for subsistence and income generation as well as gathering medicinal plants like mohatlha (wild camphor) and mokgwapha (mountain aloe).