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Gaborone Game Reserve: A Wildlife Oasis in the City

Discover Botswana's wildlife in the heart of the capital at Gaborone Game Reserve, a convenient and enriching nature escape for all.

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Escape the urban bustle at Gaborone Game Reserve, a compact yet captivating sanctuary offering a glimpse of Botswana's wildlife. Established in 1988, this accessible reserve is home to zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and a variety of bird species, providing a refreshing nature experience close to the city center.

A brief summary to Gaborone Game Reserve

  • Monday 6:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 6:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 6:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 6:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 6:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 6:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 6:30 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see active wildlife.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced birdwatching, especially around the dam area.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the designated picnic sites within the reserve.
  • Be mindful of monkeys; avoid feeding them to maintain their natural behavior.
  • Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, offering a quieter experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Gaborone city center, take a *Kombi* (minibus) heading towards Broadhurst. These minibuses are a common and affordable mode of transport. Inform the driver you're going to Gaborone Game Reserve. The *Kombi* should drop you off near Broadhurst Mall, from where you can walk approximately 1km east along Limpopo Drive to the reserve entrance. Expect to pay around P5-P10 for the *Kombi* ride. Alternatively, a taxi from the city center to the reserve will cost approximately P40-P60.

  • Walking

    If you are near Broadhurst Mall, the Gaborone Game Reserve is easily accessible by foot. Head east from the mall along Limpopo Drive for approximately 1km. The entrance to the reserve will be on your left. This is a straightforward and pleasant walk.

  • Driving

    From Gaborone city center, follow the signs towards Broadhurst. Once you reach Broadhurst Mall, continue east on Limpopo Drive for approximately 1km. The entrance to the Gaborone Game Reserve will be on your left. There is a vehicle entry fee of P10 in addition to the entrance fee. Parking is available inside the reserve.

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Discover more about Gaborone Game Reserve

Gaborone Game Reserve, a 5-square-kilometer protected area, offers a unique opportunity to experience Botswana's wildlife without venturing far from the capital city. Established in 1988 by the Kalahari Conservation Society, the reserve was created to provide an accessible and natural environment for the public to view indigenous species. Located just east of Broadhurst Mall, the reserve features a diverse landscape of savannahs, acacia forests, and small, artificially created dams. This variety of habitats supports a wide array of animals, including zebras, giraffes, various antelope species (such as gemsbok, kudu, impala, and eland), wildebeest, warthogs, monkeys, and ostriches. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the abundant avifauna, with kingfishers, hornbills, spur-winged geese, and flamingos among the many species that call the reserve home. While larger predators like lions and leopards are absent, the reserve offers a safe environment for self-guided exploration and picnics. The Gaborone Game Reserve serves an important educational and recreational function, allowing city dwellers to connect with nature and learn about Botswana's wildlife. Well-maintained roads make it ideal for self-drive safaris, and visitors can enjoy the scenery from designated viewing areas. The reserve also features picnic sites, a game hide, and a small visitor-education center. Keep in mind that the monkeys are accustomed to human presence, so it's best not to feed them. While it may not offer the same scale or variety as Botswana's larger national parks, the Gaborone Game Reserve provides a convenient and enriching wildlife experience for tourists and locals alike.

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