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Mokolodi Nature Reserve: A Sanctuary Near the City

Experience Botswana's wildlife and conservation efforts just a short drive from Gaborone at Mokolodi Nature Reserve.

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Just a short drive from Botswana's capital, Gaborone, Mokolodi Nature Reserve offers an accessible escape into the African bush. This not-for-profit reserve is home to diverse wildlife and provides crucial conservation and education programs.

A brief summary to Mokolodi Nature Reserve

  • Monday 7 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-6 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Book activities in advance, especially rhino tracking and cheetah visits, to ensure availability.
  • Consider visiting during the dry season (May to November) for easier wildlife spotting.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing and bird watching.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor activities.
  • Support Mokolodi's conservation efforts by purchasing souvenirs or participating in their programs.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving from Gaborone, take the A1 road southwest. Continue for approximately 15 kilometers until you see the exit for Mokolodi Nature Reserve. Follow the signs to the reserve entrance. Note that fuel stations may be limited along the route, so ensure you have enough fuel. Parking is available at the entrance. There is a park entrance fee of USD $5.30 per vehicle per day.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Mokolodi via public transport, take a bus or shared taxi from the Gaborone Bus Station towards the Mokolodi area. The bus fare typically costs between 10 to 20 BWP. Once in the Mokolodi area, you may need to hire a local taxi for the remaining 5 kilometers to the reserve, costing approximately 50 to 100 BWP, depending on negotiation.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Gaborone. A taxi directly from Gaborone to Mokolodi Nature Reserve will take approximately 55 minutes and cost between $55 and $70. Ride-hailing services like Bolt are also an option, with fares ranging from 150 to 250 BWP from central Gaborone.

Unlock the Best of Mokolodi Nature Reserve

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Discover more about Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Mokolodi Nature Reserve, a 30-square-kilometer haven established in 1994 by the Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation, presents an easily accessible taste of Botswana's wilderness just 10 kilometers south of Gaborone. Once cattle farmland, the land was donated to become a sanctuary for a wide array of indigenous flora and fauna, including some of the country's most endangered species. Visitors can encounter giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species roaming freely. Mokolodi also operates as a sanctuary for rescued and orphaned animals, with the goal of rehabilitating and releasing them back into the wild whenever possible. The reserve is actively involved in rhino breeding and reintroduction programs, significantly contributing to the preservation of these magnificent creatures. Conservation efforts extend to vulture rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and protecting big cats and wild dogs. Beyond wildlife encounters, Mokolodi emphasizes environmental education, hosting over 9,000 schoolchildren each year. Interactive programs and guided tours aim to foster a deeper understanding of Botswana's ecosystems and the importance of conservation. The reserve offers various activities, including game drives, guided walks, rhino and giraffe tracking, and night drives. Mokolodi also provides accommodation options such as camping sites and chalets, as well as conference facilities and a restaurant.

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