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Khutse Game Reserve: A Kalahari Oasis

Discover Khutse Game Reserve: Botswana's tranquil Kalahari escape, offering stunning scenery and diverse wildlife encounters.

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Khutse Game Reserve, meaning 'place where you can kneel down and drink', is a 2,500 sq km protected area in Botswana's Kalahari Desert. Established in 1971, it offers a tranquil safari experience with diverse wildlife, picturesque pans, and rolling grasslands.

A brief summary to Khutse Game Reserve

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (May-October) for easier wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources.
  • A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy tracks within the reserve.
  • Bring all your own water, fuel, and food supplies, as there are no shops within the reserve.
  • Book campsites in advance, especially during peak season, as they are the only accommodation option.
  • Be aware of wildlife around campsites, as they are unfenced. Lions are known to frequent the area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The most common approach to Khutse Game Reserve is by 4x4 vehicle from Gaborone. The 240km journey takes approximately 3-4 hours, passing through Kalahari villages, including Molepolole. The last fuel stop is in Letlhakeng, about 100km from the Khutse South Gate. Ensure you have sufficient fuel for your entire visit, as there are no refueling facilities within the reserve. Park entry fees are payable in Botswana Pula (BWP). As of 2022, entrance fees for international visitors are approximately BWP 190 per adult per day, plus BWP 75 per vehicle per day. It's advisable to confirm current fees with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Note that credit card facilities may not be available at the gate, so bring cash.

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Discover more about Khutse Game Reserve

Khutse Game Reserve, a hidden gem in Botswana, offers a serene escape into the heart of the Kalahari Desert. Established in 1971, Khutse, meaning 'place where you can kneel down and drink' in Setswana, spans 2,500 square kilometers of rolling grasslands, fossil dunes, and seasonal pans. Sharing an unfenced border with the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), Khutse provides a taste of the Kalahari's vast wilderness. The reserve is part of an ancient river system that once flowed into the prehistoric Lake Makgadikgadi, leaving behind a network of dry riverbeds and pans that now serve as focal points for wildlife. These pans, such as Moreswa, Molose, and Motailane, attract animals, especially after the rains, and some are supported by artificial waterholes to enhance game viewing throughout the year. Khutse is home to a variety of wildlife, including springbok, gemsbok, giraffe, wildebeest, and predators like lion, leopard, cheetah, and the elusive brown hyena. Birdwatchers will find the wet season particularly rewarding, with vibrant birdlife and migratory species. While Khutse may not be a prime wildlife destination compared to other Botswana parks, it offers a unique opportunity to experience the Kalahari's tranquility and beauty. The reserve is easily accessible from Gaborone, making it a popular weekend retreat for locals seeking a connection with nature.

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