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Mokolodi Nature Reserve: A Gaborone Wildlife Escape

Experience Botswana's wildlife and conservation efforts at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, a convenient safari escape near Gaborone.

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Just a short drive from Botswana's capital, Gaborone, Mokolodi Nature Reserve offers a convenient escape into the African bush. This 30-square-kilometer reserve is home to diverse wildlife, including rhinos, giraffes, zebras and various antelope, providing an accessible safari experience and a crucial role in wildlife conservation and education.

A brief summary to Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Local tips

  • Book activities in advance, especially rhino tracking and cheetah visits, to ensure availability.
  • Consider visiting during the dry season (April to October) for easier wildlife spotting due to thinner vegetation.
  • Check for closures during the wetter months (December to March) before planning your trip.
  • Bring Pula (BWP) for smaller purchases like entrance fees or snacks.
  • Be mindful of responsible tourism practices to minimize your impact on the environment and wildlife.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Gaborone Bus Station, take a bus or shared taxi towards Lobatse. These typically cost 10-20 BWP. Alight in the Mokolodi area, approximately 1.5km from the reserve entrance. From there, hire a local taxi for the final leg, costing approximately 50-100 BWP, depending on negotiation.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Gaborone. A taxi directly to Mokolodi Nature Reserve will take approximately 55 minutes and cost $55 - $70 (approximately 600-760 BWP). Confirm the price with the driver before departure.

  • Driving

    From Gaborone, take the A1 road heading southwest. Continue for approximately 15 kilometers until you see the exit for Mokolodi Nature Reserve. Follow the signs to the entrance. Parking is available at the reserve. Fuel stations are limited along the route, so ensure you have sufficient fuel.

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Discover more about Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Mokolodi Nature Reserve, established in 1994, is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary located a mere 10-15 kilometers south of Gaborone, Botswana. Spanning 3,700 hectares (30 square kilometers) of donated bushveld, the reserve offers a convenient and accessible taste of the African wilderness for locals and tourists alike. Mokolodi is home to a variety of wildlife, including kudu, warthog, duiker, giraffe, steenbok, zebra, blue wildebeest, gemsbok, ostrich, impala, springbok, waterbuck, baboons, vervet monkeys, mountain reedbuck, eland, bushbuck, and occasionally leopard. A successful white rhino reintroduction and breeding program has established a thriving rhino population within the reserve. Mokolodi also houses a reptile park and a wildlife sanctuary for disabled or orphaned animals, along with an animal clinic. The reserve's primary focus extends beyond tourism to encompass wildlife conservation and environmental education. Mokolodi plays a vital role in rhino conservation efforts, providing a safe habitat for white rhinos and participating in breeding and reintroduction programs. The Mokolodi Education Centre hosts thousands of schoolchildren annually, offering environmental education programs and fostering a love for nature. Mokolodi also actively works on vulture rehabilitation, habitat restoration, and community involvement. Visitors can engage in various activities, including game drives, guided walks, horse-back safaris, rhino tracking, and giraffe tracking. Night drives offer the chance to spot nocturnal creatures like serval, brown hyena, and honey badger. Mokolodi also features camping sites, chalets, picnic sites, a restaurant, and conference facilities.

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