Gaborone Game Reserve: A Wildlife Oasis in the City

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Discover Botswana's wildlife within city limits: zebras, antelopes, and diverse birdlife await at Gaborone Game Reserve, a quick escape into nature.

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Gaborone Game Reserve

Escape the urban bustle and discover Botswana's wildlife at the Gaborone Game Reserve. Established in 1988, this accessible sanctuary offers sightings of zebras, wildebeest, various antelope species, and diverse birdlife, all within a short distance from Gaborone's city center. It's an ideal spot for a quick nature escape, family outings, and birdwatching.

A brief summary to Gaborone Game Reserve

9X62+854, Game Reserve Rd, Gaborone, BW
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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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Gaborone Game Reserve.

Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see active wildlife.
Bring binoculars for enhanced birdwatching, especially around the dam area.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, offering a quieter experience.
Be cautious of monkeys; avoid feeding them to maintain their natural behavior.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Gaborone city center, shared taxis or minibuses (combis) frequently travel towards the Broadhurst area. Ask for a drop-off near the Gaborone Game Reserve on Game Reserve Road. From the drop-off point, it's a short walk to the reserve entrance. A single combi fare within Gaborone typically costs around P5-P10.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Gaborone. Request a ride to the Gaborone Game Reserve on Game Reserve Road. The ride from the city center usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around P40-P60 for a one-way trip.
Driving

From Gaborone city center, follow the A1 towards the north, then turn onto Limpopo Drive. Continue onto Game Reserve Road. The reserve is located approximately 1km east of Broadhurst Mall. Parking is available at the entrance. Note that on weekends and public holidays, the reserve can get busy.

Discover more about Gaborone Game Reserve

The Gaborone Game Reserve provides an easily accessible window into Botswana's natural beauty. Established in 1988 by the Kalahari Conservation Society, the 5-square-kilometer reserve was created to give the public an opportunity to view Botswana's wildlife in a natural and accessible location.Located just east of Gaborone's city center, the reserve is home to a variety of animals, including zebras, wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, kudu, impala, warthogs, ostriches, and monkeys. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the prolific birdlife, with kingfishers, hornbills, herons, ibises and flamingos among the many species that can be spotted, especially around the artificial dam. The absence of large predators like lions and leopards makes it a safe environment for picnics and walks.The landscape features savannahs, acacia forests, and small ponds created by artificial dams, providing diverse habitats for its inhabitants. Visitors can explore the reserve in their own vehicles via well-maintained roads suitable for 2WD vehicles. Picnic sites, a game hide, and a small visitor-education center enhance the experience. The reserve serves an important educational and recreational function, allowing city dwellers to connect with nature without traveling far.