Mokolodi Nature Reserve

About this place

A non-profit nature reserve on the edge of Gaborone, founded in the 1990s to protect wildlife and teach new generations, now the closest place to the city to see African animals in their habitat, among rocky hills, acacia woodland and a small dam. The reserve holds giraffes, zebras, large antelope, ostriches and warthogs, white rhinos watched over by special teams, and hundreds of bird species. Visitors explore on guided open-vehicle drives, in their own cars on set roads, or on foot on short trails. It has an education centre for school groups, a restaurant overlooking the hills and small lodges for overnight stays, a good half-day outing from the capital, especially for those who cannot reach the distant northern parks. Entry and drive fees differ between sources. Parks are unfenced and wild animals roam near camps, so stay in the vehicle on drives, never walk at night and follow your guide. October and November are very hot, rains fall from November to March, and wildlife viewing is best in the dry season.