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Gaborone Game Reserve

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Animal habitat
—°1
Gaborone Game Reserve (Botswana)

Weather…

The Gaborone Game Reserve is a compact but highly regarded wildlife sanctuary located within the city limits of Botswana's capital. Established in 1988 by the Kalahari Conservation Society, it was created to bring nature conservation closer to the public and provide urban residents with accessible wildlife viewing opportunities. Despite its modest size of approximately 600 hectares, the reserve houses an impressive variety of wildlife, including white rhinos, zebras, eland antelopes, ostriches, and warthogs. It is also a haven for birdwatchers, as its diverse habitats of scrubland and wetlands attract numerous species. The reserve features well-maintained roads and observation points, making it a favorite destination for families and educational school trips. As one of Botswana's most visited wildlife sanctuaries, it plays a vital role in environmental awareness within an urban context. The park gives a peaceful escape from the bustling city life of Gaborone while preserving an essential fragment of local flora and fauna.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272725211814141722252627
Rain mm90776940871111346896

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The best time to visit Gaborone Game Reserve is the dry season from May to October. Then animals gather at waterholes and vegetation is less dense, making sighting easier.
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Best time of day
Early mornings and late afternoons are most productive for wildlife viewing. During the midday heat most animals retreat into the shade.
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Etiquette
Please stay in your vehicle and do not feed the animals. Leaving the vehicle is only allowed at designated viewpoints.
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What to bring
Binoculars are indispensable for viewing animals from a safe distance. Also bring a camera, sun protection, and plenty of water.
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Getting there
The reserve is located right on the outskirts of Gaborone and is easily reachable by car. The entrance is on Lobatse Road, about 10 kilometers from the city center.
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What to expect
Despite its small size, the reserve features good chances to see animals - but be patient and drive slowly. Often you only spot the hidden antelopes or birds in the bush after a while.

Geography

Coordinates
-24.63000, 25.92000

Facts

  • The reserve was officially opened to the public in 1988.
  • It covers a total area of approximately 600 hectares.
  • It ranks as the third busiest wildlife reserve in Botswana by visitor numbers.
  • The sanctuary provides a habitat for white rhinos under a conservation program.
  • The ecosystem mainly consists of thorn scrub and acacia woodland.
  • The park offers designated picnic sites and bird hides for visitor use.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Gaborone Game Reserve (1)

Decoon📍 landmark

Decoon is an attraction in gaborone-game-reserve-animal-habitat-life-v2 offering insights into the local game reserve habitat.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Gaborone Game Reserve located?
Located within Gaborone's city limits, making it convenient for short trips.
What animals can you see there?
Rhinos (rare), ostriches, zebras, various antelopes, and many bird species.
Is the reserve suitable for children?
Yes, there are good picnic spots and the roads are navigable for regular cars.
How much is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee is very affordable for both locals and tourists.
Are there walking trails?
There are designated viewing spots, but leaving the vehicle is mostly allowed only at picnic sites.
Gaborone Game Reserve: where is it located?
Gaborone Game Reserve is located in Botswana.
Gaborone Game Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Gaborone Game Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Gaborone Game Reserve is a compact but highly regarded wildlife sanctuary located within the city limits of Botswana's capital.
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