Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Mokolodi covers around three thousand hectares of bush and hills just south of Gaborone, run as a non-profit since 1994 with a strong education focus: the majority of visitors are Botswana schoolchildren brought in through its environmental programme. White rhino, giraffe, zebra, hippo and a range of antelope are present, along with a cheetah enclosure and a reptile park. Guided walks, rhino tracking on foot and night drives are offered, which makes it a working introduction rather than a big-game destination.

What you actually see

• The white rhino - the reserve's flagship animals, tracked on foot with guides.
• The giraffe and antelope - free-ranging populations across the reserve.
• The education centre - the schools programme the reserve was largely built for.
• The hills - granite kopjes and bush country within sight of the capital.

When to go

April to September is the dry season and the most comfortable. Summer from November to March is hot with afternoon storms. Early morning and late afternoon are best for animals.

Honest expectations

This is a small managed reserve, not a wilderness, and predators are in enclosures rather than free. School groups fill it on weekday mornings. Prices for activities add up quickly on top of entry.

Nearby

Gaborone is fifteen kilometres north, and Kgale Hill is on the city edge.