Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a small, private wildlife sanctuary located just 10 kilometers south of Gaborone, Botswana's capital city. Spanning 3,700 hectares, this fenced reserve offers a unique blend of conservation, education, and accessible wildlife experiences. Originally rehabilitated from cattle farms, Mokolodi has been transformed into an important conservation facility featuring a white rhino breeding program and wildlife sanctuary for injured or sick animals. The reserve's landscape consists of dense bushveld vegetation with varied terrain, creating an intimate safari experience distinct from Botswana's larger wilderness areas. Despite its modest size compared to northern parks like Okavango and Chobe, Mokolodi serves a vital educational purpose, with over 9,000 school children annually benefiting from its environmental programs. The reserve hosts more than 60,000 visitors yearly, making it an accessible introduction to Botswana's fauna for first-time safari-goers and urban residents. While some describe it as zoo-like due to its managed nature and proximity to the city, the reserve successfully balances commercial operations with genuine conservation efforts. The dense bush can make wildlife viewing challenging but rewarding, particularly for white rhino and giraffe tracking activities. Mokolodi's unique offerings include a reptile center, cheetah interactions with an ambassador animal named Letoatse, night drives for nocturnal species viewing, and various adventure activities like horseback riding and mountain biking.

Dense bushveld vegetation with varied terrain. Fenced private reserve featuring rehabilitated cattle farm areas. Intimate landscape compared to larger Botswana parks.

Reserve operates environmental education programs benefiting over 9,000 school children annually. Run by conservation foundation with focus on community engagement and education.

Best light during early morning and late afternoon game drives. Dense bush can obscure subjects; patience required for wildlife photography. Hazy skies during dry season may reduce visibility.