Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary roughly 10 kilometres south of Gaborone on the main road to Lobatse. The Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation created it in 1991 on donated land, and tourism revenue funds its environmental Education Centre. Visitors come for close encounters with rhinos and giraffes without making the long trip to Botswana’s northern parks (Botswana Tourism).
The terrain mixes riverine bush with rocky outcrops. Guided game drives move through this country in search of white rhino, giraffe, zebra, kudu and other antelope, and rhino tracking on foot is the signature experience. Lake Gwithian and its adjoining picnic site draw families on weekends. The reserve also runs a restaurant, chalets and campsites, and its outdoor and conference spaces host weddings, corporate retreats and other events. School groups at the Education Centre are a regular sight, a reminder of where your fee goes.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Go early on a weekday morning, when animals are most active and Gaborone’s weekend crowds have not yet arrived. The dry winter months, May to September, thin out the vegetation and improve sightings. Summer brings heat and greener landscapes. Book rhino tracking, game drives and accommodation in advance. Check current rates on the official price list. A private car or taxi from Gaborone takes about 20 minutes. Pair your visit with the nearby Gaborone Dam viewpoints.
