Things to Do in Gaborone Game Reserve, Botswana

Gaborone Game Reserve, located just 5 kilometers south of Botswana's capital city, offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience African wildlife without venturing far from urban amenities. Established in 1988, this 600-hectare reserve serves as both a conservation area and an accessible introduction to Botswana's renowned safari experiences. The reserve is home to various antelope species, zebras, ostriches, and over 200 bird species, making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. What sets Gaborone Game Reserve apart is its role as a bridge between city life and wilderness adventure. Visitors can enjoy game drives, nature walks, and bird watching while staying in comfortable accommodations that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The reserve also features the Mokolodi Nature Reserve nearby, creating an extended wildlife corridor that enhances the overall safari experience in the greater Gaborone area.

Top Things to Do in Gaborone Game Reserve

Game Drives

Experience morning and afternoon game drives through the reserve's diverse landscapes, spotting zebras, giraffes, various antelope species, and abundant birdlife. The reserve's compact size ensures excellent wildlife viewing opportunities while professional guides share insights about local ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Book game drives in advance, especially during peak season (May-September). Morning drives (6:00-9:00 AM) and late afternoon drives (4:00-7:00 PM) offer the best wildlife viewing. Expect to pay around $30-50 per person for guided drives.

Bird Watching Expeditions

Explore the reserve's rich avian diversity with over 200 recorded bird species, including secretary birds, ground hornbills, and various raptors. The diverse habitats from grasslands to riverine areas provide excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced birders.

Booking Tip: Best birding is during early morning hours (5:30-8:30 AM). Bring binoculars or rent them at the reserve. Guided birding walks cost approximately $25-40 per person and are recommended during migration seasons (October-March).

Educational Nature Walks

Join guided walking safaris to learn about indigenous plants, traditional medicine, and smaller wildlife often missed during vehicle-based tours. These walks provide intimate encounters with nature and deeper understanding of the local ecosystem.

Booking Tip: Walking tours are weather-dependent and typically last 2-3 hours. Book morning slots to avoid afternoon heat. Cost ranges from $20-35 per person. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection.

Photography Workshops

Participate in wildlife photography sessions led by professional photographers who know the best spots and timing for capturing stunning images of the reserve's inhabitants. Learn techniques for photographing animals in their natural habitat while respecting wildlife.

Booking Tip: Photography workshops are typically offered on weekends and require advance booking. Prices range from $60-100 per person including equipment rental. Best during golden hour periods for optimal lighting conditions.

Cultural Village Visits

Experience traditional Tswana culture through visits to nearby cultural villages where you can learn about local customs, traditional crafts, and participate in cultural performances. These visits provide insight into Botswana's rich heritage and community life.

Booking Tip: Cultural visits are usually combined with game reserve tours. Book through the reserve or local tour operators for $40-60 per person. Weekend visits often feature more activities and performances.

Getting There

Gaborone Game Reserve is easily accessible from Gaborone city center, located just 5 kilometers south via the A1 highway. Most visitors arrive by rental car or taxi from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, which is approximately 20 kilometers away. The reserve offers shuttle services from major hotels in Gaborone, and many tour operators include transportation in their packages. The well-maintained roads make the reserve accessible year-round, though a 4WD vehicle is recommended during the rainy season for optimal game drive experiences.

Getting Around

Within the reserve, movement is primarily by guided game drive vehicles, as private vehicles are restricted in certain areas for safety and conservation reasons. The reserve provides open-air safari vehicles for optimal wildlife viewing and photography. Walking is permitted only in designated areas and with qualified guides. Most accommodations within or near the reserve offer bicycle rentals for exploring the immediate surroundings, and the reserve's network of well-marked trails makes navigation straightforward for guided activities.

Where to Stay

Gaborone Game Reserve Lodge

Mokolodi Backpackers

Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel

Gaborone City Center Hotels

Tlokweng Border Area Guesthouses

Kanye Road Lodge Options

Food & Dining

Dining options around Gaborone Game Reserve range from the reserve's own restaurant serving traditional Botswana cuisine and international dishes, to nearby establishments in Gaborone offering everything from local specialties like seswaa (shredded beef) and morogo (wild spinach) to Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine. The reserve's restaurant emphasizes locally-sourced ingredients and often features bush dining experiences under the stars. Many visitors combine their game reserve experience with culinary tours of Gaborone's growing restaurant scene, including traditional markets where you can sample local delicacies and fresh produce.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Gaborone Game Reserve is during the dry season from May to September, when wildlife congregates around water sources and vegetation is less dense, making animal spotting easier. Temperatures are also more comfortable during this period, ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F) during the day. The wet season (November to March) brings lush landscapes and excellent bird watching opportunities, particularly for migratory species, though some roads may be challenging. April and October offer good weather conditions with fewer crowds and competitive accommodation rates.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekdays for a more exclusive experience with fewer crowds and potentially better wildlife sightings

Bring layers of clothing as temperatures can vary significantly between early morning game drives and midday activities

Combine your visit with nearby Mokolodi Nature Reserve for an extended wildlife experience and rhino tracking opportunities

Things to Do in Gaborone Game Reserve