Things to Do in Gaborone Game Reserve

Gaborone Game Reserve sits just outside Botswana's capital city, offering an unexpectedly wild escape from urban life. This 5,000-hectare reserve feels like a different world despite being only 15 kilometers from downtown Gaborone - you'll find yourself watching zebras graze while the city skyline hovers in the distance. The reserve actually serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and water catchment area for the city, which means it tends to attract animals year-round as they come to drink from the Notwane River. What makes this place genuinely interesting is how accessible it is compared to Botswana's more famous reserves. You might spot giraffes, kudus, ostriches, and various antelope species without the expense or logistics of reaching the Okavango Delta. The landscape shifts between riverine forest along the Notwane and open savanna, creating diverse habitats that support over 200 bird species. It's the kind of place where you can do a proper game drive in the morning and be back in Gaborone for lunch.

Since Gaborone Game Reserve has no restaurants or facilities, you'll want to handle meals before or after your visit in nearby Gaborone. The capital actually has a surprisingly diverse food scene, from traditional Botswana cuisine featuring seswaa (shredded beef) and morogo (wild spinach) to Indian, Chinese, and continental options. Many hotels serve decent buffet lunches if you want something substantial before heading out for an afternoon game drive. For a quick bite, several bakeries and cafes along the route to the reserve offer sandwiches and drinks to take along.

The dry season from May to September offers the most comfortable weather and best game viewing, as animals concentrate around the Notwane River and vegetation is less dense. That said, the wet season from November to March brings migrant birds and lush scenery, though some tracks might become muddy and wildlife tends to disperse. Temperatures are most pleasant from May to August, while September and October can get quite hot before the rains arrive. For whatever reason, weekday visits tend to be much quieter than weekends, when local families often come for picnics.