Location: Limpopo Drive, West of Gaborone
Area: 600 ha (1500 acres)
Gaborone Game Reserve is a small game reserve located in Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone. Established in 1988 by the Kalahari Conservation Society, it covers an area of only about 5 km², making it one of the most compact game reserves in the country. Despite its modest size, it is the third most visited game reserve in Botswana, offering residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to experience wildlife in close proximity to an urban environment.
The reserve is located approximately 1 km east of Broadhurst Mall, making it easily accessible. The landscape includes savannahs, acacia forests and small ponds created by artificial dams. This diversity creates favorable conditions for the habitat of many species of animals and birds.
There are no large predators such as lions or leopards in Gaborone Game Reserve, making it safe for picnics and walks. Among the inhabitants you can meet zebras, antelopes (gemsbok, kudu, impala, eland), wildebeest, warthogs, ostriches and monkeys. Particularly noteworthy is the rich avifauna: kinglets, kingfishers, spur-winged geese, flamingos and many other species live here, making the reserve an excellent place for bird watching. Rare animals such as white rhinoceros can sometimes be seen, although their presence depends on the exact time of year and the management of the reserve.
The climate in the area is semi-arid, typical of southern Botswana. The dry season lasts from April to October, when daytime temperatures can reach 30°C and nighttime temperatures can drop to 10°C. The rainy season (November to March) brings rainfall and higher temperatures, up to 35-40°C, which revives the vegetation and attracts more animals to the water bodies.
The reserve is designed for independent exploration: all roads are
accessible by 2WD vehicles, and there are no guides or organized
safaris. Visitors can drive their own vehicles, enjoying the views and
observing the animals from specially equipped viewing areas. There are
several picnic areas, a game hide and a small educational centre where
you can learn more about the local flora and fauna.
The entrance
fee is quite affordable: for Botswana residents it is about 20 pula
(approximately 1.5 USD) per adult and 20 pula per car, children under 16
years old are admitted free. Prices for tourists may be slightly higher,
but remain symbolic. The reserve is open daily from early morning until
sunset, which allows you to plan your visit at a convenient time.
Gaborone Game Reserve serves an important educational and recreational function, giving city dwellers the opportunity to relax in nature and learn more about the wild life of Botswana without having to travel long distances to large national parks such as Chobe or Central Kalahari. It is an ideal place for a family holiday, short excursions or picnics, although it is inferior in variety and scale to the more famous reserves of the country.