Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
klipspringers. The reserve also protects a few retired cheetahs, leopards, honey badgers,
jackals and hyenas, as well as over 300 species of birds.
Mokolodi also operates a research facility, a breeding centre for rare and endangered
species, a community-education centre, and a sanctuary for orphaned, injured or confis-
cated birds and animals; it's also the base for
Cheetah Conservation Botswana
(
www.cheetahbotswana.com
)
. Among the activities on offer are rhino- and giraffe-track-
ing; check the website for details.
It is important to note that the entire reserve often closes during the rainy season
(December to March) - phone ahead before you visit at this time. Visitors are permitted to
drive their own vehicles around the reserve (you will need a 4WD in the rainy season),
though guided tours by 4WD or on foot are available. If you're self-driving, pick up a
map from the reception office.
Sleeping
Mokolodi Nature
CAMPGROUND
Reserve Campsite $$
(campsite per adult/child P120/60, chalets P680-1240)
Spending the night in the reserve
is a refreshing and highly recommended alternative to staying in Gaborone. The campsites
are secluded and well groomed, and feature
braai
(barbecue) pits, thatched bush showers
(with steaming-hot water) and toilets. If you want to safari in style, there are also three- to
eight-person chalets in the middle of the reserve; prices increase significantly on week-
ends. Advance bookings are necessary. If you don't have a vehicle, staff can drive you to
the campsite and accommodation areas for P10.
Getting There & Away
The entrance to the reserve is located 12km south of Gaborone. By public transport, take a
bus to Lobatse and get off at the signposted turn-off. From there, it's a 1.5km walk to the
entrance.
OTSE
The town of Otse (pronounced
oot
-see) is known for Otse Hill (1489m), Botswana's
highest point, although the main attraction for travellers is the
Mannyelanong Game
Reserve
(admission free; daylight hr Sep, Oct & Feb-Apr)
. This reserve is an import-
ant breeding centre for the endangered Cape Griffon vulture, which nests in the cliffs. (In
case you were wondering, Mannyelanong means 'where vultures defecate' in Setswana.)
