Plizio Visual Lab

Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a private conservation area in southern Botswana, located approximately 15 kilometers south of the capital, Gaborone. Established in 1994 by the Mokolodi Wildlife Foundation under the initiative of Ian Khama, it serves a dual mission of wildlife conservation and environmental education. The 3,700-hectare reserve provides a sanctuary for a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, hippos, and white rhinos, which were successfully reintroduced to the area. A significant focus is placed on its educational programs, welcoming thousands of Batswana schoolchildren annually to learn about the importance of their ecological heritage. Mokolodi is funded almost entirely through ecotourism and donations, making it a model for sustainable private conservation. In addition to game drives, the reserve provides bush walks and education centers. The landscape features rocky hills and acacia savanna, providing a rich habitat for indigenous flora and fauna. Mokolodi remains an essential player in shaping the environmental consciousness of the next generation in Botswana.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Mokolodi Reptile Park · Lion Park · Cheetah Enclosure

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	25	21	18	14	14	17	22	25	26	27
Rain mm	90	77	69	40	8	7	1	1	11	34	68	96

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time to visit Mokolodi Nature Reserve is the dry season from May to October, when animals gather around waterholes. During the rainy season (November-April) the landscape is lush green but wildlife viewing is more challenging.

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Best time of day

Early morning and dusk are the most active periods for wildlife; many species come to the waterholes then. At midday it is usually quieter as animals seek shade, but educational activities are available all day.

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Etiquette

Follow the instructions of the guides, especially during interactive programs - do not feed animals without permission. Keep a respectful distance and avoid loud noises to avoid stressing the animals.

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What to bring

Light, comfortable clothing and sun protection are often necessary due to the warm climate. Binoculars are helpful for wildlife viewing, and a camera captures memories of the educational activities.

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Getting there

Mokolodi Nature Reserve is located about 10 kilometers south of Gaborone, easily accessible via the A1 and then a gravel road. Public transport is limited, so a private vehicle is recommended.

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What to expect

As the reserve is also an educational center, there are many interactive opportunities; nevertheless, wildlife watching requires calmness and patience. Spend time at the waterholes - sooner or later the animals will come to drink.

Geography

Coordinates

-24.75000, 25.85000

Facts

Mokolodi Nature Reserve was officially founded in 1994.
It covers a total land area of 3,700 hectares.
The land was donated by the Khama family specifically for conservation purposes.
The reserve operates a successful white rhino breeding and protection program.
More than 10,000 students visit the reserve's education center every year.
It is one of the few places near Gaborone where cheetahs can be spotted.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Gaborone Dam3 km · NExplore →

Moshaweng River7 km · NEExplore →

Botswana Craft Building11 km · EExplore →

Gaborone Hindu Temple11 km · NEExplore →

Orapa House11 km · NEExplore →

Botswana Vaccine Institute12 km · NEExplore →

Kgalagadi Breweries12 km · NEExplore →

Botswana Dry Port Terminal13 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Mokolodi Nature Reserve (4)

Mokolodi Reptile Park 📍 landmark

Mokolodi Reptile Park in mokolodi-nature-reserve-animal-habitat-life-v2 features exhibits of various snakes and indigenous reptiles.

Lion Park 🎡 recreation

The Lion Park in mokolodi-nature-reserve-animal-habitat-life-v2 is a zoo dedicated to showcasing lions in expansive enclosures.

Cheetah Enclosure🎡 recreation

The Cheetah Enclosure in mokolodi-nature-reserve-animal-habitat-life-v2 is a specialized zoo habitat allowing visitors to see the world's fastest land mammals.