Khutse Game Reserve

Khutse Game Reserve | Off-the-Beaten Botswana Safari

Khutse Game Reserve offers secluded safari experiences with seasonal wildlife, pans, and remote camping in Botswana.

Khutse Game Reserve is an arid, protected wilderness area in Botswana, known for its Kalahari landscapes and wildlife congregation around picturesque pans, especially during the rainy season. It is a popular self-drive camping destination, located approximately 240 km from Gaborone.

• Location and Access: The reserve is situated in the Central Kalahari region, sharing an unfenced southern border with the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The main entrance is the Khutse South Gate, accessible via a 4x4 vehicle (compulsory due to sandy tracks) from Gaborone through Molepolole and Letlhakeng.
• Hours: The reserve is open 24 hours a day.
• Best Time to Visit: Wildlife viewing opportunities are good after the rains (December to March), when animals congregate at the pans; the dry season (July to October) offers good predator sightings.
• Reservations: Getting tickets and reserving campsites in advance is recommended. Contact the Botswana Tourism Organisation or private booking agents like African Reservations for booking information.
• Facilities: The reserve offers basic campsites with pit latrines and shower buckets, but no electricity or shops. Visitors must bring all necessary supplies, including food and sufficient drinking water.

• Wildlife: The reserve is home to a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, springboks, gemsboks, wildebeest, and zebras. Wildlife numbers and variety can be limited compared to northern parks like Chobe and Moremi.
• Activities:
  • Game Drives: The primary activity is self-drive game drives focused around the picturesque pans and dry riverbeds.
  • Camping: Bush camping is a core part of the experience, with unfenced campsites allowing a true wilderness immersion.
• Pans and Campsites: There are several camping areas situated near pans that serve as waterholes for animals:
  • Khutse Pan: The largest camping area.
  • Mahurushele Pan, Molose Pan, Moreswe Pan, and Khankhe Pan: Smaller campgrounds offering a more secluded experience.