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Best Things To Do In Mokolodi Nature Reserve
The best things to do in Mokolodi Nature Reserve include; game drives, rhino tracking, walking safaris, horse-back riding, giraffe tracking, reptile explorations, bird watching, cheetah walks, cycling, camping, and relaxations.
Mokolodi nature reserve is a protected and managed private game reserve located in the southern part of Botswana. The reserve was founded by Mokolodi wildlife foundation in 1994 and it covers over 30 square kilometers of donated land and 10 square kilometers south of the capital Gaborone.
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Game Drives In Mokolodi
When it comes to choosing a place to do a game drive in South Africa , one can find a lot of difficulty in coming up with a final decision. However, Mokolodi Nature Reserve provides a wonderful and a never-to-forget game drive making it the number one best thing to do in Mokolodi nature Reserve with a chance for one to look at the amazing wildlife like leopards, brown hyenas, cheetahs, crocodiles, reedbucks, red hartebeest, kudu, impalas, water bucks, zebras, hippopotamus and southern white rhinos.
The best time to participate in this activity in Mokolodi Nature Reserve is mostly during the early morning hours, and also there are night drives that normally last for 2hours, during this time one gets a chance to see animals like cheetahs and leopards that are rare during the afternoon drive.
All these eye catching wildlife accompanied with experienced guides and expert trackers creates a good natural experience for a guest. Imagine taking a selfie with an endangered southern white rhino in your background.
2.Rhino Tracking In Mokolodi
Rhino trucking is one of the most fantastic activities done in this reserve because a guest gets a chance to be 10-15 miles away from the rhinos. However, in case it rains before tracking the rhinos, it becomes a little difficult because rhinos move longer distances when temperatures are cool. Since rhinos are one of the Big 5, they clearly attract most tourists to Mokolodi nature reserve making being right next to a white rhinoceros physically be part of their life experience.
So it is really a great idea for anyone to go into the bush of Mokolodi reserve and track the endangered southern white rhinos with well-versed and expert trackers. Besides, during the tracking one can actually as well spot some other animals like the impalas, water bucks and zebras.
Mokolodi also chose to contribute to the protection and recovery of the extinct white rhinos which is the most prominent conservation project that this reserve undertakes, so visiting Mokolodi nature reserve is the best idea that one can think of which will take them along with the most amazing experience.
3. Horse-back safaris In Mokolodi
Image yourself on a back of a horse enjoying the breathtaking ride on well trained and skilled horses through the landscape of Mokolodi Nature reserve and as well as enjoying an insight off the beaten path to areas of the park that may not be accessible by a vehicle. This makes horse-back safari a unique and immersive way to explore the wilderness of Botswana in general and a best thing to do in Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
Of course with the well versed tour guides, the tourist is able to quietly explore a closer experience with the wildlife compared to a game drive because the animals may be less disturbed by the presence of horses hence making it possible for more intimate and natural observation of the wildlife behavior.
4. Bird Watching In Mokolodi
Mokolodi nature reserve has over 300 bird species including little-bee-eater, ostrich, purple heron, red-crested, and secretary bird. These stunning birds offer an impressive bird watching in Mokolodi nature reserve. From colorful songbirds to majestic raptors, the park attracts birdwatchers from around the world eager to spot both resident and migratory birds.
Imagine yourself in a quite bush within the reserve on the back of a horse spotting different birds in their habitats, listening to their songs as well as learning more about birds. I mean, such an experience is a must do for every tourist out there and you can find all this in Mokolodi nature reserve.
5. Giraffe Tracking In Mokolodi
Enjoy a wonderful and impressing moment with the giraffes in Mokolodi Nature Reserve as you walk through the flora of the reserve accompanied with a well experienced guide. This activity allows our guests to closely participate, observe and learn the different behaviors of a giraffe in their natural habitats.
The guests clearly get an opportunity to see giraffes up-close, observe their feeding habits, social interactions and their movements in their reserves. The giraffes are a peaceful creatures that peacefully live their lives in the wildlife, they are herbivorous and harbor a beautiful appearance that is amazing to the guests. This activity also includes discussions on giraffes’ conservation efforts as well a picturesque landscape in the park.
What a wonderful experience and a never-to forget exploration characterized with being up-close to a tall creature that is 16-18 feet tall and as well get a chance to realistically look at its cute face up-close all. One gets to find all these beautiful experiences and thus this being one of the best thing to do in Mokolodi nature reserve.
6. Visiting The Reptile Park And Sanctuary
Another best thing to do in Mokolodi Nature Reserve is visiting the reptile park which is also a wonderful and great place for a herpetophile because the reserve has a variety of reptiles including lizards, tortoises, snakes like African rock python, the black mamba and various types of geckos and chameleons.
The sanctuary is always open 24/7 and tourists get to enjoy the tours around the the sanctuary with a guide who is well versed with these reptiles and as well able to answer any queries from the tourists. Imagine how amazing it feels to have chance and look at all these reptiles physically. It would leave you with an exciting memory in your life.
7. Cheetah Walk In Mokolodi
An experience with the cheetahs on a drive to their enclosure is one of the most wonderful experience one can ever have in Mokolodi nature reserve. A tourist gets to enjoy an up-close encounter with our ambassadors, the Cheetahs which makes it part of the best things to do in Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
For this activity, individuals under the age of 16 are not allowed to take part nor disembarking the vehicle and interact with the cheetah. The activity may take place with or without a game drive with a limited number of 10 people.
8. Trail Running In Mokolodi
Trail running is a fun experience for guests interested in athletics and one has to register an indemnity form at the reception. Its advised for one to run with at least one other person as there re wild animals in the reserve. The guest gets to follow three trails that is pink for 3km, green for 5km and orange for 8km.
During this activity, one as well gets to experience various scenaries like the rocky section in the start, watching beautiful surroundings, hearing birds singing while running in the wild, and as well having fun while doing exercise.
Such an experience offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Botswana and therefore, its one of the best things to do in Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
9. Cycling In The Wild Of Mokolodi
Besides watching the wildlife from the back of 4*4 safari vehicle, one can as well enjoy viewing different wildlife on a mountain bike and in this way, you get to exercise and keep fit as well as exploring different adventure. The activity is led by a well experienced guide who recommends people who are fit enough or those who are able to keep up with group hence making the activity a best thing to do in Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
Imagine feeling the fresh air on your face as your smelling the wonderful scent of the wild. This experience is on of the amazing ones a person can choose to have. Besides this will come along with different stories to tell during the whole activity.
10. Bush Braais And Champagne In Mokolodi
Bush braai and champagne is another best thing to do in Mokolodi Nature Reserve because it is a relaxing moment to have after a game drive. The bbq offered by Mokolodi nature reserve amazingly paired with sparkling champagne will leave you in amazement as you enjoy the delicacy whilst listening to the enchanting whistles of the wind in the wild. It involves socializing with jolly people, having drinks, tasting a mix of foods all leading to sharing a wonderful story with others.
Its so charming to enjoy the true taste of Africa with a huge piece of flamingo barbecue/ braai with a glass of champagne because this will leave you leaking your fingers.
Others Things to do in Botswana
- Locating the Big 5 in the Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta is the best place in Botswana to track the big 5 that is the Elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, Lions, and Buffalos. This activity is very interesting and it can never leave the tourist the same because its an activity that one can never forget. The best part is that even if the rhinos are under a great threat, Botswana has gone ahead and encouraged conservation programmes which are helping these wonderful creatures to survive.
With this magnificent activity I greatly recommend tourists not to miss out because the big 5’s top the list of what to see in Botswana.
- Hot-Air Balloon Safari over the Okavango Delta
This is also another great thing to do in Botswana because the tourists gets to have a chance to view the wilderness from a unique perspective that is viewing from a bird’s angle view and as well enjoy the cool fresh air in the atmosphere. With all this, the guest will have a great experience with the best part of seeing how large the delta is.
- An All-Terrain Vehicle ride on the Makgadikgadi Pans
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park has flat and smooth areas that greatly support the All-Terrain Vehicle rides and with this, the tourists can cover good distances at any speed of their choice to places of their choice. This is a great activity for our tourists because they get to enjoy a breath-taking moment with the winds blowing over and over during the rides.
Best Time To Visit Mokolodi Nature Reserve
The best time to visit Mokolodi nature reserve is between the months of May and September because the weather is very dry and less hot in the middle of the day hence making the roads accessible and in good condition.
However, viewing wildlife in Mokolodi nature reserve is never affected because of the changing seasons meaning that one can be able to see the wildlife at any time of the year. It is therefore advisable for one to use a 4X4 vehicle for self-drives during the we season because the roads are tricky.
Finally, the reserve sometimes closes during the rainy season that is from December to March, so it is very important to make a call before visiting during this period of time.
How To Get To Mokolodi Nature Reserve
One can use a vehicle from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone to Mokolodi Nature Reserve which is 27.6km away, that is a 32 minutes drive. One can decide to drive themselves or even use a guided safari in the park.
A person who is well versed with the place can take a bus from Gaborone city that drops you 1.5km from the park entrance.
Accommodations In Mokolodi Nature Reserve
These accommodations are basically categorized into luxury, mid-range and budget;
Luxury Accommodations
- Cresta Lodge Gaborone
Cresta lodge is only 10km from Mokolodi Nature Reserve and surrounded by luscious gardens. In case you are in search for a stylish accommodation with decadent cuisines during your exploration in Mokolodi nature reserve, Cresta lodge is the best option for you.
The lodge provides a variety of rooms ranging from standard rooms to family rooms and guests should expect amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, televisions with facilities like restaurants, bars, swimming poos, fitness center and conference rooms.
- Waterside Cottages
Waterside Cottages is located just 4.3 km from Mokolodi nature reserve and is suitable for guests who prefer resting in a quite environment because it does not permit loud music or raucous behavior. It offers an environment where one can relax and unwind through out their stay.
The cottages are perfectly suitable for families, couples or even a group of friends looking for a luxurious and peaceful get away for a cool relaxation.
Mid-Range Accommodations
- Mokolodi Backpackers
You want a clean and neat accommodation with friendly services and personal attention, Mokolodi Backpackers is the best choice. Located in a beautiful leafy garden and peaceful surrounding, creating a wonderful place for any one who has had a long and tiresome day.
The place also has a pool where one can sit, relax and recharge for the next activity. It is found exactly at the doorstep of the adventurous Mokolodi nature reserve. Mokolodi Backpackers is just 1.3km away from the reserve.
- Crocodile Pools Resort
Crocodile pools resort is just 4.5km from Mokolodi nature reserve. It is a cool place with a bar, restaurant, swimming pool, kids play ground, a toddlers’ pool and a garden view. This provides a very comfortable environment for both adults and kids which creates a good experience for the guests who come to visit Botswana and Mokolodi Nature Reserve.
Budget Accommodation
- Havilla Guest House
Havilla guest house is an enjoyable and relaxing place located in Gaborone and it is only 17.96km away from Mokolodi nature reserve. Its a very sweet place where a guest comes as a guest but eventually leaves the place as a friend which really creates a wonderful and memorable experience.
The place offers free parking, Wi-Fi, gym, air conditioned rooms, satellite TV, and non-smoking rooms. The place is a home for socialists because the employees their make it more comfortable to stay and enjoy the rest of the exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entrance fee at Mokolodi Nature Reserve?
At the entrance of Mokolodi Nature Reserve, a person is expected to pay in a fee of $1 per person and $5.30 per vehicle. However, these prices usually varry and therefor it is advisable to visit the Mokolodi Nature Reserve website for confirmation.
What animals can I find in Mokolodi Nature Reserve?
There are several wildlife in Mokolodi Nature Reserve for example giraffes, ostriches, impalas, zebras, kudu, warthogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, leopards, mountain reedbucks, blue wildebeest, gemsbok, springbok, eland, duiker and Vervet monkeys.
Do I need a Visa to enter Botswana?
Yes please, only citizens from EU, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa to enter Botswana.
Do I need to worry about Malaria while in Mokolodi Nature Reserve?
No please, because Mokolodi Nature Reserve is at a low risk of getting malaria but one can worry about Malaria when visiting other parts of the country especially in the North.
Conclusion
For an exceptional safari experience in Mokolodi Nature Reserve and beyond, Kubwa 5 Safaris is highly recommended because it offers great adventures that cater to a wide range of interest for their customers and we have a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism and ensure that each journey not only provides unforgettable memories and explorations but also contributes to the preservation of Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.