Khutse Game Reserve : Located to the north of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, this expansive 2,500 sq km area features a seamless transition between diverse Kalahari habitats, including rolling grasslands, river beds, fossil dunes, and both grassed and bare pans. Due to its closeness and ease of access to the nation’s capital, Khutse Game Reserve is a popular getaway for those visiting or living in Gaborone. The 240 km drive guides the traveler through several intriguing Kalahari villages, featuring the ‘Gateway to the Kalahari,’ Molepolole.
The reserve is a component of an ancient river system that previously flowed northeast to fill the prehistoric Lake Makgadikgadi. The pans and dry river valleys of Khutse are remnants of this river system. Khutse, meaning ‘place where you can kneel down and drink,’ was officially declared a protected area in 1971. It became the second game reserve in Botswana to be established on tribal land, after the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango.
A series of picturesque pans attracts wildlife, especially during and after good rains; game drives are indeed centered around these pans. The Motailane, Moreswa, and Molose Pans are included in this list. Occasionally, water is pumped into artificial waterholes at Moreswa and Molose, providing excellent game viewing throughout the year.
Weather in Khutse Game Reserve
Dry Season – April to October
The reserve starts to significantly dry out from May onward. The most enjoyable months are June and July, yet temperatures start to rise in September and reach their highest point from October to February.
April and May
The weather during these months tends to be predominantly dry and sunny. During midday, temperatures climb to approximately 30°C/86°F.
June, July, and August
The days have turned cooler, with afternoons typically reaching 25°C/77°F. Pack warm clothing for early morning game drives when temperatures are around 8°C/46°F.
September and October
The Dry season has come to a close, leaving the park in a state of extreme dryness. As the rains approach, the temperatures keep climbing. October experiences high temperatures, with average afternoon readings reaching 33°C/91°F. The nights and mornings feel more pleasant.
Wet Season – November to March
The initial rains provide a welcome respite from the rigid warmth. Afternoon thunderstorms and brief showers occur regularly, though it is uncommon for it to rain throughout the entire day. During the entire season, afternoon temperatures generally hover around 35°C/95°F. The mornings are delightful.
November and December
Daytime temperatures tend to be warm, featuring bright sunshine and sporadic rain showers. The early morning hours are truly delightful, with typical temperatures hovering around 19°C/66°F.
January and February
The months are characterized by significant rainfall, with heavy afternoon storms frequently occurring. The rain seldom endures for more than a few hours each day.
March
The rainfall is diminishing. Thunderstorms may still happen every few days, potentially bringing some rain. The mornings have a mild chill, hovering around 15°C/59°F.
Things to do in Khutse Game Reserve
Game Drives
Game Drives in Khutse Game Reserve are carried out during day or night. A number of wildlife can be sighted in the reserve. These include leopard, eland, duiker, wildebeest, steenbok, springbok, lion, spotted hyena, jackal, brown hyena, caracal, warthog and wild dog among other mammals. Some of the small mammals in the reserve include hare, bat-eared fox, aardvarks, pangolins, ground squirrels, porcupines and black footed cats among others. Wildlife viewing in Khutse is best during two prime times. From May to August, temperatures are cooler, and during this time, park authorities occasionally pump water from boreholes into two of the pans to draw in wildlife.
Another great time is during the wet months, from December to March, when animals congregate around the pans. Nevertheless, certain paths may prove challenging to traverse after substantial rainfall.
Bird watching in Khutse Game Reserve
Khutse Game Reserve is a bird watcher’s haven. Some of the birds to sight in Khutse Game Reserve include Black-chested snake eagle, Chat flycatcher, Common kestrel, Double-banded sandgrouse, Eastern paradise whydah, Kori bustard, Marico flycatcher, Martial eagle, Namaqua dove, Namaqua sandgrouse, Pale chanting goshawk, Red-billed quelea, Shaft-tailed whydah, Yellow-throated sandgrouse and many more. Khutse is an excellent destination for bird watching throughout the year. The optimal period is from November to April, as these months tend to be wetter.
Best Time to visit Khutse Game Reserve
Khutse Game Reserve is a destination that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The ideal period for observing wildlife is between May and August, characterized by cooler daytime temperatures, minimal rainfall, an abundance of animals, and well-maintained roads.
The rainy season from December to March can also be favorable, as animals congregate around the pans and migratory birds are in attendance. At the moment, roads may become quite muddy.
