Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Address: A14 Road, SeroweBW” P.O. Box 10. Hours: .
phone: 463 0713, fax: 463 5808.
Latitude: 22°14'04.2"S, Longitude: 26°43'12.1"E.

History. In 1989 a group of Serowe residents conceived the idea of a wildlife reserve near Serowe. Serwe Pan, then a cattle post, had been a traditional hunting area teeming with wildlife. The residents wished to re-establish it to its earlier splendour. In 1993 the Ngwato Land Board allocated the land around Serwe Pan to the Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust.

The site was chosen due to its excellent habitat for the rhinoceros, central location and proximity to a Botswana Defence Force (BDF) base, which provides the Sanctuary with 24hr protection. Covering approximately 8585 hectares of Kalahari sandveld, the Sanctuary is centred around Serwe Pan - a large grass-covered depression with several natural water holes. Serwe Pan provides prime habitat for the white rhinoceros and other grazing animals, whilst the denser vegetation in the southern area of the Sanctuary is favoured by browsing animals such as giraffe and black rhino.

The Sanctuary is a community trust governed by a Board of Trustees who are elected from the local communities of Serowe, Paje and Mabeleapodi. The President of Botswana, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Paramount Chief of the Bamangwato, is Patron of the Trust.

The Sanctuary lies 25km north of historic Serowe on the Serowe-Orapa road. Serowe, one of the largest traditional villages in Africa, is the birthplace of Botswana's first President, the late Sir Seretse Khama.

Paje and Mabeleapodi are two small picturesque villages within fifteen kilometres of the Sanctuary.

In February 1993, four rhinos were translocated from northern Botswana. This was accomplished by the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks with the help of the Natal Parks Board. The rhinos were placed in very large bomas which were built by volunteers from the local communities. One of these rhinos had been seriously wounded by poachers bullets just prior to capture and died within a month of translocation. Another rhino died in October 1994 despite the best veterinary care. Another young bull was brought to the Sanctuary bomas in May 1994.

A 28km electric fence, sponsored by Debswana and De Beers, was completed in June 1995. All the rhinos were then released from their bomas to roam free within the Sanctuary. Later that month the North West Parks Board of South Africa donated and translocated five more white rhinoceroses to the Sanctuary.

These were all released from the bomas shortly after their arrival. All the rhino settled well and soon began breeding.

More calves were born in the Sanctuary during 1997, although one has since died due to rough 'horning' by the dominant male. After friction developed between the two mature males it was decided to move the younger one out. He was exchanged for a young female from Kruger National Park in March 1998.

1999 saw five more rhinos at the Sanctuary. Three rhinos were translocated from Pilanesburg by the North West Parks Board in July. At the same time a male was translocated from the Sanctuary to Jwaneng in southern Botswana. Two babies were born here during the year. In June 2000 15 white rhinoceroses were in the Sanctuary. In April 2008 this number grew to over 30 and 2 black rhino were added.

Confidence in the Trust and its achievements have been expressed by the Southern Africa Rhino Specialist Group who are keen to establish Khama Rhino Sanctuary as a breeding centre for the re-population of the white rhino in Botswana. In addition, Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks has also re-affirmed its commitment to re-introducing black rhino into the country and using Khama Rhino Sanctuary for this.

An information board at the entrance reads: “Watching over the Rhino Population of Botswana”
An information board at the entrance reads: “Watching over the Rhino Population of Botswana”.
This building is located at the entrance to the animal sanctuary
This building is located at the entrance to the animal sanctuary.
An information board at the entrance is entitled as “Khama Rhino Trust conditions of entry”
An information board at the entrance is entitled as “Khama Rhino Trust conditions of entry”.
Public toilets are situated at the entrance
Public toilets are situated at the entrance.
Tickets to the animal sanctuary are available at the reception
Tickets to the animal sanctuary are available at the reception.
An information board lists the services and contacts of the animal sanctuary
An information board lists the services and contacts of the animal sanctuary.
The entrance arch of the animal sanctuary
The entrance arch of the animal sanctuary.
A red hartebeest
A red hartebeest.
An inscription on a wooden sign board reads: “Bird Hide, remain silent to see more”
An inscription on a wooden sign board reads: “Bird Hide, remain silent to see more”.
This sand road leads to the gate of “Nature walks Bird Hide”
This sand road leads to the gate of “Nature walks Bird Hide”.
“Bird Hide” fenced trail
“Bird Hide” fenced trail.
“Bird Hide” entrance gate
“Bird Hide” entrance gate.
A stone shows the directions to Kgama Drive and Pan's Edge
A stone shows the directions to Kgama Drive and Pan's Edge.
A zebra foal
A zebra foal.
Burchell's zebras
Burchell's zebras.
Burchell's zebras are on the background of a giraffe
Burchell's zebras are on the background of a giraffe.

The Sanctuary is home to other wildlife which have settled naturally or been translocated in: zebra, blue wildebeest, giraffe, eland, springbok, impala, gemsbok, kudu, steenbok, duiker, red hartebeest, leopard, ostrich, African wild cat, caracal, small spotted genet, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, brown hyena. Over 230 bird species have also been identified here including Abdim's stork and bearded woodpecker.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary is run by a community trust and is reliant upon donor funding. It is only through this generous support that we are able to continue our work towards preserving Botswana's unique wildlife heritage.

A Burchell's zebra
A Burchell's zebra.
A Burchell's zebra is on the background of a giraffe
A Burchell's zebra is on the background of a giraffe.
Three Burchell's zebras are looking at me
Three Burchell's zebras are looking at me.
A zeal of Burchell's zebras
A zeal of Burchell's zebras.
A mother rhino and her baby are sleeping
A mother rhino and her baby are sleeping.
A mother rhino and her baby are sleeping under the shade of a tree
A mother rhino and her baby are sleeping under the shade of a tree.
A baby rhino
A baby rhino.
Sleeping rhinos were awakened by the sound of the engine
Sleeping rhinos were awakened by the sound of the engine.
A rhino calf is lying beside its mother
A rhino calf is lying beside its mother.
This is a mother rhino with her baby rhino
This is a mother rhino with her baby rhino.
A rhino calf is lying beside its mother under a tree
A rhino calf is lying beside its mother under a tree.
This is a baby rhino with its mother
This is a baby rhino with its mother.
This is a rhino calf with its mother
This is a rhino calf with its mother.
A rhino calf
A rhino calf.
A rhino calf is charming
A rhino calf is charming.
A rhino calf is lovely
A rhino calf is lovely.
There are no poachers in the animal sanctuary and it is safe for rhinos to have the long horn
There are no poachers in the animal sanctuary and it is safe for rhinos to have the long horn.
The animal sanctuary is a safe place for rhinos
The animal sanctuary is a safe place for rhinos.
The mother rhino is looking on us with curiosity
The mother rhino is looking on us with curiosity.
The rhino is dangerously looking on us
The rhino is dangerously looking on us.
A rhinoceros calf
A rhinoceros calf.
A rhinoceros
A rhinoceros.
This is a mother rhinoceros with her baby
This is a mother rhinoceros with her baby.
This is a mother rhinoceros with her calf
This is a mother rhinoceros with her calf.
Rhinoceroses are under the shade of a tree
Rhinoceroses are under the shade of a tree.
A warthog
A warthog.
A funny warthog
A funny warthog.
A weird warthog
A weird warthog.
The head of a giraffe
The head of a giraffe.
A giraffe is eating leaves
A giraffe is eating leaves.
A giraffe
A giraffe.
A giraffe is chewing on an old bone
A giraffe is chewing on an old bone.
Why do giraffe chew bones?
Why do giraffe chew bones?
When nutrients are lacking, giraffes eat bones to get phosphorus and calcium their bodies require
When nutrients are lacking, giraffes eat bones to get phosphorus and calcium their bodies require.
Bones are manipulated in and out the mouth by the giraffe's tongue while being sucked and chewed
Bones are manipulated in and out the mouth by the giraffe's tongue while being sucked and chewed.
A giraffe is chewing on a bone
A giraffe is chewing on a bone.
This behaviour of giraffes is called osteophagy, and osteophagia means “feeding on bone”
This behaviour of giraffes is called osteophagy, and osteophagia means “feeding on bone”.
The bones are not swallowed by giraffes but simply dropped when the individual has gained enough nutrients or tires of the activity
The bones are not swallowed by giraffes but simply dropped when the individual has gained enough nutrients or tires of the activity.
A black giraffe
A black giraffe.
Aging male giraffes go black
Aging male giraffes go black.
When male giraffes reach about 9.4 years of age, their once light spots have darkened to coal-black
When male giraffes reach about 9.4 years of age, their once light spots have darkened to coal-black.
Male giraffes become more illustrious with age, the hairy blotches on these long-necked mammals darken with age
Male giraffes become more illustrious with age, the hairy blotches on these long-necked mammals darken with age.
The color of male giraffe's spots are known to gradually change color from a sienna brown to a coal black
The color of male giraffe's spots are known to gradually change color from a sienna brown to a coal black.
A lovely Burchell's zebra
A lovely Burchell's zebra.
An amazing Burchell's zebra
An amazing Burchell's zebra.
An illustrious Burchell's zebra
An illustrious Burchell's zebra.
A dazzle of Burchell's zebras
A dazzle of Burchell's zebras.
Two Burchell's zebras
Two Burchell's zebras.
Two amazing Burchell's zebras
Two amazing Burchell's zebras.
These amazing Burchell's zebras look great
These amazing Burchell's zebras look great.
Burchell's zebras are herbivores and spend most of their day eating grass
Burchell's zebras are herbivores and spend most of their day eating grass.
A crowned lapwing
A crowned lapwing.
Two rhinos
Two rhinos.
Two rhinoceroses
Two rhinoceroses.
Two rhinos are grazing
Two rhinos are grazing.
Two rhinoceroses are grazing
Two rhinoceroses are grazing.
A rhino is grazing
A rhino is grazing.
Two magnificent rhinoceroses are grazing
Two magnificent rhinoceroses are grazing.
Awesome rhinoceroses are grazing
Awesome rhinoceroses are grazing.
Grey rhinoceroses are grazing
Grey rhinoceroses are grazing.
A mighty rhinoceros
A mighty rhinoceros.
Four rhinoceroses
Four rhinoceroses.
A rhinoceros with a long horn
A rhinoceros with a long horn.
A strong rhinoceros
A strong rhinoceros.
Two robust rhinoceroses
Two robust rhinoceroses.
Two awesome rhinoceroses
Two awesome rhinoceroses.
Two great rhinoceroses
Two great rhinoceroses.
A rear side of a rhinoceros
A rear side of a rhinoceros.
This is a rear side of a rhinoceros
This is a rear side of a rhinoceros.
A back side of a rhinoceros
A back side of a rhinoceros.
Two rhinoceroses are grazing beside our vehicle
Two rhinoceroses are grazing beside our vehicle.
One rhinoceros is looking on us
One rhinoceros is looking on us.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary lies 25km north of Serowe on the road to Orapa. Covering approximately 4300 hectares of Kalahari sandveld and hardveld, it is centred around Serwe Pan. The Gate is open daily from 7 am until 7 pm.

The Sanctuary maintains roads suitable for self-drive viewing (in 4WD and 2WD bakkies) and also offers guided game drives and nature walks. The chalets and camp sites, which have a braai and hot water, are accessible by most vehicles. Other facilities include the restaurant and pool, a bird hide, a picnic area, a curio and gift shop, sale of basic provisions. The Educational Centre, mostly for school visits is also available for conferences.

Our planet is home to five species of rhinoceros
Our planet is home to five species of rhinoceros.
Rhinoceroses are known for their awesome, giant horns that grow from their snouts
Rhinoceroses are known for their awesome, giant horns that grow from their snouts.
Rhinoceroses are on the background of the blue sky
Rhinoceroses are on the background of the blue sky.
Three rhinoceroses
Three rhinoceroses.
Three rhinoceroses are grazing
Three rhinoceroses are grazing.
Three rhinoceroses are walking along the dry grass
Three rhinoceroses are walking along the dry grass.
Rhinoceroses are some of the biggest animals in world
Rhinoceroses are some of the biggest animals in world.
A crash of rhinoceroses
A crash of rhinoceroses.
A group of rhinoceroses
A group of rhinoceroses.
A crash of rhinoceroses is on the background of the blue sky
A crash of rhinoceroses is on the background of the blue sky.
The name rhinoceros means “nose horn”
The name rhinoceros means “nose horn”.
The name rhinoceros is often shortened to rhino
The name rhinoceros is often shortened to rhino.
Grey rhinoceroses are grazing against blue sky
Grey rhinoceroses are grazing against blue sky.
Grey rhinoceroses are grazing on the dry grass
Grey rhinoceroses are grazing on the dry grass.
Grey rhinoceroses are amazing
Grey rhinoceroses are amazing.
Two rhinoceroses with funny ears
Two rhinoceroses with funny ears.
Two lovely rhinoceroses
Two lovely rhinoceroses.
A rhinoceros is grazing under the blue sky
A rhinoceros is grazing under the blue sky.
Two rhinoceroses are dangerously looking on the car
Two rhinoceroses are dangerously looking on the car.
Rhinoceroses are funny creatures
Rhinoceroses are funny creatures.
All five species of rhinoceros can grow to weigh over 1000 kg (2200 lb)
All five species of rhinoceros can grow to weigh over 1000 kg (2200 lb).
Three of the five rhinoceros species are listed as being critically endangered
Three of the five rhinoceros species are listed as being critically endangered.
Rhinoceroses have thick, protective skin
Rhinoceroses have thick, protective skin.
Relative to their large body size, rhinoceroses have small brains
Relative to their large body size, rhinoceroses have small brains.
Rhinoceros horns are made from a protein called keratin, the same substance that fingernails and hair are made of
Rhinoceros horns are made from a protein called keratin, the same substance that fingernails and hair are made of.
Rhinoceroses are often hunted by humans for their horns
Rhinoceroses are often hunted by humans for their horns.
Rhinoceroses are herbivores
Rhinoceroses are herbivores.
Rhinoceroses are plant eaters
Rhinoceroses are plant eaters.
Rhinoceroses are on the background of giraffes
Rhinoceroses are on the background of giraffes.
A group of rhinoceroses is called a “herd” or a “crash”
A group of rhinoceroses is called a “herd” or a “crash”.
Rhinoceroses and giraffes
Rhinoceroses and giraffes.
Despite their huge size and strength, these bulky rhinoceroses don't prey on other animals for food
Despite their huge size and strength, these bulky rhinoceroses don't prey on other animals for food.
Rhinoceroses like to munch on lots of grass and plants at night, dawn and dusk
Rhinoceroses like to munch on lots of grass and plants at night, dawn and dusk.
During the heat of the day, these awesome mammals can be found sleeping in the shade
During the heat of the day, these awesome mammals can be found sleeping in the shade.
During the heat of the day, these awesome mammals can be found wallowing in muddy pools to cool off
During the heat of the day, these awesome mammals can be found wallowing in muddy pools to cool off.
For the most part, rhinoceroses are solitary animals and like to avoid each other
For the most part, rhinoceroses are solitary animals and like to avoid each other.
Rhinoceroses are very territorial and mark out their area of land with poop
Rhinoceroses are very territorial and mark out their area of land with poop.
Rhinoceroses use pongy piles to communicate with each other, since each individual's dung smells unique
Rhinoceroses use pongy piles to communicate with each other, since each individual's dung smells unique.
Rhinoceroses are often seen with oxpeckers perched on their back
Rhinoceroses are often seen with oxpeckers perched on their back.
Rhinoceroses and warthogs
Rhinoceroses and warthogs.
A penis of rhinoceros
A penis of rhinoceros.
This impressive penis belongs to a rhino
This impressive penis belongs to a rhino.
Because of their huge bodies, strong horns and thick, armour-like skin, rhinos have no natural predators
Because of their huge bodies, strong horns and thick, armour-like skin, rhinos have no natural predators.
Rhinoceroses get frightened easily!
Rhinoceroses get frightened easily!
Sadly, it's estimated that there are only around 29000 rhinos left in the wild
Sadly, it's estimated that there are only around 29000 rhinos left in the wild.
The main threat to rhinoceroses is illegal hunting
The main threat to rhinoceroses is illegal hunting.
Rhinoceroses use their poop to communitcate with other rhinos
Rhinoceroses use their poop to communitcate with other rhinos.
Rhinoceroses have good hearing
Rhinoceroses have good hearing.
Rhinoceroses do not have good eyesight
Rhinoceroses do not have good eyesight.
Rhinoceroses have 3 toes on each foot
Rhinoceroses have 3 toes on each foot.
The average life span for a rhinoceros is 35 years
The average life span for a rhinoceros is 35 years.
A skin of a rhino
A skin of a rhino.
The rear part of the body of a rhino
The rear part of the body of a rhino.
The head of a rhino
The head of a rhino.
Mud protects the rhino skin from the strong sun and wards off biting bugs
Mud protects the rhino skin from the strong sun and wards off biting bugs.
The ears of a rhino
The ears of a rhino.
A rhino's horn is made of compacted hair (keratin)
A rhino's horn is made of compacted hair (keratin).
Rhinoceroses are illegally poached for thier horn
Rhinoceroses are illegally poached for thier horn.
A rhino's horn can be removed safely without killing them however poachers kill them anyway
A rhino's horn can be removed safely without killing them however poachers kill them anyway.
Rhinoceroses have a sort of attack-first-and-ask-questions-later attitude
Rhinoceroses have a sort of attack-first-and-ask-questions-later attitude.
The chin of a rhinoceros
The chin of a rhinoceros.
When a rhino catches the scent of a human or anything else unfamiliar, it is likely to charge
When a rhino catches the scent of a human or anything else unfamiliar, it is likely to charge.
Rhinos can't see well, so they sometimes charge objects like trees and rocks, mistaking them as threats
Rhinos can't see well, so they sometimes charge objects like trees and rocks, mistaking them as threats.
Rhinos sometimes fight with each other
Rhinos sometimes fight with each other.
Female rhinos use their horns to protect their babies from predators such as lions, crocodiles, and hyenas
Female rhinos use their horns to protect their babies from predators such as lions, crocodiles, and hyenas.
In spite of their fierce reputation, rhinos do have a softer side
In spite of their fierce reputation, rhinos do have a softer side.
The females of the rhinoceros are very attentive mothers
The females of the rhinoceros are very attentive mothers.
Rhinoceroses are ancient animals that have been on earth for thousands of years
Rhinoceroses are ancient animals that have been on earth for thousands of years.

Both species of rhino have poor vision but a keen sense of hearing and scent. Both species have two horns; these horns are outgrowths of their skin and are composed of tightly massed filaments similar to hair. The horns are thought to have aphrodisiac properties by people in the Far East, and are used as dagger handles in Yemen. Because the horns are so highly valued by these people, rhinos are being hunted to extinction.

An angry or scared rhinoceros can run up to 40 miles per hour, destroying anything on its path
An angry or scared rhinoceros can run up to 40 miles per hour, destroying anything on its path.
Rhinos are endangered
Rhinos are endangered.
Poachers kill rhinoceroses for their horns, which some people believe can be used to make medicine
Poachers kill rhinoceroses for their horns, which some people believe can be used to make medicine.
Both white and black rhinos have two horns
Both white and black rhinos have two horns.
The horns of rhinoceroses are not magical and cannot be used for medicine
The horns of rhinoceroses are not magical and cannot be used for medicine.
Rhinoceroses use their horns to defend themselves
Rhinoceroses use their horns to defend themselves.
Rhinoceroses eat plants and leaves
Rhinoceroses eat plants and leaves.
Rhinoceroses have sensitive skin
Rhinoceroses have sensitive skin.
The closest relatives to the rhinoceros are the zebra, horse and tapirs
The closest relatives to the rhinoceros are the zebra, horse and tapirs.
Rhinoceroses are part of the mammal group referred to as “odd-toed ungulates”
Rhinoceroses are part of the mammal group referred to as “odd-toed ungulates”.
There are actually 5 different rhinoceros species and they live in areas from Africa to southern Asia
There are actually 5 different rhinoceros species and they live in areas from Africa to southern Asia.
Many cultures place value on the horn of the rhinoceros and therefore they have hunted them down just to get their horns
Many cultures place value on the horn of the rhinoceros and therefore they have hunted them down just to get their horns.
3 of the 5 species of rhinoceros are now listed on the “critically endangered” species list: the Sumatran, Javan and Black Rhinoceros
3 of the 5 species of rhinoceros are now listed on the “critically endangered” species list: the Sumatran, Javan and Black Rhinoceros.
A curious giraffe
A curious giraffe.
A giraffe is standing still
A giraffe is standing still.
A giraffe is dancing
A giraffe is dancing.
The neck of a giraffe
The neck of a giraffe.
A giraffe is on bent legs
A giraffe is on bent legs.
The skin of a dead Burchell's zebra
The skin of a dead Burchell's zebra.
A giraffe is looking on the skin of a dead Burchell's zebra
A giraffe is looking on the skin of a dead Burchell's zebra.
Bones of a dead Burchell's zebra
Bones of a dead Burchell's zebra.
A Burchell's zebra is dead
A Burchell's zebra is dead.
A corpse of a Burchell's zebra
A corpse of a Burchell's zebra.
A corpse of a Burchell's zebra is under the bright African sun
A corpse of a Burchell's zebra is under the bright African sun.
The striped skin of a dead Burchell's zebra
The striped skin of a dead Burchell's zebra.
A corpse of a zebra
A corpse of a zebra.
A zebra's corpse
A zebra's corpse.
A zebra's corpse is lying on the dried grass
A zebra's corpse is lying on the dried grass.
Three Burchell's zebras
Three Burchell's zebras.
Three Burchell's zebras cross a road
Three Burchell's zebras cross a road.
Two Burchell's zebras are standing still
Two Burchell's zebras are standing still.
Two Burchell's zebras came to look attentively at the corpse of their fellow zebra
Two Burchell's zebras came to look attentively at the corpse of their fellow zebra.
One of the female ostriches is obviously blind
One of the female ostriches is obviously blind.
Three ostriches
Three ostriches.
Two ostriches are female and one ostrich is male
Two ostriches are female and one ostrich is male.
Two ostriches
Two ostriches.
A male ostrich
A male ostrich.
Two female ostriches
Two female ostriches.
An ostrich and vultures
An ostrich and vultures.
A group of vultures
A group of vultures.
A committee of vultures
A committee of vultures.
A venue of vultures and ostriches
A venue of vultures and ostriches.
A volt of vultures
A volt of vultures.
A venue of vultures
A venue of vultures.
This venue of vultures is at the following geo coordinates: -22.2046, 26.6894
This venue of vultures is at the following geo coordinates: -22.2046, 26.6894.
Ostriches and rhinoceroses came to Serwe Pan
Ostriches and rhinoceroses came to Serwe Pan.
A volt of vultures is at Serwe Pan
A volt of vultures is at Serwe Pan.
A group of vultures is near the Serwe Pan viewpoint
A group of vultures is near the Serwe Pan viewpoint.
A group of Cape vultures is at the Serwe Pan viewpoint
A group of Cape vultures is at the Serwe Pan viewpoint.
A committee of Cape vultures is at Serwe Pan
A committee of Cape vultures is at Serwe Pan.
A group of Cape vultures is at Serwe Pan
A group of Cape vultures is at Serwe Pan.
Two rhinos came to Serwe Pan
Two rhinos came to Serwe Pan.
Three rhinoceroses are wallowing in the mud of Serwe Pan
Three rhinoceroses are wallowing in the mud of Serwe Pan.
A venue of Cape vultures is at Serwe Pan
A venue of Cape vultures is at Serwe Pan.
A volt of Cape vultures is at Serwe Pan
A volt of Cape vultures is at Serwe Pan.
Cape vultures
Cape vultures.
The Cape vulture is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae
The Cape vulture is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae.
The Cape vulture is of a creamy-buff colour, with contrasting dark flight- and tail-feathers
The Cape vulture is of a creamy-buff colour, with contrasting dark flight- and tail-feathers.
The head and neck of the Cape vulture are near-naked
The head and neck of the Cape vulture are near-naked.
Rhinos, ostriches and zebras are at Serwe Pan
Rhinos, ostriches and zebras are at Serwe Pan.
A leopard tortoise
A leopard tortoise.
Shell patterns of the leopard tortoise fade in mature specimens
Shell patterns of the leopard tortoise fade in mature specimens.
The head of a leopard tortoise
The head of a leopard tortoise.
The leopard tortoise “Stigmochelys pardalis”
The leopard tortoise “Stigmochelys pardalis”.
A mature leopard tortoise
A mature leopard tortoise.
A steenbok
A steenbok.
A forest
A forest.
The roads in the animal sanctuary are of good quality
The roads in the animal sanctuary are of good quality.
A juvenile leopard tortoise crosses a road
A juvenile leopard tortoise crosses a road.
A juvenile leopard tortoise
A juvenile leopard tortoise.
The inscription “Botswana” was made with the help of a juvenile leopard tortoise
The inscription “Botswana” was made with the help of a juvenile leopard tortoise.
A sand road is easy and smooth
A sand road is easy and smooth.
A tree
A tree.
The African Bush
The African Bush.
A juvenile leopard tortoise was put in a funny pose “please, note, that no animals were harmed”
A juvenile leopard tortoise was put in a funny pose “please, note, that no animals were harmed”.
A juvenile leopard tortoise is in a funny stand “please, note, that no animals were harmed”
A juvenile leopard tortoise is in a funny stand “please, note, that no animals were harmed”.
Two impalas
Two impalas.
A male impala
A male impala.
A zebra
A zebra.
A zebra is grazing on the grass
A zebra is grazing on the grass.
Zebras
Zebras.
The unique stripes of zebras make them one of the animals most familiar to people
The unique stripes of zebras make them one of the animals most familiar to people.
Zebra and impalas
Zebra and impalas.
Four ostriches
Four ostriches.
Ostriches
Ostriches.
The red hartebeest “Alcelaphus buselaphus caama”
The red hartebeest “Alcelaphus buselaphus caama”.
A fork-tailed drongo
A fork-tailed drongo.
The fork-tailed drongo “Dicrurus adsimilis”
The fork-tailed drongo “Dicrurus adsimilis”.

The Sanctuary is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm. Visits outside of these hours may be arranged in advance with the Sanctuary Office. At the Entrance Gate you will find the reception where all fees are paid and you can book camping or chalets. Wood for fires and braais can be bought here, along with ice and some basic provisions. Binoculars are available for hire and the friendly staff can help with information about the flora and fauna of the Sanctuary. Also here is a craft shop selling various local crafts, souvenirs, books, maps and postcards.

Guided game drives and nature walks can be booked at the Entrance Gate. Both take about two hours, during which time you will be guided around the Sanctuary by our well trained and very knowledgeable rangers.

The electric fence “Hawk eye, Risk solutions” is used in the animal sanctuary
The electric fence “Hawk eye, Risk solutions” is used in the animal sanctuary.
The electric fence
The electric fence.
A phone booth
A phone booth.
An electric fence is a barrier that uses electric shocks to deter animals from crossing a boundary
An electric fence is a barrier that uses electric shocks to deter animals from crossing a boundary.
A fragment of the electric fence
A fragment of the electric fence.
This is the electric fence of the animal sanctuary
This is the electric fence of the animal sanctuary.
A nest of a weaver
A nest of a weaver.
A weaver is in the nest
A weaver is in the nest.
A weaver with a yellow belly is in the nest
A weaver with a yellow belly is in the nest.
This Toyota Hilux is a vehicle of the animal sanctuary
This Toyota Hilux is a vehicle of the animal sanctuary.
The Toyota Hilux belongs to the animal sanctuary
The Toyota Hilux belongs to the animal sanctuary.
A printed map of Khama Rhino Sanctuary
A printed map of Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Driving tour

Picnic Site. This provides an excellent place for day-visitors to relax and enjoy the peace of the Sanctuary. Make use of the seating, tables, water and braai stands for your picnic. Wood can be bought at the Entrance Gate.

Malema's Kraal. The site of Malema's cattle post was badly over-grazed by livestock. The bare heaps of kraal manure and lack of grass cover attract lots of worm and other ground dwelling insects making the area an important foraging ground for Swainson's and Crested Francolins, Groundscraper Thrushes and Helmeted Guineafowls. The Candlepod Acacia and Sicklebush growing in the fringes of this area are browsed by Impala, Kudu, Steenbuck and Giraffe.

Malema's Pan. Malema's Pan is named after the owner of the cattle post previously located here who assisted in the establishment of the Sanctuary. The Pan is the site of the main waterhole frequented by most mammals and particularly by the Rhinos which favour the mud wallows in the Pan. The wooden posts are for them to use to rub against and save damage to the trees. Vultures and Sandgrouses also prefer to drink from this pan. Stay here late in the afternoon and you will see many of the Sanctuary's wildlife.

Serwe Pan. Formed by wind erosion thousands of years ago, Serwe Pan is the central point and main focus of the Sanctuary, providing a home and feeding area for the majority of grazing ungulates. Zebra, Springbuck, Wildebeest, Hartebeest and watch the other side of the road and you may see Kudu with their curly horns watching you from the shelter of the bushes. The Setswana meaning of Serwe is "joint of meat" which confirms the stories that wildlife has always been found here although today it is not for eating.

Camelthorn Island. This area is generously covered with Camelthorn trees which are usually the first to come into leaf in spring providing the giraffe with browsing material. The sweet-smelling, pink-tinged flowers appear before the leaves. On over-grazed rangeland they encroach over other trees. A few Whitebacked Vultures nest in some of the trees.

Kgama Drive. Kgama Drive and the shrubs along it mark the boundary between Malema's Pan and Serwe Pan. The two pans once existed as one big pan until sand deposited along this dividing line formed a ridge which has since been colonised by trees and shrubs forming a perfect boundary between the two land features. Camelthorn found along the drive attract Ciralfe to this area. Hartebeest, Wildebeest and Eland can often be seen from this point, frequently followed by Zebra.

Pan's Edge. This marks the transition front the pan to sandveld vegetation. Here the ground is dominated by unpalatable tall sandveld grasses. The trees and shrubs are browsed by the giraffe and kudu. Sandveld birds such as the Kalahari Robin, Burchell's Sandgrouse and Blackchested Prinia are common along Phuduhudu Drive. The small, attractive Steenbok is seen throughout the Sanctuary especially in the long grasses.

Small Pans. This area boasts a series of picturesque pans, anthills and open grassland. The pans fill up with water during the rain season providing wild animals with drinking water and mud wallows. After wallowing, the Rhino rub on the anthills to rid themselves of skin parasites. This explains the rounded nature of the anthills in this area.

Bird Hide. A wonderfully peaceful viewing spot. The traditional reed and thatch hide overlooks one of the small pans where water is retained all year round. Stay a while and quietly watch the many birds and animals which come here.

Restaurant. Relax with a cool drink and an appetizing snack in our bar or at the pool site after your safari! In our restaurant you can enjoy a delicious local or western meal, freshly prepared by our excellent chef.

Mokongwa Camp

The camping and chalet facilities are a short drive from the Entrance Gate and are accessible without 4WD.

There are 12 campsites, including sites for large groups. The central feature of each site is a large Mokongwa tree which provides both character and shade. There is also a fireplace, braai stand with grill, and tap with birdbath. The campsites are served by ablution blocks which have male and female shower facilities with hot water.

Our rustic chalets sleep two to six people. Each chalet has a toilet and shower ensuite with hot water, bedding and towels are provided. Situated by a Mokongwa tree, you will also find a fireplace, braai stand with grill and tap with birdbath. Basic cooking equipment and crockery is provided. Wood can be bought at the front gate.

The chalets are popular so it is best to book in advance at the Sanctuary Office. It is not usually necessary to book for camping, but large parties may prefer to check in advance.