A Weekend Adventure at Khutse Game Reserve:
29-31 March 2024
Our weekend breakaway to Khutse Game Reserve was nothing short of an adventure, filled with wildlife sightings, unexpected storms, and the kind of serenity only the Kalahari Desert can offer. Here's a look back at our unforgettable experience.
Day 1: 29 March 2024
The Journey Begins
It was an exciting morning on 29 March as we gathered at the Puma Fueling Station, located next to the Grand Palm Hotel in Gaborone. With a sense of anticipation in the air, we set off on the road to Khutse Game Reserve—our gateway to the wild heart of the Kalahari.
Our first stop was Letlhakeng, a small town where we refueled for the last time before embarking on the remaining 120 kilometers of rugged dirt roads that led us into the reserve. The journey ahead was a true adventure, and with every turn of the wheel, we could feel the landscape shifting, setting the stage for the excitement that lay ahead.
Day 2: 30 March 2024
Exploring Khutse
The next morning, we rose early, eager to begin our exploration of Khutse. Our first priority was a strong cup of coffee to kickstart the day. By 6:30 AM, we were on the road, heading towards the Khutse Watering Hole, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive wild dogs that frequent the area.
However, a recent fire that had swept through the region two months prior had caused some of the wildlife to move out in search of better grazing grounds. The veld had regrown beautifully, but it takes time for animals to return to areas affected by fire. We spent a few hours driving through the reserve, hoping for sightings, before we decided to head towards Molose Pan in the north-western part of the reserve.
There, we were rewarded with the sight of a massive herd of elephants. The majestic creatures were splashing and cooling off in the water, a sight that left us in awe. After spending hours at Molose, we decided to head back to the eastern part of the reserve, taking the Moreswe Road—a long, but incredibly scenic route that perfectly embodied the serenity of the Kalahari bush.
However, the road had more in store for us than we anticipated. Two hours into the drive, a sudden rainstorm hit, and the downpour was so intense that visibility dropped to just a few meters. The storm tested our nerves, but we pressed on and eventually made it back to our campsite.
But the surprises weren’t over yet. The storm had caused more damage than expected. Our tents, left open earlier in the day, had been soaked by the rain. The powerful winds had bent our awnings, and even our camp chairs had been blown into the field. Despite the setbacks, we rallied together, repairing what we could and retrieving the scattered items. Once everything was settled, we ended the day with a hearty meal, enjoying the sounds of barking geckos and watching the sunset over the bush—a peaceful conclusion to an eventful day.
Day 3: 31 March 2024
Heading Home
On the final morning of our trip, we packed up camp, reflecting on the stunning beauty and adventure of the past few days. As we began our journey back to Gaborone, the hum of our two-way radios filled the air, sharing stories of the highs and lows of our time at Khutse. It was a weekend that had delivered everything we could have asked for: wildlife, unexpected challenges, and memories that would last a lifetime.
As we drove back, the vast Kalahari landscape began to fade behind us, but the memories of the reserve’s wild beauty, the surprise storm, and the laughter shared around the campfire would stay with us forever. Khutse Game Reserve had reminded us of the raw, unpredictable nature of the wilderness—and the thrill of discovering it for ourselves. Until next time, we’ll be cherishing the experience and looking forward to our next adventure in the heart of Botswana’s bush.
