Khama Rhino Sanctuary is in Serowe Botswana.
About Khama Rhino Sanctuary
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust is a community-based wildlife project established in 1992 to assist in saving the vanishing rhino, restore an area formerly teeming with wildlife to its previous natural state, and provide economic benefits to the local Batswana community through tourism and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Features of Khama Rhino Sanctuary Accommodation
The camping and chalet facilities at Mokongwa Camp are a short drive from the entrance gate and are accessible without four-wheel drive. The chalets are popular, so it is best to book in advance. We do take bookings for camping.
- There are 22 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 a tap with birdbath.
- The campsites are served by two communal ablution blocks. The education centre also has a campsite with dormitory accommodation.
Chalet Facilities
There are 8 chalets to choose from, located in different areas. Bedding, towels, braai facilities, a bar fridge, and an electric kettle will be provided for all the chalets. However, the A-frame chalet does not have electricity, so it is not equipped with an electric kettle or bar fridge.
Basic cooking utensils are no longer provided. Clients can bring their own or use the restaurant to buy meals. The chalets are A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and the A-frame.
Entrance Gate
Khama Rhino Sanctuary opens every day at 8:00 am and closes at 7:00 pm. Special arrangements for arrival outside these hours can be made in advance.
On arrival at the sanctuary, you will find the reception where all fees are paid, and you can book camping, chalets, and activities. Information packs are on sale with many details about the sanctuary, wildlife, and activities for children.
Basic binoculars are available to hire, and the friendly staff can help answer your questions about the sanctuary. Wood for fires and braais can be bought here, as well as ice, cold drinks, and basic provisions. There is also a craft shop selling various local crafts, books, maps, souvenirs, and postcards.
Things to Do at Khama Rhino Sanctuary
Activities
The Sanctuary's roads are well-maintained to make them suitable for self-drive game viewing in four- and two-wheel drive vehicles. Buy a copy of the map at the Entrance Gate and follow the signs to find your way around the Sanctuary.
Guided game drives, rhino trails, and nature walks can be booked and paid for 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. Morning drives and trails start at 6:00 am, and the afternoon activities start at 4:00 pm. Night drives start at 7:00 pm. Tourism levy: P2.00 per person per day.
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 that come here. Buy our Bird List from reception and see how many of the regulars you can spot.
Accommodation Options
- Chalets A and B: Accommodate two people each. They each sleep one couple, with one double bed.
- Chalets C and D: Located at Mokongwa Camp, accommodate four people each, with two rooms and two beds in each room.
- Chalets F and G: Located next to the restaurant area. Each chalet has two rooms and two beds in each room.
- A-Frame Chalet: Situated on the edge of Serwe Pan. This two-storey chalet sleeps up to six people. The A-frame has a separate bush toilet and a hot shower. This chalet was designed to give an African bush life experience. It does not have electricity, but lantern lamps are provided for lighting.
- Dormitories: Our dorms can accommodate up to 48 participants in two separate blocks, each having four rooms with six bunk beds. We also have a block for facilitators with four rooms, each accommodating up to two teachers.
Restaurant and Bar
Our restaurant is open to delight day visitors, chalet guests, and campers with a variety of tasty traditional dishes as well as delicious regular items. We also have a swimming pool, which is ideal for cooling and refreshing. The pool is cleaned regularly by our dedicated team. Note that there is a male black rhino that is not tamed and can often be seen near the restaurant in the afternoon, but please avoid hand contact with him.
Multi-purpose Hall
There is a multi-purpose hall that can be used for any occasion, such as weddings or conferences. The hall is large enough to hold 100 people. Should you require catering for your event, we can make arrangements for you. Please note that weddings are not allowed in the hall.
What is the Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust? - Our Story
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary Trust, established in 1992, is a community-based wildlife project located near Serowe, Botswana. It was initiated by local residents in response to the alarming decline of rhinoceros populations due to poaching. The sanctuary covers approximately 4,300 hectares of Kalahari sandveld and is centred around Serwe Pan, a natural depression that supports a variety of wildlife, including white and black rhinos.
In 1993, the Ngwato Land Board allocated the land to the Trust, which has since been managed by a Board of Trustees elected from local communities. The sanctuary is under the patronage of former President Ian Khama, who is the Paramount Chief of the Bamangwato.
The sanctuary has successfully translocated several rhinos, with a total of 34 white rhinos and 2 black rhinos currently residing there. The sanctuary also supports various other wildlife species and is home to over 230 bird species. Its conservation efforts include a breeding programme aimed at repopulating rhinos in Botswana, with the long-term goal of reintroducing them into their natural habitats.
The sanctuary not only focuses on wildlife conservation but also aims to provide economic benefits to the local community through tourism and sustainable resource use. Activities available for visitors include game drives, bird watching, and educational programmes, making it a significant site for both conservation and community development.
Our Rhinos
To date, 14 white rhinos have been translocated into the Sanctuary. The first four arrived in February 1993 from northern Botswana. They were kept in very large bomas, built by local volunteers, until the 28 km electric perimeter fence was completed in June 1995, when they were released to roam free within the Sanctuary.
All the rhinos settled well and soon began breeding. With further translocations, some sad deaths, and many happy births (the most recent addition being born in 2004), the total number of white rhinos at the Sanctuary is currently 34. We also have two black rhinos, and the female is pregnant.
Our Future
Confidence in the Trust and its achievements means that the Sanctuary continues to be recognised as a breeding centre for the re-population of white rhinos in Botswana, as well as a home for the eventual re-introduction of black rhinos into the country.
In addition to the protection of wildlife, we offer many other facilities as detailed above, and are continually working to meet our objectives. Current projects include:
- Pumping water around the Sanctuary from two boreholes.
- Construction of an Education Centre and expansion of our Environmental Education facilities.
- Development of a research centre.
- Construction of a restaurant.
As a community trust, we are reliant on donor funding. In the past, these have come from government, private businesses, other non-governmental organisations, and members of the public, both from Botswana and abroad. Thanks to such generous contributions, we are able to continue our work towards preserving Botswana's unique wildlife heritage.