KD/15 Khawa

KD/15 Khawa is a protected area in Botswana.

KD/15 Khawa at a Glance

Location
Southern Kalahari & Kgalagadi, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-25.616290, 22.060638
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
None
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to KD/15 Khawa

Nearest airport: Mahikeng International Airport (MBD), 349 km away.

Nearest international airport: Mahikeng International Airport (MBD), 349 km away.

Big Five in KD/15 Khawa

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard.

Weather & Climate in KD/15 Khawa

The warmest temperatures in KD/15 Khawa occur in January, averaging 27.8°C (up to 33.5°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 13.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.1mm. Average humidity: 35.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (rainfall: 57.8mm)
  • February: 27.3°C (rainfall: 36.0mm)
  • March: 25.4°C (rainfall: 33.0mm)
  • April: 21.1°C (rainfall: 20.0mm)
  • May: 17.4°C (rainfall: 6.9mm)
  • June: 13.5°C (rainfall: 6.6mm)
  • July: 13.3°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • August: 16.1°C (rainfall: 2.4mm)
  • September: 21.1°C (rainfall: 1.0mm)
  • October: 24.7°C (rainfall: 14.3mm)
  • November: 26.8°C (rainfall: 18.0mm)
  • December: 27.6°C (rainfall: 33.8mm)

Best Time to Visit KD/15 Khawa

The best months to visit KD/15 Khawa are February, March, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.8°C, rainfall 57.8mm, sunshine 12.1 hrs, humidity 42.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 27.25°C, rainfall 36mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 44.6%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.36°C, rainfall 33mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 44.8%
  • April: Great, temperature 21.1°C, rainfall 20mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 48%
  • May: Great, temperature 17.45°C, rainfall 6.9mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 41.4%
  • June: Great, temperature 13.46°C, rainfall 6.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 45.4%
  • July: Great, temperature 13.31°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 35.8%
  • August: Great, temperature 16.13°C, rainfall 2.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 30.6%
  • September: Great, temperature 21.15°C, rainfall 1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 24%
  • October: Great, temperature 24.67°C, rainfall 14.3mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 25.1%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.79°C, rainfall 18mm, sunshine 12.4 hrs, humidity 29.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.59°C, rainfall 33.8mm, sunshine 12.4 hrs, humidity 37.3%

Wildlife in KD/15 Khawa

Home to 9 recorded species including 3 iconic birds, 2 birds of prey, 2 antelope & gazelle, 1 big five, 1 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for KD/15 Khawa

Based on average temperature of 21.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 37%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 22°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Southern Kalahari & Kgalagadi

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

KD/15 Khawa FAQs

What unique wildlife viewing opportunities does KD/15 Khawa offer compared to other Botswana parks?

KD/15 Khawa is particularly renowned for its exceptional sightings of brown hyena and aardvark, often elusive in more frequented areas. Its diverse landscape, ranging from semi-arid scrub to seasonal pans, also supports robust populations of gemsbok and springbok, making it a prime location for desert-adapted species.

When is the optimal time to visit KD/15 Khawa for the best wildlife encounters and comfortable conditions?

The dry season, typically from May to October, is ideal for visiting KD/15 Khawa as animals congregate around the limited water sources, making them easier to spot. While daytime temperatures are pleasant, evenings can be cool, so packing layers is advisable for early morning and late afternoon game drives.

What specific safari activities can I expect to participate in at KD/15 Khawa, beyond standard game drives?

Beyond traditional guided game drives, KD/15 Khawa offers unique opportunities for guided walking safaris, allowing for an intimate exploration of the smaller flora and fauna. Some operators also provide specialized night drives, which are excellent for spotting nocturnal species like pangolins and civets that are active after sunset.

How accessible is KD/15 Khawa, and what are the typical accommodation options available within or near the protected area?

KD/15 Khawa is generally accessed via 4x4 vehicles, often from Maun or Ghanzi, with travel times varying depending on road conditions. Accommodation primarily consists of exclusive mobile tented camps or designated wilderness campsites, offering an authentic and immersive bush experience rather than permanent lodges.

What are the typical permit requirements and associated costs for entering KD/15 Khawa?

Entry into KD/15 Khawa requires a park permit, which can be obtained through your safari operator or directly from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) offices in Botswana. Costs typically include a daily conservation fee per person, and additional fees may apply for vehicles or specific activities like guided walks, so it's best to confirm current rates in advance.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.