Khama Rhino Sanctuary

A community-based wildlife project, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary is dedicated to protecting Botswana's endangered rhinos (both black and white). It offers...

Khama Rhino Sanctuary at a Glance

Location
Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-22.227777, 26.696566
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
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 Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Nearest airport: Mmashoro Airfield, 53 km away.

Nearest international airport: Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW), 143 km away.

Big Five in Khama Rhino Sanctuary

1 of the Big Five can be found here: White Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Khama Rhino Sanctuary

The warmest temperatures in Khama Rhino Sanctuary occur in November, averaging 24.1°C (up to 30.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 14.2°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 0.6mm. Average humidity: 40.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.6°C (rainfall: 102.7mm)
  • February: 22.6°C (rainfall: 78.6mm)
  • March: 22.1°C (rainfall: 27.0mm)
  • April: 19.8°C (rainfall: 17.2mm)
  • May: 17.4°C (rainfall: 4.2mm)
  • June: 14.4°C (rainfall: 2.2mm)
  • July: 14.2°C (rainfall: 1.1mm)
  • August: 17.7°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
  • September: 21.5°C (rainfall: 1.4mm)
  • October: 23.4°C (rainfall: 15.9mm)
  • November: 24.1°C (rainfall: 38.2mm)
  • December: 23.3°C (rainfall: 112.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Khama Rhino Sanctuary

The best months to visit Khama Rhino Sanctuary are September, October, November, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.6°C, rainfall 102.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 66.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.57°C, rainfall 78.6mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 66.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.1°C, rainfall 27mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 59.2%
  • April: Great, temperature 19.81°C, rainfall 17.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 56.3%
  • May: Great, temperature 17.42°C, rainfall 4.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 49.1%
  • June: Great, temperature 14.39°C, rainfall 2.2mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 49.6%
  • July: Great, temperature 14.23°C, rainfall 1.1mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 43.8%
  • August: Great, temperature 17.71°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 40.3%
  • September: Great, temperature 21.5°C, rainfall 1.4mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 38.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 23.42°C, rainfall 15.9mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 41%
  • November: Great, temperature 24.1°C, rainfall 38.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 50.6%
  • December: Great, temperature 23.3°C, rainfall 112.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 63%

Wildlife in Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Home to 19 recorded species including 5 birds of prey, 5 antelope & gazelle, 4 iconic birds, 4 big herbivores, 1 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Based on average temperature of 20.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 52%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 20°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

Safari Lodges in Khama Rhino Sanctuary

8 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Tuli Block & Eastern Borderlands

Visitor Tips - Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Khama Rhino Sanctuary offers a profoundly moving experience, providing a vital haven for Botswana's endangered rhinos. We love the tangible sense of conservation here, knowing your visit directly supports the protection of these magnificent creatures. It's a truly special place to witness these giants up close, a testament to dedicated efforts against poaching.

Gate Times

Khama Rhino Sanctuary typically operates from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily. We always recommend confirming these times directly with the sanctuary or your tour operator, as seasonal adjustments can occur. While day visits don't always require advance booking, we strongly advise securing any accommodation or guided activities well in advance, especially during the dry season from May to October when visitor numbers are higher.

Tipping

Tipping is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your dedicated guide or ranger, we suggest around BWP 100-150 per person per day. For general camp staff, a communal tip of BWP 50-70 per person per day, placed in a central box, is customary and ensures fair distribution. Always tip discreetly and in local currency if possible.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

Khama Rhino Sanctuary FAQs

Beyond simply seeing rhinos, how does a visit to Khama Rhino Sanctuary make a tangible impact on their conservation?

Your entry fees and participation in guided activities directly fund the sanctuary's vital anti-poaching operations, habitat management, and community education programs. This ensures the long-term survival of both black and white rhinos within a secure, protected environment.

What specific activities allow visitors to get 'up close' with rhinos and experience the sanctuary's unique environment?

Khama Rhino Sanctuary offers guided game drives, including opportunities for rhino tracking on foot with experienced rangers, providing an incredibly intimate encounter. You can also explore designated walking trails to observe other plains game and birdlife within the sanctuary's diverse landscape.

When is the best time of year to visit Khama Rhino Sanctuary for optimal rhino sightings and to see other wildlife?

The dry season, from May to October, is ideal as rhinos and other animals, like zebra, wildebeest, and giraffe, congregate around waterholes, making them easier to spot. The cooler temperatures also enhance comfort for game drives and walks.

What accommodation options and visitor facilities are available within Khama Rhino Sanctuary for an overnight stay?

The sanctuary provides various accommodation options, including well-maintained campsites and comfortable chalets, catering to different budgets. There's also a restaurant, a curio shop, and ablution blocks with hot water, ensuring a pleasant and convenient stay for visitors.

What are the typical entry fees for Khama Rhino Sanctuary, and is it easily accessible for self-driving tourists?

Entry fees vary for citizens, residents, and international visitors, typically ranging from BWP 70-120 per adult, with additional vehicle fees. The sanctuary is very accessible via well-maintained gravel roads from the A1 highway, making it a popular and straightforward self-drive destination.

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.