Khama Rhino Sanctuary and Mokolodi

[Guest sniktawk]

A quick report on our overnight stops on the way to and from home.

 

We stayed overnight not far from home, having dropped the dogs off at the Kennels at Oude Wellington in strangely enough Wellington. This is very nice and had wonderful food.

 

The following days onward and upwards towards the border post at Vioolsdrif; formalities here were fairly quick the only delay being caused by European tourists who could not speak English. The vehicle permit cost N$ 160.

 

Our next overnight stop was at Keetsmanshoop at the Central Lodge, not bad but we could not recommend it.

Total distance from Wellington around 975km, easily done in a day (around 12 hours driving)

 

Next morning away bright and early on our next slog up to Otjiwarango total distance from Keetsmanshoop around 750km, easily done in a day (around 10 hours driving)

Here we stayed at Out of Africa lodge, totally acceptable.

 

From there a mere 180 km to Anderson Gate at Etosha.

 

After leaving Namutoni we ventured north via Grootfontein (C42) to Rundu (B48), then along the C45 to Bangani, the down the C48 leading to the border post at Mohembo. Total distance from Namutoni around 700km, easily done in a day (around 9 hours driving)

We stayed at Ndhovu Safari Lodge, which is just outside the Mahango Game Reserve on the banks of the Okovango, which is a pretty big river at this point. Accommodation was in tents and was perfectly acceptable. They offer game drives in the park as well as boat trips on the river. With hindsight we would have chosen the game drive.

 

 

We drove through the park to the border crossing the following and saw 7 Roan and lots of Kudu, when we next pass this way we intend to have an extra days stop to do some game viewing in the park which we are told has lots of Sable.

 

The birder crossing was very quiet just remember to take all your car registration numbers and driving licence numbers to fill in the forms.

 

Entry into Botswana was also easy you need a permit for your vehicle which cost Pula 60 and is valid for 3 months.

 

On down the panhandle rod (A16, A9, A7) to Toteng and then on to Maun. Total distance from Ndhovu around 390km, easily done in a morning (around 5 hours driving)

We stayed at Motsentsela Tree Lodge which was considerably further away from the airport than thought, the last 8 km over fairly loose sand. A nice place but not for staying at if you need to be at the airport at 07.30 the following morning.

 

 

 

We left Mapula at 10.00 and got away from Maun at around 11.15 after petrol stops etc., and made our way to Nata. Total distance from Maun around 300km, easily done in an afternoon (around 3.5) hours driving. We visited Nata Bird Sanctuary but it was clearly not the right time of year, Sua Pan was still full of water but no Pelicans, this is probably good in season. We stayed at Nata Lodge, Ok but noisy from the lorries on the nearby road.

 

From here we traveled a short distance (around 400km) to Khama Rhino Sanctuary near Serowe. What a surprise this turned out to be. The park is run by a trust and was set up in 1993 to protect the small remaining population of Botswanan Rhino, although some have come from South Africa, there are currently 33 White Rhino and 3 black Rhino there in a 4 hour drive we saw 9 White Rhino of which 3 were youngsters. Our agent had recommended not using the onsite accommodation, which in our view was a mistake; we will stay in the park next time. This would make an excellent overnight stop either going to or from Maun towards the South African border, as it is only 580 km from Maun on what is now apparently entirely good road.

 

 

http://www.khamarhinosanctuary.com/

 

We stayed at Lentswe Lodge in nearby Serowe, in dire need of some fairly basic renovation, not recommended!

 

Leaving Mashatu we commenced with the rather tortuous journey back to the main road at Palapye and downwards towards Gabarone total distance from Mashatu around 520km. Here we stayed at Mokolodi Nature Reserve, the accommodation was run down but at least had full catering facilities.

The park was very dense woodland and very difficult for viewing, but we did see an extremely large Rhino and some good Male Kudus and some Wildebeest.

 

http://www.mokolodi.com

 

The following morning up and away early for our final dash to SA. We had intended to stop at Britstown but made such good time that we ended up at Beaufort West.

 

The following day home a 14.30 a quick unloading and off to pick up the dogs.

 

Total distance covered around 8,100 km, mostly on good roads.

 

No problem for a Toyota Prado

 

 

Pictures from Khama can be found at

 

http://sniktawkwild.zenfolio.com/p874537633

[Guest nyama]

The birder crossing was very quiet...

So you're a twitcher now?

 

Nice typo.

[Atravelynn]

Thanks for some info on a seldom publicized sanctuary. Nice rhino viewing, and that was after the roan.

 

Will we ever see pictures of your dogs?

[Game Warden]

Sniktawk, thanks for introducing us to Khama: I have emailed the chairman, Raymond Watson and hope to receive a reply soon.

[Bugs]

Thanks for the info. How many days did you take?