Botswana Travel Update: Wildfires affect parts of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Update – 29 October 2026: No confirmed information on the containment of the wildfires or changes to access in the affected areas of Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) has been identified. Travellers should check with the relevant authorities before setting out and avoid areas affected by the fires. 

Wildfires are currently affecting parts of Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), with visitors advised to avoid affected areas due to potential safety risks.

According to Botswana's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, fires have been reported around Matswere Entrance Gate, Leopard Pan, Deception, Gugamme/Kikao and Gope.

The fires could make driving and camping in these areas dangerous, particularly for travellers exploring the remote reserve on self-drive trips. Visitors planning to enter the affected areas should consider alternative destinations within the CKGR and take local safety advice into account.

The situation is being monitored, and the ministry has indicated that further updates will be provided as necessary.

Travel advice: If you are planning a visit to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), check for the latest wildfire information before departure and follow instructions from the relevant authorities. Conditions may change as the fires develop.

 

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Self-drive guide to Botswana: Everything you need to know!

Planning a self-drive adventure through Botswana? You're in for one of Africa’s most unforgettable travel experiences. Known for its pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and remote 4x4-only terrain, Botswana is a top destination for adventurous road trippers. Whether you’re dreaming of mokoro safaris in the Okavango Delta, wild camping in Chobe National Park, or traversing the Makgadikgadi salt pans - here's everything you need to know before hitting the road.

Why self-drive in Botswana?
Botswana is one of Africa’s most exclusive and rewarding self-drive destinations. With vast national parks, limited crowds, and a strong focus on low-impact tourism, you’ll feel immersed in untouched nature. While more rugged than neighboring Namibia or South Africa, Botswana's major draw is its wild camping and remote 4x4 routes, which give travelers the freedom to truly disconnect and explore.

Vehicle requirements:
To fully explore Botswana's national parks and remote regions, a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is essential - especially for areas like Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti, and Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR). River crossings, deep sand, and thick mud (especially in the rainy season) demand proper off-road gear.

Top tips:

• Opt for a vehicle with dual fuel tanks and extra spare tires.
• Roof tents are popular and practical for camping in the bush.
• If visiting during peak season (June - October), book well in advance.

Border crossings & documents:
Botswana is accessible by road from South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. If you're entering with a rental vehicle, be sure to have:

• A certified copy of the vehicle registration (or a letter from the rental company)
• A cross-border permit and ZAR cash for fees
• Valid driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is recommended)
• Third-party insurance (available at the border or included by some rental agencies)

Botswana has efficient border posts, but allow time for paperwork, especially at busy crossings like Kazungula (Botswana/Zambia) and Groblersbrug/Martins Drift (Botswana/South Africa).

Where to go:
Here are Botswana's top self-drive destinations:

• Chobe National Park
• Famous for elephants and riverfront wildlife
• Access via Kasane
• Don’t miss the game-rich Chobe River Drive
• Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta)
• Wild camping and great predator sightings
• Dense terrain with water crossings
• Third Bridge, Xakanaxa, and Khwai are popular campsites
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Stunning salt flats and surreal landscapes
• Visit Kubu Island and Ntwetwe Pan
• Best after rains (Jan–Apr) or dry season (Aug–Oct)
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR)
• One of Africa’s largest and most remote parks
• Incredible sense of isolation
• Deception Valley is a must-see
• Nxai Pan National Park
• Famous for the Baines’ Baobabs
• Great wildlife during the green season
• Often combined with Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Accommodation:
Camping is the best (and sometimes only) way to experience Botswana's parks. Most campsites inside national parks are unfenced and wild, meaning wildlife can (and will) roam through at night. 
Lodge options are available in towns like Gaborone, Kasane, Maun, and along the Okavango Delta, but these can be pricey. Many travellers choose to mix camping and lodging for comfort and experience.

Best time to travel:
Botswana is a year-round destination, but conditions vary:

• Dry season (May–October): Best for wildlife and game drives; roads are more accessible
• Wet season (November–April): Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and excellent birding - but some roads may be impassable

Peak season (July–October) means early bookings and higher campsite demand.

Connectivity & safety:

• Mobile reception is limited in parks - download offline maps like Tracks4Africa
• A satellite phone or GPS beacon is recommended for emergencies
• Carry extra water, fuel, and a full recovery kit
• Always inform someone of your route and estimated time of arrival

Wildlife encounters are common - respect their space and stay inside your vehicle.

Sample self-drive itinerary (10 Days):

• Day 1–2: Maun – Vehicle pickup, supplies, overnight
• Day 3–5: Moremi Game Reserve 
• Day 6–7: Savuti (via Khwai and South Gate)
• Day 8–9: Chobe National Park (Ihaha to Kasane)
• Day 10: Return via Nata or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia extension)

Final thoughts: 
A self-drive trip through Botswana is not just a holiday - it's an expedition into one of Africa’s most spectacular and untouched landscapes. With proper planning, a sense of adventure, and a sturdy 4x4, you'll unlock the true magic of the wild.

 

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Botswana reopens Gaborone, Central Kalahari & Khutse Game Reserves!

The Botswana Ministry of Environment and Tourism has announced the reopening of the Gaborone Game Reserve, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and the Khutse Game Reserve today, 11 March 2025. These popular wildlife destinations had been temporarily closed since 21 February 2025 due to heavy rains that rendered the areas inaccessible.
Visitors are urged to exercise caution while driving in the reserves, as some areas remain flooded, and certain roads are still slippery and muddy, posing a risk to vehicles. In the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, areas and routes between Matswere Gate and Deception, Piper Pans, and Passarge are still affected by flooding.
Stay tuned for updates on road conditions and travel advisories!

Botswana: Temporary closure of three Game Reserves due to heavy rains!

The Botswana Ministry of Environment and Tourism has announced the temporary closure of the Gaborone Game Reserve, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and the Khutse Game Reserve until further notice. The decision comes as ongoing heavy rains in Botswana have made these protected areas inaccessible. Authorities will continue to monitor the situation and reopen the reserves once conditions improve. We'll keep you posted!

Botswana: Road closures in protected areas after heavy rains!

The Botswana Ministry of Environment and Tourism has issued an update regarding road conditions in the country’s protected areas following recent heavy rains. Several roads within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) have been rendered inaccessible due to flooding. Affected routes include:

• Tsau Gate area (Motopi, Passage)
• Matswere Gate area (Deception Pan, Kukama, Lekhubu, Letiahau)
• Xade Gate area (Piper Pan, Phokoje)
• Tau Pan area (Phokoje, Sunday/Leopard Pan)

For safety reasons, these routes have been temporarily closed. Travellers are advised to use alternative roads to reach their destinations.
Additionally, the road from Letlhakeng to Khutse is also flooded. While it remains open, extreme caution is advised when using this route.
In Khwai, the gatehouse collapse on 15 February 2025 has not affected services. An alternative route has been opened, but drivers should proceed with extra caution.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) continues to monitor road conditions. We'll keep you updated.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Botswana issues travel warning due to heavy rains!

The Government of Botswana has issued a warning on its facebook page regarding the current weather conditions in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Due to heavy rains, driving in the Game Reserve is not advisable at the time. Those who choose to drive in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve are therefore advised to use no less than two vehicles. For more info, see the post below:



The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is located in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana. It covers an area of 52,800km² making it the second largest game reserve in the world. The Kalahari Desert is a large semi-arid sandy savannah in Southern Africa extending 900,000km², covering much of Botswana, parts of Namibia and regions of South Africa.