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Botswana🇧🇼 | national parksKhama Rhino SanctuaryWhite rhino, Serwe Pan hide, community camping, 230 bird species | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Khama Rhino Sanctuary
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 22, 2026

The sanctuary was started by a community trust in the 1990s and is run by local villagers, so your fees stay in Serowe and the surrounding villages. It sits in the Central District of Botswana, about 25 kilometers north of Serowe, on pale Kalahari sand dotted with mopane and acacia. Here the trails are sandy tracks, the pans are small, and the hides look onto waterholes where white rhinos walk in slowly and without hurry. You get close views of rhino, giraffe, zebra and wildebeest, plus around 230 bird species. Hiking is limited because of the animals, so most exploring happens by vehicle. It is quiet, rarely crowded, and easy to reach from the main north-south road. Bring a full tank, food and water, since you will be driving or arranging a game drive yourself.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #6 national park in BotswanaWhat sets this place apart

Khama Rhino Sanctuary suits backpackers who want a wildlife stop that does not demand a safari budget or a guide-led itinerary. The first reason is the white rhino viewing on open sand tracks. The animals are protected here, and you can usually find them within a morning, which is rare for a park you can enter with a basic car or a lift. The second is the Serowe village setting. Camping is simple, the grounds are shaded by big trees, and the trust-run setup means your money supports the neighboring communities. Self-drive is allowed on the sandy loops, so you set your own pace at waterholes and hides. Tours are available if you have no vehicle, but nothing forces you into one. After the larger parks of the north, the small scale is a relief: you can see what you came for and still reach your next stop the same day.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. White rhino encounters: The sanctuary's reason for existing. Rhinos graze on the open grassland and often stand within easy viewing distance of the track, which makes it one of the most reliable places in the country to see them.
  2. Game drives on the sand tracks: Loops run through mopane and acacia woodland past waterholes. Sand is deep in places, so slow driving pays off with zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, kudu and springbok.
  3. Serwe Pan hide: A quiet viewing spot over a waterhole where animals come to drink. Sit still and the birds, antelope and sometimes rhino arrive without any noise from other visitors.
  4. Bird watching: Around 230 species have been recorded, including raptors, hornbills and waterbirds that gather at the pans. Mornings are the busiest.
  5. Rhino walking and guided drives: Guides know where
… read more 👉
  1. White rhino encounters: The sanctuary's reason for existing. Rhinos graze on the open grassland and often stand within easy viewing distance of the track, which makes it one of the most reliable places in the country to see them.
  2. Game drives on the sand tracks: Loops run through mopane and acacia woodland past waterholes. Sand is deep in places, so slow driving pays off with zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, kudu and springbok.
  3. Serwe Pan hide: A quiet viewing spot over a waterhole where animals come to drink. Sit still and the birds, antelope and sometimes rhino arrive without any noise from other visitors.
  4. Bird watching: Around 230 species have been recorded, including raptors, hornbills and waterbirds that gather at the pans. Mornings are the busiest.
  5. Rhino walking and guided drives: Guides know where the animals are resting and can take you on foot or by vehicle, with explanations about the protection program that you would miss on your own.
  6. Kalahari sandveld scenery: Flat, pale ground, scattered trees and wide skies. It is simple country, and the long horizon makes sunsets over the pans a good reason to linger.
  7. Community-run camping area: Shady sites under large trees, with the sounds of the sanctuary at night. It is the easiest way to stay for both an evening and an early morning drive.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary costs least when you simply sit at a hide, since watching from there needs no extra activity fee beyond your entry.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Cool Dry Season (May to August): Days reach 22 to 27°C (72 to 81°F) and nights drop to 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F), sometimes near freezing. Daylight runs about 11 hours. Animals gather at the waterholes and the bush is thin, so rhinos are easy to spot.
  • Hot Dry Season (September to October): Highs of 32 to 38°C (90 to 100°F) make midday drives draining. Game viewing is superb at the pans, and campsites fill during school holidays.
  • Rainy Season (November to March): Afternoon storms and highs of 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F). Daylight stretches to about 13.5 hours. Sandy tracks turn soft, birding peaks with migrants, and lodge rates dip.
  • Shoulder (April): Mild 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F) days, green bush and few visitors.
Book Khama Rhino Sanctuary campsites well ahead for July, August and Botswana’s school holidays, … read more 👉
  • Cool Dry Season (May to August): Days reach 22 to 27°C (72 to 81°F) and nights drop to 2 to 8°C (36 to 46°F), sometimes near freezing. Daylight runs about 11 hours. Animals gather at the waterholes and the bush is thin, so rhinos are easy to spot.
  • Hot Dry Season (September to October): Highs of 32 to 38°C (90 to 100°F) make midday drives draining. Game viewing is superb at the pans, and campsites fill during school holidays.
  • Rainy Season (November to March): Afternoon storms and highs of 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F). Daylight stretches to about 13.5 hours. Sandy tracks turn soft, birding peaks with migrants, and lodge rates dip.
  • Shoulder (April): Mild 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F) days, green bush and few visitors.
Book Khama Rhino Sanctuary campsites well ahead for July, August and Botswana’s school holidays, and arrive with a full tank for the sand tracks.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

The best base for backpackers is the campsite inside Khama Rhino Sanctuary itself, about 25 km north of Serowe. Camping costs roughly US$10 to 15 per person, with shaded sites, braai pits, hot showers and shared ablution blocks. You hear the bush at night, and rhinos live within the fenced reserve. The sanctuary also has simple chalets and en-suite rooms for about US$55 to 110 a night if the nights are too cold for a tent. The restaurant serves meals, but bring groceries if you plan to self-cater, because there is no shop to resupply.

Serowe is the nearest town, a 20 to 30 minute drive away. … read more 👉
The best base for backpackers is the campsite inside Khama Rhino Sanctuary itself, about 25 km north of Serowe. Camping costs roughly US$10 to 15 per person, with shaded sites, braai pits, hot showers and shared ablution blocks. You hear the bush at night, and rhinos live within the fenced reserve. The sanctuary also has simple chalets and en-suite rooms for about US$55 to 110 a night if the nights are too cold for a tent. The restaurant serves meals, but bring groceries if you plan to self-cater, because there is no shop to resupply.

Serowe is the nearest town, a 20 to 30 minute drive away. It has a few guesthouses and B&Bs at roughly US$35 to 70, plus supermarkets, fuel and ATMs. Stock up there before heading in. Palapye, about 70 km east on the A1, has more lodging, a bus connection and larger shops. Most backpackers sleep in the sanctuary for one or two nights and use Serowe only for supplies and the Khama III Memorial Museum.
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👛 Costs (as of 22 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A backpacker should budget about US$58 to 78 a day at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, with camping, self-catered food and the entry fee making up most of it. Prices are paid in Botswana pula, and non-citizens pay higher rates than residents.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance FeeUS$6 to 10Per person per day for international visitors, plus a small vehicle fee of around US$2 to 4.
Camping (high season)US$10 to 15Per person per night on a shaded site with shared hot showers.
Chalet (alternative)US$55 to 110Per room, worth considering for cold winter nights.
Game DrivesUS$15 to 30Guided drive per person, or drive yourself in a vehicle for free after the entry fee.
Local TransportUS$3 to 12Combi or bus to Serowe; a taxi or lift to the gate is extra, since public transport stops short.
Food and SuppliesUS$12
… read more 👉
A backpacker should budget about US$58 to 78 a day at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, with camping, self-catered food and the entry fee making up most of it. Prices are paid in Botswana pula, and non-citizens pay higher rates than residents.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance FeeUS$6 to 10Per person per day for international visitors, plus a small vehicle fee of around US$2 to 4.
Camping (high season)US$10 to 15Per person per night on a shaded site with shared hot showers.
Chalet (alternative)US$55 to 110Per room, worth considering for cold winter nights.
Game DrivesUS$15 to 30Guided drive per person, or drive yourself in a vehicle for free after the entry fee.
Local TransportUS$3 to 12Combi or bus to Serowe; a taxi or lift to the gate is extra, since public transport stops short.
Food and SuppliesUS$12 to 20Groceries from Serowe cover most meals; the restaurant meal costs US$8 to 14.
Total Daily BudgetUS$58 to 78Based on camping, self-catering and one drive.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsBest hikes in Khama Rhino Sanctuary national park

Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a place for slow drives and short walks around camp rather than long backcountry hiking, because rhinos and other large animals share the ground. The terrain is flat Kalahari sand with patches of mopane and acacia, so even short distances feel slow. Walking on your own beyond the camp and hides is not the point here; guided options exist for on-foot viewing.
  • Game drive loops: Sandy tracks run past waterholes and grassland, taking two to four hours depending on how long you wait at each stop. Difficulty is easy for drivers, though deep sand needs care.
  • Hides at the waterholes:
… read more 👉
Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a place for slow drives and short walks around camp rather than long backcountry hiking, because rhinos and other large animals share the ground. The terrain is flat Kalahari sand with patches of mopane and acacia, so even short distances feel slow. Walking on your own beyond the camp and hides is not the point here; guided options exist for on-foot viewing.
  • Game drive loops: Sandy tracks run past waterholes and grassland, taking two to four hours depending on how long you wait at each stop. Difficulty is easy for drivers, though deep sand needs care.
  • Hides at the waterholes: Short strolls from the parking areas lead to shaded hides, usually 10 to 20 minutes round trip. Expect birds, antelope and sometimes rhino.
  • Guided walks: Led by trained guides who track the rhinos on foot. They last one to three hours, stay flat and easy, and add real knowledge about animal behavior.
  • Camp surroundings: Easy wandering within the camp boundary, mostly for birds and shade.
Public transport is limited: buses run along the main road toward Serowe, and you then need a lift or arranged transfer for the final stretch. Visitors are usually few, so the tracks feel empty even on busy weekends. An entrance fee applies for each person and vehicle, payable at the gate, and extra charges apply for guided activities and camping.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Khama Rhino Sanctuary is a small, fenced, well-run reserve, and the main hazards are sand, sun and cold nights. Rhinos, both white and black, share the bush with zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and kudu. Rhinos can be unpredictable, so stay in your vehicle on drives, and only walk in the camp area or on guided walks. Never approach a rhino on foot. Elephants are not a concern here, but snakes and scorpions are present in warm months, so use a torch at night and wear closed shoes. Sandy tracks can bog down low-clearance cars, so lower tire pressure slightly and keep momentum. Carry at least 3 liters of water per person, sunscreen and a hat, since shade is limited. Winter nights fall near freezing, so a proper sleeping bag matters. Phone signal is patchy.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Two days and one night is the right amount for Khama Rhino Sanctuary, giving you an afternoon drive, a night in camp and a morning drive. The reserve covers about 8,600 hectares, so a single loop of the tracks takes 2 to 3 hours. Add a third day if you want to include Serowe’s Khama III Memorial Museum or a birding walk.
Visiting Khama Rhino Sanctuary without a car is possible but awkward. Buses and combis run along the A1 to Serowe, roughly 4 to 5 hours from Gaborone, and from Serowe you need a taxi or arranged lift for the last 25 km. Once inside, the sanctuary offers guided game drives in its own vehicles, around US$15 to 30 per person.
Yes, Khama Rhino Sanctuary charges a daily entrance fee, roughly US$6 to 10 per international adult, plus a small vehicle fee. No separate permit is needed, and you pay at the gate in pula. Camping or chalet bookings are made with the sanctuary directly, and weekends and July to August fill up early.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Khama Rhino Sanctuary is best at dawn and again in the last hour before dark, when rhinos move toward the waterholes and the heat leaves the sand. I would camp one night and do both drives, then skip the midday hours entirely. Bring a good water supply and a flashlight for the walk back to camp.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Botswana. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



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