Things to Do in Derdepoort

Lying on the border of the North West Province, Atherstone Nature Reserve offers an exciting game viewing experience. Black rhino and elephant are the biggest highlight for many visitors to this 23 500-hectare wilderness. Characterised by extensive savannah plains with bushveld and Kalahari grasslands eco-systems, Atherstone supports a great diversity of wildlife and birds. Besides antelope, zebra and giraffe, buffalo and rare sable can also be seen. Feathered friends to get twitchers ticking off boxes are the large number of grassland birds including the Kori bustard and secretary bird.

Home to a variety of mammals including the endangered white rhino, Mokolodi Nature Reserve is also one of two wild animal orphanages in Botswana. Mokolodi, through its White Rhino relocation programme, led the re-introduction of White Rhino in the Okavango area. Following this, more white rhino have since been relocated in that area.This reserve is actually a unique project involving education, conservation, tourism and rural community interaction all in one. It has Botswana's only Wild Cheetah Transit Station for the relocation of "problem" cheetahs brought in by ranchers, and four young, orphaned African elephants who are being raised as a joint venture with the Serendib Elephant Orphanage.Situated just 14km south of Gaborone on the Lobatse Road, Mokolodi Nature Reserve is very easy to find. Along with the wildlife activities, Mokolodi also houses a reptile park, animal sanctuary, wildlife rehabilitation centre, permaculture garden, crocodile pond, elephant baths, restaurant and curio shop. Nature walks and birdwatching activities are available - ask for details.