Botswana Reopens Major Game Reserves After Temporary Closure Due to Flooding. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has announced the reopening of Gaborone Game Reserve, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and Khutse Game Reserve, effective March 11, 2025. These reserves were temporarily closed on February 21, 2025, due to flooding caused by heavy rains.
According to the ministry, while the reserves are now open to the public, visitors are urged to exercise caution when driving through these areas. Some sections of the parks remain affected by waterlogging, making certain routes slippery and hazardous. In particular, parts of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve—especially areas around Matswere Gate and the Deception, Piper Pans, and Passarge regions—are still experiencing flooding.
The Department of Wildlife and National Parks will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. The ministry has advised visitors to stay informed and check route conditions before embarking on their trips.
The reopening of these reserves marks a significant step in restoring Botswana’s wildlife tourism operations, which were briefly impacted by the severe weather conditions. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has reassured the public that safety remains a priority and that ongoing assessments will help ensure smooth access to these popular nature destinations.
