How to Hike with The Kids in Mogonye

Mogonye is a small village in the southeast of Botswana. Situated about 42 km from the capital city Gaborone, this picturesque village is well known for the Mogonye Gorge which is ensconced among the hills of the village and is the largest of the 7 gorges in the area. Thus, this region is home to beautiful varieties of flora complemented by a plethora of fauna making it a nature lovers' dream. Discover the beauty of the terrain through a hiking expedition, especially with your kids.

Mogonye Gorge

Mogonye Gorge is also known as Mmamotshwane Gorge and is an incredible natural gem of Botswana. It is nestled in the hills boasting tranquil landscapes and plenty of opportunities for bird watching and other types of fauna. Administered not only by the Botswana National Museum and Monuments but also by the partnership with the Mogonye community and protected under the Monuments and Relics Act of 2001 this Gorge is safeguarded as a valued natural resource of the country and the village of Mogonye.

With Bofitlha trees and rare species of ferns among other varieties of unusual flora, the area boasts wild animals such as rocket rabbit, kudu, leopards, baboons, bird species and more offering a tempting mix of experiences this gorge offers many trails for hikers some of which are embraced by families with children using the best hotel in Gaborone for their stay.

Getting to Mogonye Gorge

For visitors travelling to the gorge from hotels such as Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, it is a ride of about 50 minutes by car to Mogonye Village. It is good to use a guide for the hike as they know the native tracks well and are familiar with the plants and wild animals you are bound to spot. Knowing and identifying them will enrich the hiking experience for kids and they will carry vivid memories of the hiking adventure.

Once you get to the village the signage done by the Botswana National Museum will be visible with directions to the Mogonye Gorge. The entrance to the gorge is quite visible with the gate erected by the Mogonye Community prominently displaying the name. The distance from the gate to the gorge is about 5 km which can be covered in the same vehicle as the terrain can be hard to walk up.

The Hike Up

The area of the Gorge is covered under the Monuments and Relics Act of 2001 hence guidelines prevail including not leaving litter and not removing any artefacts, animals, or plants from the area. This information is good for kids too as they build an appreciation of not harming nature.

The trail is an easy one initially walking through the forest dense with different trees like morukuru, mmupudu etc. and gradually changes to rocky walls randomly marked by dried-up water holes. Those visiting the gorge after the rainy season in summer will discover this stretch to be wet and the gorge to have a good flow of water and most of the surroundings lush and green.

Have your kids identify these trees as they would do with the fig trees on the steep rock faces. They are covered with fig trees with their roots running down the many crevices they can seek. Reaching the top of the gorge you witness a bushy plateau and may spot a few wild animals at the top.

The descent is not hard, however, may involve a bit of sliding here and there rather than walking which will be enjoyed by the kids. The whole experience leaves one with a feeling of awe and serenity while the kids remain curious and excited.

Ending the hike at the Camp

The campsite at the Mogonye Gorge has facilities for picnics, showers etc, and many visitors use these facilities to end the hike on a high note and camaraderie by refreshing themselves with a shower and enjoying food as they go through the experiences of the hike.

Useful Tips

The Gorge is open for hikers and campers between 8 am to 5 pm.

For foreign visitors, the charge per adult to enter the gorge is 100 Botswana Pula (BWP) and 50 BWP for children between 10 to 17 years of age. Children under 10 years of age are accepted free. This charge includes a guided tour.

Ensure everyone is in comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear that can take the rough surfaces all hikers are likely to encounter.