Spending a quiet afternoon at the Birds and Game Botswana sanctuary offers a heartwarming look at local wildlife conservation. This long-running animal orphanage serves as a vital refuge for injured, orphaned, or displaced native animals. Visitors can walk along the shady pathways to see a variety of birds of prey, monkeys, and rescued predators that cannot be safely released back into the wild.
The sanctuary provides a highly educational experience, allowing children and travelers to learn about the challenges of human-wildlife conflict in rural Botswana.
One fun fact people love:
The sanctuary was founded decades ago by a passionate local conservationist and remains one of the oldest volunteer-supported animal rescue centers in the country.
Where in Francistown is it?
Located off the main road along the scenic banks of the Tati River, just a short drive from the city center.
How to reach:
Easily accessible by taking a short local taxi ride or self-driving from downtown Francistown.
Best time to visit:
May to September when the cooler winter weather makes walking around the outdoor enclosures very comfortable.
Best time of day:
Late afternoon around 3:30 PM when the animal feeding sessions begin and the resident birds are most active.
Entry fee:
Entry costs approximately BWP 50 to BWP 100 per person, with all proceeds going directly toward animal feed and veterinary care.
Commute difficulty:
Easy; the site is located close to the city center with paved access roads and flat walking paths.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- You can buy specialized animal feed at the entrance to feed some of the friendly, free-roaming herbivores.
- The sanctuary relies heavily on public support, so any additional cash donations or purchases from the small kiosk are deeply appreciated.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes as the pathways are unpaved and can be dusty or muddy depending on the season.
