Why Lerala Hills Deserve a Visit
Lerala Hills rise as a cluster of granite inselbergs in Botswana’s Central District, providing hikers with accessible trails and expansive views across acacia savanna. The hills stand out for their smooth, weathered rock faces and seasonal waterfalls that appear after rains, creating natural pools that attract birds and small wildlife. Visitors come for the contrast between the stark rock formations and the surrounding bushveld rather than for crowded tourism infrastructure.
Getting There
Reach Lerala village by road from Palapye, roughly 70 kilometres east via the A1 and then secondary roads. From Gaborone the drive takes about four hours. Self-drivers need a high-clearance vehicle for the final gravel stretches, especially after rain. Local combis run from Palapye to Lerala, after which a short walk or village taxi reaches the hill bases. No formal park entrance exists; trails begin at the edge of the village.
Things to Do
Day hikes lead to several summits with 360-degree panoramas that stretch toward the Tswapong Hills on clear days. Photographers favour the golden-hour light on the granite domes. Birdwatchers can spot species such as the black eagle and various hornbills around the rock crevices. Some visitors combine the hills with a stop at nearby cattle posts to learn about traditional Tswana pastoral life. Rock scrambling is possible on gentler slopes, though no technical climbing routes are maintained.
Best Time to Visit
The cooler, drier months from May to August offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures and clear skies. December to February brings heavy rains that can make tracks slippery and wash out access roads, yet this is when temporary waterfalls appear and wildflowers bloom. Shoulder months of April and September provide a balance of moderate temperatures and fewer visitors.
Nearby Attractions
Combine a Lerala Hills trip with the dramatic cliffs and rock paintings of the Tswapong Hills, about an hour’s drive north. The historic village of Serowe, home to the Khama family and the Khama III Memorial Museum, lies further west. For wildlife, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a long day’s drive but feasible for those extending their itinerary.
