Lotsane Dam

Located near Maunatlala, about 50 km east of Palapye in Botswana’s North-East District, Lotsane Dam is a crucial water resource completed in 2012. It supplies drinking water to 22 villages and supports a 250-hectare horticulture project. The earth-fill dam stands 30 m high, stretches 1.5 km long, and holds up to 40 million m³ of water.

Beyond its functional role, Lotsane Dam offers a serene nature retreat with fishing, birdwatching, and scenic landscapes, especially around the Tswapong Hills. It’s ideal for a half-day visit or overnight trip, possibly combined with nearby attractions like Moremi Gorge and the Khama Rhino Sanctuary.

Visitors can enjoy guided tours by obtaining permits from the Palapye Water Board office, and the site is seen as a potential driver for local tourism and economic development.

Lotsane Dam combines scenic tranquility, birding, fishing, and awe-inspiring engineering. It’s the ideal base to explore the surrounding Tswapong Hills and Moremi Gorge. Remember to obtain permits ahead of time, especially if you’re interested in guided tours or extended activities. Access to the dam is typically via a dirt road branching east off the A1 highway near Maunatlala, and a permit obtained from the Palapye Water Board office is recommended prior to visit.