Mababe

The Okavango Delta has three end lakes into which the last waters of this World Heritage site drain. The Mababe area of Botswana is the best conserved one and stretches deep into Chobe National Park. It is also the most easterly body of water for wildlife for miles around, attracting thirsty animals from the dry south and further east.

The Mababe River supported a substantial wetland in the depression during the second half of the 19th century. The river reached the Mababe Depression in 1910 before drying up. It reached the depression again in 1925, and again in the late 50s and late 70s. ​The Mababe Marsh receives water from the Nqogha branch of the Okavango in the southern extremity of the Mababe Depression. In fact, the water arrives by two routes, the Moanachira-Khwai-Mochaba-Kudumane system flowing to the east, and the Gomoti-Mghelo-Zamkuio system flowing in an arc further south.​ In 2007, the Mababe River started flowing again, creating a wetland within an enormous grassland in the southern part of the Depression. ​ Today the wetland covers a surface area of nearly 2,600 ha​.

The Mababe Depression is located in northern Botswana, positioned between the Okavango Delta to the west, the Khwai River and Moremi Game Reserve to the north, the Savuti Channel and Chobe National Park to the east, and the greater Kalahari ecosystem to the south. It's approximately 30-40 minutes by helicopter transfer from Maun.

Botswana.

The Mababe Depression offers several distinctive characteristics:

• As an ancient lakebed, it creates unique landscapes unlike the Delta's channels or Chobe's riverfront
• Its position as a natural funnel between major ecosystems concentrates wildlife in extraordinary densities
• Within a relatively small area, visitors experience diverse habitats
• The region is renowned for its predator concentrations, particularly leopards and wild dogs
• It offers easier access than some remote areas while still providing genuine wilderness experiences

As the most easterly water for thousands of square miles, this unique wetland supports rich aquatic and dryland grasses, and forms the core grazing lands for a wealth of wildlife. Expect to see huge herds of buffalo, elephant, tsessebe, wildebeest and zebra, while roan and eland are often seen, along with a great many other plains game species. There are also excellent lion densities, a high number of hyenas, and various other predators, which include leopard, cheetah, wild dog, bat-eared fox, jackal, African wild cat and serval – all in good numbers.

Wilderness Mokete is known for exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities including:

• Exceptional predator viewing (lions hunting throughout the day, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas)
• Elephant movements along critical corridors, viewable from the unique sunken hide
• Substantial buffalo mega herds (up to 2,000 strong)
• Massive zebra migrations passing through in December and March
• Diverse antelope species, including rare roan and sable
• Over 450 bird species, with the area recognized as an important bird & diversity area

Activities include game drives (with off-road options), night drives, walking safaris, the unique sunken hide, cultural experiences with the Mababe village, and helicopter flights (at extra cost).

June to September offers the best overall experience for a Mababe Depression safari, combining excellent wildlife viewing with pleasant temperatures. For maximum wildlife density, visit August to October. For bird watching, November to March is ideal. The green season (December-March) offers lower rates with rewarding wildlife viewing.

Yes, the region's reliable wildlife viewing, diverse ecosystems, and excellent predator opportunities make it ideal for first-time visitors. Its accessibility and variety of activities help newcomers discover which safari experiences they most enjoy.

The most common way to reach Mababe is by light aircraft. Flights run regularly:

• From Maun: around 30–40 minutes

• From Kasane: around 45–60 minutes

• From Okavango Delta camps: around 30–40 minutes (depending on location)

Road access is also possible in selected areas, particularly for self-drivers coming from Maun, Moremi Game Reserve or Chobe National Park.

Wilderness Mokete is best accessed by helicopter:

• 40 minutes from Maun
• 7 minutes from the nearby Santawani airstrip

For those driving, vehicles can be securely parked in Mababe village with a guided transfer to camp.

Yes. Mababe can be reached by road from Maun, Moremi, or Chobe for adventurous travellers. For guests staying at Wilderness Mokete, secure parking is available in the village, with Wilderness handling the transfer from there.

Along with neutral-coloured safari clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and good walking shoes, you’ll want to be sure not to leave your binoculars at home for all the fantastic bird sightings. Pack every camera and lens you have, for this area promises a photographic safari quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before.

Mokete is accessible via helicopter transfer (7 minutes) from Santawani airstrip or a 40-minute helicopter transfer from Maun. It can also be reached via self-drive options from Maun, Moremi Game Reserve, and Chobe National Park, with vehicles securely parked in Mababe village and transfers to camp provided.

Yes, Mababe lies within a malaria zone, with the highest risk during the rainy summer months (November to April). We recommend speaking with your doctor about preventative medication. As always, bring insect repellent and pack long sleeves and trousers for evenings.