Tucked between the world-renowned Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, the Mababe region of Botswana is fast emerging as one of Southern Africa’s most exciting new safari frontiers. Remote, wild, and teeming with wildlife, Mababe offers a safari experience that is both raw and refined, perfect for travellers seeking space, solitude, and unfiltered nature.
As neighbouring destinations grow in popularity, Mababe remains quiet and untouched, with exclusive access to vast wilderness, seasonal wetlands, and savannahs alive with predators and plains game.
Where is the Mababe region?
The Mababe Depression is located in northern Botswana, forming a natural corridor between Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and the Okavango Delta. This unique position makes it a key wildlife migration route, particularly during the green season, when the landscape comes alive with lush grasses and water-filled pans.
The area lies within a community-managed concession, where local conservation and tourism efforts are working hand-in-hand to protect the land and empower neighbouring villages.
What makes Mababe special?
High-density wildlife without the crowds
Unlike busier areas in the Delta or Chobe, Mababe remains largely undiscovered—but that’s changing. The region supports a rich variety of species, including large elephant herds, lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, and abundant antelope. It’s not unusual to have incredible wildlife sightings without another vehicle in sight.
Predator-rich and seasonally dynamic
Mababe is known for its high predator density, particularly during the dry season when wildlife congregates around the Mababe River. As the seasons shift, the area transitions from dry woodland to floodplain, creating a dynamic and ever-changing safari backdrop.
Community conservation in action
One of the most meaningful aspects of visiting Mababe is its community ownership model. Tourism here directly supports local employment, education, and conservation initiatives, making your safari not only unforgettable but impactful too.
What to do in Mababe
Game drives
Morning and afternoon drives take you across a variety of ecosystems, from open plains to riverine forest, providing excellent opportunities for Big Five sightings and photographic moments.
Walking safaris
Explore on foot with professional guides for a closer, more immersive look at the bush, focusing on tracks, birds, and smaller creatures often missed by vehicle.
Night drives
As the sun sets, Mababe comes alive with nocturnal wildlife. Night drives reveal a different side of the bush—civets, genets, owls, and perhaps even a prowling leopard.
Birdwatching
Over 300 bird species have been recorded in the region, including raptors, waterbirds, and colourful migrants. Mababe is especially rewarding during the summer months.
Where to stay in Mababe
Luxury camps are beginning to open in Mababe, offering intimate, eco-conscious accommodation with access to private wilderness areas.
Recommended new camps:
Mokete Camp – A new, ultra-remote safari experience with innovative design and a front-row seat to Mababe’s seasonal drama.
Kiri Camp – Located nearby in a private concession with access to both land and water safaris.
Other upcoming properties – Keep an eye on small, high-end camps launching in the Mababe area with a focus on sustainability and exclusivity.
Best time to visit Mababe
Dry season (May to October): Best for wildlife sightings, as animals gather near permanent water sources.
Green season (November to April): Excellent for photography, birdwatching, and witnessing newborn animals, with fewer visitors and lush landscapes.
Mababe is especially rewarding as a year-round destination, offering something different with each season.
Why Mababe belongs on your Botswana itinerary
For travellers seeking wildness without compromise, Mababe delivers. With its strategic location, high concentrations of wildlife, and low-impact tourism model, it represents the next chapter of luxury safaris in Botswana—a place where adventure, conservation, and culture intersect.
Whether you’re returning to Botswana or exploring it for the first time, Mababe offers a fresh perspective on a timeless landscape.
Plan your journey to Mababe and experience Botswana at its most authentic.