A wildlife enthusiasts dream destination
Botswana’s eastern region of Mababe is a lesser-known and remote haven for a multitude of diverse wildlife and is a true adventure to explore. An area of 50,000 hectares is made up of fascinating ecosystems and rich landscapes; grasslands, wetlands and mopane woodlands are fed constantly by a fresh supply of water from the Mababe river and from the famous Okavango Delta. These waters mean the region remains a nutrient rich and a precious source of life for its many residents.
Not only is the wildlife here diverse, from large predators to rare bird species, it’s also dense. It’s possible to find huge 2000 strong buffalo herds and from December to March massive herds of zebras migrate through the region – providing an incredible natural spectacle, particularly when lions come to hunt in broad daylight. The forests provide cover for the elusive leopards and the fringes of the marsh are the home to many species of birdlife. Other wildlife in the area include hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, bat-eared foxes, jackals, African wild cats and servals. To explore the area and uncover its prolific wildlife there’s game drives, bush walks, helicopter rides and a sunken hide at the Wilderness Mokete Camp for secret close encounters with large and small animals.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
There are many incredible things about Mababe; remote, wild, filled with wildlife and without doubt one of Botswana’s less-visited destinations - it’s a real hidden gem of a location. Mababe is adventurous and the sort of place where you can completely immerse yourself in nature, away from any crowds and in total peace.
Senior Travel Designer
Trip Inspiration
Whatever you want from your Mababe and Botswana tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
8-Day Trip
Classic Botswana
8-Day Trip
Classic Botswana
Discover more of Botswana
Okavango Delta
The incredible Okavango Delta has a well-deserved reputation as one of the world’s best wildlife habitats. During the dry season, its vast plains are flooded by the Okavango River, transforming it into an irresistible attraction for animals in search of water. Board a traditional mokoro to get up close and personal with its intriguing ecosystem or take a hot air balloon ride to see it all from above.
Linyanti
With a combination of woodlands, ancient floodplains and watercourses, Botswana’s Linyanti is home to a dense and varied wildlife quotient. It is arguably the best place to see predators in Africa, and especially huge concentrations of elephants in the dry season - the best time to visit Botswana.
Chobe and Savuti
Located right at the northern edge of Botswana, close to the spectacular Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Chobe National Park is known for the massive herds of elephants and buffalo that congregate on the banks of its river.
Moremi Game Reserve
Set in the central and eastern part of the Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve comprises everything from lagoons and waterways to floodplains and forests. It is one of the best places to see Africa’s most famous predators - lions, leopards, hyenas and other species roam its surroundings alongside a large population of endangered wild dogs.
The Makgadikgadi Pans
The salt pans of Makgadikgadi might not be the best place for game viewing in Botswana but it offers some of the most incredible landscapes. The region consists of vast and empty salt pans, with nothing but scattered rocks and baobab trees. This area of Botswana is also home to the bushmen. Embark on an archaeological expedition and discover the history of the San people
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the world’s second largest game reserve. It is home to the largest concentration of cheetahs in all southern Africa. In addition to exciting safaris and nature walks, the Kalahari is a perfect place to experience local culture and meet some of Africa’s earliest inhabitants.
Mobile Safari Expeditions
Botswana is one of the best places in Africa for adventure safaris as outdoor enthusiasts are able to experience the thrill of mobile camping. On a mobile safari expedition, you journey through some of the most remote areas while following the game.
Mombo Concession - Okavango
The Mombo Concession is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta. It is known as the predator capital of Africa and guarantees some of the best game viewing in the region - including the Big Five.
Meet your Africa team
When to visit
May through to October are the best game viewing months as the climate is very dry and the water begins to recede, making the animals congregate in smaller areas. This period marks the best time to visit the Okavango Delta, Linyanti, Moremi and Chobe National Park.
Game Drives
July - August
Desert in Bloom
November - April
Okavango Delta Flood
June - September
Plan your trip to
Mababe
Whatever you want from your adventure in Mababe, our team of safari experts are ready to help.
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
