The Mababe Private Concession is a remarkable destination that offers an intimate and exclusive safari experience. Spanning 50,000 hectares of pristine wilderness in Botswana’s North-West District, this area is celebrated for its diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and remote camps, making it an ideal retreat for nature enthusiasts.
Wildlife and Key Areas
The Mababe Concession is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The star attraction is the Mababe Marsh, a vital wetland that draws large herds of buffalo, zebra, and other herbivores. This lush oasis also teems with predators, including lions, leopards, and hyenas.
A key feature of the Mababe Concession is the Khwai River, which flows year-round, providing a vital water source for the abundant wildlife that calls this region home. No matter the season, the Khwai River attracts a wide range of animals, from elephants and hippos to an array of bird species, making it a focal point for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. The riverbanks provide prime viewing opportunities for game drives often seeing animals like:
Medium/Large Mammals
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Lions
- Leopards
- Hyenas
- Wild Dogs
- Cheetahs
Smaller Mammals
- Impalas
- Zebras
- Giraffes
- Kudus
- Warthogs
- Baboons
Birds
- Vultures
- Eagles
- Hornbills
- Kingfishers
A Private Safari Experience
Unlike many national parks, the Mababe Private Concession ensures privacy and a more tailored safari experience. Only four camps are permitted to traverse its vast terrain, ensuring that the landscape remains unspoiled and the wildlife undisturbed. Visitors to the concession can enjoy game drives without the crowds, often encountering iconic species such as elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo in complete solitude.
The Camps at Mababe
Each camp within the concession provides a distinct perspective on the wilderness:
- Hideaways Mogotlho Safari Lodge: Operates 4 game drive vehicles.
- Mokete Camp: Also operates 4 game drive vehicles but prohibits self-drives entirely.
- Mababe Camp: Features 4 game drive vehicles and 1 private vehicle.
- Letaka Camp: Limited to 4 game drive vehicles.
This limited number of vehicles ensures not only exclusivity but also minimizes environmental impact, allowing guests to experience the magic of the wild without interruption.
Self-Drives and Access to Camps
While self-drive safaris are an increasingly popular way to explore Botswana, it’s important to note that within the Mababe Concession, self-drives are not permitted for game viewing. However, visitors are welcome to drive to the individual camps themselves, with the exception of Mokete Camp, where no self-drives are allowed at all. This ensures that game drives remain exclusive, guided by expert rangers who know the landscape and its inhabitants intimately.
A little bit more about Mogotlho
Hideaways Mogotlho Safari Lodge is an intimate gateway to the heart of the Mababe Private Concession. Accommodating up to 24 guests across 13 spacious and modern tents, the lodge offers exclusivity and comfort, ensuring an unforgettable stay in Botswana’s wilderness. Each tent is thoughtfully positioned to provide panoramic views of the Khwai River and the surrounding African bush, blending luxury with the natural environment.
Things to Do at Mogotlho Safari Lodge
- Guided Game Drives
- Mokoro Experiences
- Cultural Experiences
- Helicopter Flights over the Okavango Delta
- Walking Safaris
- Bird Watching
- Bush Dinners
