A remote and lesser-known area of Chobe National Park, Mababe offers a unique ecosystem with rich landscapes and diverse wildlife. Follow massive herds of buffalo and zebra (upwards of 2000 strong) across the open plains that stretch the entire breadth of the horizon. And keep your eyes peeled for the lion prides, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hyenas who take advantage of the plethora of food, even hunting in broad daylight. It is a harsh, yet gorgeous area.

But it is not just incredible wildlife sightings that make the Mababe Depression a must-visit destination; it is also known for dramatic seasonal changes. During the dry season (April – September), a vast, parched savannah dominates the skyline, with nutrient-rich grass drawing in animals from kilometers around. In the summer (October – March), the plains fill with water, transforming into a 2,600-hectare (6,400-acre) wetland. No matter the season, you can expect diverse and amazing wildlife sightings—from elephants and giraffes to bat-eared foxes, jackals, African wild cats, tsessbe, rare bird species, and so much more.

Mababe Wildlife

Mababe Depression’s location creates a unique opportunity to witness seasonal wildlife patterns. From November through March, massive herds of buffalo and zebra use Mababe as a migration corridor (with groups over 2,000-strong). During the dry and flood season (April through October), herbivores spread across the marsh, attracting a range of predators (lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas), which often hunt by daylight. Other wildlife includes ostriches, bat-eared foxes, elephants, giraffes, jackals, rare bird species, and much more.