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Mababe Gate: Gateway to Chobe's Wilderness

Discover the wild heart of Botswana at Mababe Gate, your entry to Chobe National Park's southern wonders and unparalleled wildlife encounters.

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Mababe Gate serves as a southern entrance to Botswana's Chobe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. This entry point provides access to the Mababe Depression and the Savuti area, offering a remote and wild safari experience.

A brief summary to Mababe Gate

  • Monday 6 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 6 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best wildlife sightings.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing and bird watching.
  • Pack sufficient water and snacks, as amenities inside the park are limited.
  • Consider hiring a local guide for a more informative and engaging safari experience.
  • Ensure your vehicle is a 4x4 and in good condition for navigating sandy and potentially muddy roads.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Maun, travel northeast towards Chobe National Park. The journey to Mababe Gate is approximately 3-4 hours. The road can be challenging, with sandy and bumpy sections, so a 4x4 vehicle is essential. Follow signs for Mababe Gate. There are no tolls on this route. Park entry fees are payable at the gate. Expect to pay around P120 per adult per day. Vehicle entry fees also apply.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Mababe Gate via public transport, take a taxi or shuttle from your accommodation in Maun to a transport hub. From there, find a shared taxi or minibus heading towards the Chobe National Park area. Request to be dropped off at Mababe Gate. The fare from Maun to Mababe Gate can vary, but expect to pay around P100-P150 per person. Be sure to check the schedule for return trips or arrange for a pickup.

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Discover more about Mababe Gate

Mababe Gate welcomes visitors to the southern reaches of Chobe National Park, a vast and untamed wilderness in Botswana. As one of the primary entry points, it offers a less crowded alternative to the more popular northern gates, providing a more immersive experience of the African bush. The gate opens into the Mababe Depression, an ancient lakebed, and provides access to the Savuti region, known for its unpredictable Savuti Channel and abundant wildlife. Chobe National Park, established in 1967, spans nearly 12,000 square kilometers and boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. It's particularly renowned for its large elephant herds, which can number over 100,000. Visitors can also expect to see lions, buffalo, giraffes, and a variety of antelope species. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the over 450 species of birds that call the park home. The landscape around Mababe Gate is characterized by vast savannahs, woodlands, and the remnants of the ancient lake. During the rainy season (November to March), the area transforms into a lush grassland, attracting wildlife from far and wide. In the dry season (April to October), animals congregate around water sources, making for excellent game viewing opportunities. Travelers should be aware that the roads in the Mababe area can be sandy and challenging, requiring a 4x4 vehicle. Self-drive safaris are popular, but it's recommended to have experience with off-road driving or to hire a local guide. Several campsites and lodges are located outside the gate, offering a range of accommodation options.

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