Initially, this was meant to be a temporary placeholder until a permanent camp could be completed.
Before the first game drive, I met my guide, Leodirang Sox (who goes by Sox).
The Mababe community leases the concession to Maun-based Cobus Calitz, who partnered with Wilderness to open Mokete.
Credit:paige fiddes/Courtesy of Wilderness Destinations
One of the most striking things about Mababe is its enormous, hundreds-strong herds of buffalo.
Their bulky outlines filled the whole horizon, dust surrounding them as they plodded toward a watering hole.
The concessions lions are never far away.
paige fiddes/Courtesy of Wilderness Destinations
These dominant predators are behind the frequent (sometimes gruesome) hunting scenes Id heard about before my visit.
I didnt see any action during my trip, though there was plenty of potential.
One morning, we watched a male lion skulk into the tall reeds as buffalo approached a waterhole.
After waiting a while the herd passing his hiding place without incident we moved on.
I sipped a gin and tonic as a herd of elephants ambled down to the waters edge.
I could have spent many more peaceful hours there.
Aside from the charismatic animals, I was blown away by how many typically tricky-to-see species we happened across.
Heres my review of Wilderness Mokete.
Interiors are simple and sophisticated, with white and beige tones and light wood.
Mesh sides let the sunlight flood into the room during the day.
For the heat of the day, there are fans and air conditioning.
Theres no minibar, but there are coffee and tea-making facilities.
Food and Drink
Meals are communal at Mokete unless otherwise requested and are buffet-style.
Lunch might be beef lasagna, roasted cauliflower salad, and fresh fruit.
Theres a selection of South African wines and local brands, such as Okavango Gin.
Food and drinks (except premium spirits and Champagne) are all included in the nightly rate.
Bush walks will be available soon.
Theres also a pool in the central area.
There is Wi-Fi, but only in the rooms; the communal areas are designed for in-person socializing.
Accessibility and Sustainability
Mokete is not an accessible camp.
In terms of sustainability, its mostly powered by solar, but theres also a generator.
There are nearly no single-use plastics.
The camp’s construction is relatively low-impact, though there are 10 plunge pools on the property.
The dirt roads are particularly bumpy, which gets tiring after a few days of being hurled around.
(Tip: Sit in the front seats for a more leisurely ride).
Light aircraft flights run from Maun International Airport to Santawani airstrip.
From here, its a 20-minute helicopter ride into camp.
The Mokete airstrip should be operational in 2025.
paige fiddes/Courtesy of Wilderness Destinations
