Journey into the Wild: Exploring Wilderness’ Latest Botswana Camp – Wilderness Mokete

Wilderness is a leading conservation and hospitality company. One of the first and the largest in the conservation tourism space, they operate with the aim to ensue the world will always have a version of its iconic wild places that is unfenced, untamed and unpredictable.

They have unveiled exciting updates about its eagerly awaited Mokete camp. The new Wilderness Mokete tented camp opens in September 2023 in previously unchartered territory: the famed Mababe wilderness area on the eastern fringe of the Okavango Delta. Vast, remote and teeming with game, Mababe is an exceptional Botswana safari destination.

Situated between two national parks, the 50,000-ha Wilderness Mokete sits in a privileged position, on the eastern fringe of the Okavango Delta and the famed Moremi Game Reserve, to the south of Chobe National Park. The essence of this experience lies in the captivating interactions with wildlife, as this area is renowned for its abundant species population. Here nutrient-rich grasses are fed with a constant supply of water thanks to the Mababe River, which started flowing again in 2007, and the waters of the Okavango, which drain into the Mababe wetland. This supports an amazing and unique ecosystem of great herds, an abundance of predators and a plethora of birdlife.

“Picture herds of buffalo by the thousand, the largest concentration in Africa, as well as prolific predators and mega-aggregations of elephant (and at times, zebra during their migration), drawn to the Mababe Marsh. Meaning feast, ‘Mokete’ is a banquet of astounding wildlife, diverse habitats, and untouched natural beauty, and we are immensely proud to be working with our like-minded partner and owner of Mokete, Cobus Calitz, to launch the first camp in this extraordinary, remote area”, noted Kim Nixon, Wilderness Botswana MD.

Wilderness Mokete will consist of 9 en-suite canvas tents, accommodating just 18 guests. With a tented lounge area and swimming pool connected by ground level wooden walkways. Each suite will have a retractable roof that slides away to reveal the stars. Offering an immersive experience, whether sharing a drink with elephants in the middle of the day, or hearing hyena calls in the dead of night, it’s a feast for the senses. The spacious camp’s various luxurious touches will also be intentionally minimalist to ensure the lightest footprint.

“While we have no doubt that the camp itself will offer a wonderful experience with delicious local food and warm hospitality, our focus is on the out-of-camp experience. Lions often spend the daylight hours on the hunt in Mababe; taking down buffalos in and around the marsh, with hyenas in clans of up to 60 often competing with them. Kim said.

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Guided safari walks and game drives are included in the daily activities at Wilderness Mokete, ensuring a memorable adventure. With no other commercial properties in the area you will have the freedom to stay out on the drive as long as you wish. Additionally, you will also have the option to take to the skies and witness the expansive landscape from a helicopter or, aboard a hot air balloon. Mokete Owner, Cobus Calitz, added that experiencing this truly remarkable landscape, which is unlike anything seen before in northern Botswana, will leave an everlasting memory for guests visiting Mokete.

“As Mokete is a limited edition, in 2026 we will be building Meraka, a signature camp to take its place. Meraka will welcome 24 guests in 10 rooms, including two family units. A first, and only one, of its kind, Mokete is a taste of things to come, and we look forward to welcoming guests to this wildlife paradise. Through high-value, low-impact photographic tourism, we aim to help conserve one of our planet’s last remaining wild sanctuaries”, concluded Kim.

 Be one of the first to venture to this brand new limited-edition camp in a completely untouched area, where Wilderness is pioneering a safari experience unlike any you’ve seen before. Available to book for two years only, it promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a select few.