NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession

NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession is a protected area in Botswana.

NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession at a Glance

Location
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-19.169167, 24.208384
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession

Nearest airport: Khwai North Airstrip, 42 km away.

Nearest international airport: Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW), 406 km away.

Big Five in NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession

4 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession

The warmest temperatures in NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession occur in October, averaging 28.2°C (up to 35.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 17.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 29.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.0°C (rainfall: 170.8mm)
  • February: 24.8°C (rainfall: 100.3mm)
  • March: 24.3°C (rainfall: 63.4mm)
  • April: 22.8°C (rainfall: 9.5mm)
  • May: 20.1°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • June: 17.5°C (rainfall: 0.4mm)
  • July: 17.5°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • August: 21.1°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • September: 25.4°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • October: 28.2°C (rainfall: 2.3mm)
  • November: 27.5°C (rainfall: 37.1mm)
  • December: 25.8°C (rainfall: 103.9mm)

Best Time to Visit NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession

The best months to visit NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession are April, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 23.98°C, rainfall 170.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 71.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 24.84°C, rainfall 100.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 64.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.27°C, rainfall 63.4mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 63.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 22.81°C, rainfall 9.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 54.4%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.05°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 41.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.52°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 40%
  • July: Great, temperature 17.46°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 34.9%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.14°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 29.2%
  • September: Great, temperature 25.41°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 26.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.17°C, rainfall 2.3mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 27.3%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.46°C, rainfall 37.1mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 46.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.76°C, rainfall 103.9mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 61.3%

Wildlife in NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession

Home to 100 recorded species including 35 waterbirds, 20 birds of prey, 17 iconic birds, 6 antelope & gazelle, 5 big herbivores, 4 big five.

Recommended Packing List for NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession

Based on average temperature of 23.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 47%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession

2 safari lodges available.

luxury

budget

Similar Parks in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

Visitor Tips - NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession

We find NG41 Mababe Zokotsama to be a truly special, uncrowded gem. Its community-run nature means you'll experience authentic Botswana, often with sensational wildlife sightings away from the main tourist routes. We love the feeling of having vast landscapes almost entirely to ourselves, especially during the dry season when wildlife congregates.

Gate Times

We recommend confirming gate times directly with your lodge or concession operator, as they can vary seasonally. Generally, gates open at sunrise, around 6:00 AM, and close at sunset, typically 6:30 PM. Access to NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession usually requires pre-booked accommodation or a valid permit, which your safari operator will arrange. Always carry your booking confirmations, as rangers may request them.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated by the dedicated staff. For a safari guide, we suggest USD 15-20 per guest per day. For general camp staff, a communal tip of USD 10-15 per guest per day is appropriate, placed in a central box. For mokoro polers or trackers, USD 5-10 per activity is a good guideline. We always tip in local currency (Botswana Pula) or US dollars, given directly or through the camp manager.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

NG41 Mababe Zokotsama Community Concession FAQs

What unique wildlife encounters can I expect in NG41 Mababe Zokotsama, given its status as a less-crowded community concession?

NG41 offers an intimate safari experience, benefiting from its diverse landscape encompassing the Mababe Depression and riverine areas. You can anticipate excellent sightings of large herds of plains game, such as zebra and wildebeest, often followed by predators like lions and leopards, all in a setting with very few other vehicles. The area is also a birder's paradise, especially during the green season.

When is the optimal time to visit NG41 Mababe Zokotsama to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities?

The dry season, typically from May to October, is ideal for concentrated wildlife viewing as animals gather around the remaining water sources in the Mababe Depression. However, the green season (November to April) offers lush landscapes, migratory birds, and the chance to see newborn animals, providing a different but equally rewarding experience.

What types of safari activities and accommodation options are available within or bordering NG41 Mababe Zokotsama?

Visitors can enjoy traditional game drives, often in open 4x4 vehicles, and some operators may offer walking safaris or cultural interactions with the local community. Accommodation typically ranges from authentic mobile tented safaris to community-run campsites and a few private lodges located just outside the concession, all designed to offer an immersive wilderness experience.

How accessible is NG41 Mababe Zokotsama, and what are the recommended travel logistics for reaching this remote concession?

NG41 is best accessed by 4x4 vehicle, either self-driving from Maun or Kasane, or via pre-arranged transfers with your safari operator. Fly-in safaris to nearby airstrips like Khwai or Savuti are also popular, followed by a short game drive transfer into the concession. Due to its remote nature, it's advisable to travel with an experienced guide or tour operator.

How does visiting NG41 Mababe Zokotsama directly contribute to local conservation and community development?

As a community concession, all tourism revenue generated in NG41 directly benefits the Mababe Zokotsama community, funding essential services like schools, clinics, and infrastructure projects. Your visit directly supports sustainable tourism and provides a strong incentive for the community to protect the area's wildlife and natural resources.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.