Mababe River Lodge
Location: Mababe, Mababe, bw
Star Rating: 9.1 Stars
Property Type: Lodges
About this Property
Luxurious Accommodation and Stunning Views
Located just 11 km from Mababe Gate Chobe National Park, Mababe River Lodge & Campsite offers air-conditioned units with balconies overlooking the river. The fully equipped kitchenettes and private bathrooms ensure a comfortable stay for guests.
Relaxation and Entertainment
Guests can unwind at the in-house bar or lounge, enjoying the picturesque views while sipping on their favorite drinks. Packed lunches are also available for those heading out for a safari adventure.
Outdoor Paradise
With an infinity pool, sun terrace, and outdoor fireplace, this campground provides the perfect setting for relaxation and socializing amidst nature's beauty.
Book your stay at Mababe River Lodge & Campsite for a memorable and rejuvenating experience.
Important Information
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Family rooms
- Safety deposit box
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Packed lunches
- Non-smoking throughout
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infinity pool
- Outdoor furniture
- Shallow end
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Delivered food - securely covered
- Television in common areas
- Free wired internet
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
- Free pool cabanas
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Game drive nearby
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Wine release events
- Exercise/lap pool
- Covered parking
- Secured parking
- Swimming nearby
- Charcoal grill
- Vegetarian menu options available
- Bulk dispenser for toiletries
- Accessible train station shuttle
- No accessible train station shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Standard Double Room
The spacious double room features air conditioning, a private entrance, a balcony with river views as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Electric kettle
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Toilet paper
- Pool towels
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
-
Family Room with Balcony
The spacious family room offers air conditioning, a private entrance, a balcony with river views as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower.
Max Occupancy: 6 (6 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Fan
- Toilet
- Microwave
- Private bathroom
- Additional toilet
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Hardwood or parquet floors
- Electric kettle
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Upper floors accessible by stairs only
- Toilet paper
- Pool towels
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Fire extinguisher
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
-
Deluxe Room
The spacious double room features air conditioning, a private entrance, a balcony with river views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower.
Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- Air conditioning
- Kitchenette
- Refrigerator
- Desk
- Fan
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Private entrance
- Tile/marble floor
- Electric kettle
- Mosquito net
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Outdoor furniture
- Toilet paper
- Pool towels
- Bottle of water
- Chocolate or cookies
- Trash cans
- Wine glasses
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
Guest Reviews
- Helmut (8/5): -
- Julia (10/5): - We spent 3 nights at the wonderful Mababe River Lodge and absolutely loved our stay.
The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming.
The lodge is beautifull designed and perfectly located in the middle of nature, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Also the rooms are very comfortable and super clean.
The food was absolutely delicious and the team took great care of our dietary requirements. Even our two vegans absolutly loved the food - vegan food even prepared especially for them.
The safaris we booked through the lodge were fantastic. Our guide was very kind, patient, and has a lot of knowledge. We saw an amazing variety of wildlife, including wild dogs, hyenas, lions, and even a leopard.
We honestly could have stayed many more nights and will definitely come back one day.
Thank you so much for this wonderful stay.
- Ralf (9/5): - Fighting hyena packs (20-30?) in the village were creating a unique sound and thrill experience during the night.
And Hippos are making the background chorus...
- Yves (10/5): Une belle expérience - Le lodge est élégant, les chambres confortables avec vue sur la savane ce qui permet d'observer les animaux.
Le personnel a été aux petits soins pour nous. Merci à eux.
- Alexander (10/5): Perfekt für Tiere zu sehen und einfach Relaxen - Super schöne Lodge, Mega Pool und einzigartige Lage
- Riborg (10/5): Fantastiske ansatte, nydelige rom og fantastisk beliggenhet - Alt, et fantastisk sted
- Maria (10/5): Die Ort und die dazu gebuchte tagessafari war eins unserer Highlights in Botswana! Die Fahrt am Mababe River unvergessli - Traumhafte Lage und schon der Weg dorthin ist ein einziges Erlebnis mit vielen Tierbegegnungen. Abends beim Dinner kommen die Tiere zur Terrasse….. selbst in der Regenzeit beeindruckend, in der Trockenzeit wahrscheinlich ein Ort wo man nicht wieder weg will. Die Lodge ist nicht eingezäunt…. We loved it!!! Nichts
- Rene (8/5): Best place between Moremi and Chobe, but a long way to go for 1 day tours on very bad gravel roads. - Grosse Zimmer mit Terrasse und Blick auf den Bush. Schönes und grosser Aufenthaltsbereich mit neuem Pool und Essbereich.
Best value for money out side Moremi and Chobe NP. Dass Nachtessen war sehr einfach und ohne Auswahl.
- Volker (10/5): - So etwas schönes am anderen Ende der Welt 😍Das Zimmer war ein Traum ,mit diesem Ausblick unbeschreiblich 😍Das Personal soooo aufmerksam das wir nie etwas sagen brauchten waren sie sofort zur Stelle.
Einfach alles traumhaft 🤩 Die Anreise war ziemlich abenteuerlich aber es hat sich gelohnt.
4x4 Antrieb ist aber dringend zu raten
- Eric (10/5): -
- Jeroen (8/5): Good overnight stay between Maun and Chobe park - Good vegetarian dinner! Good airco so we slept well. No insect screens in the room, so no fresh air could enter without having a lot of bugs. Room was very heavily sprayed with repellent.
- Ene (8/5): -
- Thomas (10/5): -
- Gintarė (10/5): Best stay during our trip in Botswana - I went there on my birthday, and the staff went above and beyond to make sure it was the most memorable day ever. Thanks, everyone. Nothing
- Inken (9/5): Eine definitive Empfehlung für Menschen die in Ruhe bei einem Kaffee oder Wein Tiere betrachten wollen - Der Emofang war super freundlich und professionell auch auf voherige email wurde innerhalb von sehr kurzer Zeit geantwortet. Die Lage am Wasserloch ist traumhaft und es sind viele Tiere zu sehen. Im Preis inbegriffen war auch ein Abendessen von dem wir nichts wußten,welches aber sehr gut war. Es wurde voran nach bestimmten Allergien oder Diäten gefragt und sehr gut darauf eingegangen.
- Lisa (8/5): - Schöne Lodge. Wir haben sie genutzt auf der Durchreise nach Maun. Große Zimmer. Sauber. Das Preis Leistungsverhältnis stimmt nicht. Wir hatten andere Lodges die viel Luxuriöser und günstiger waren
- Stephen James (9/5): Would stay here again - great location in the bush, close to the Chobe park Mababe gete. Power failures for the 1st night affected the air conditioning in the room.
- Alberto (10/5): - El lugar es extraordinario en plena naturaleza y rodeado de animales.
Las instalaciones prescinden del lujo pretencioso de otros sitios y son cómodas funcionales y bonitas.La opción de la cena fue un acierto por la calidad y la ubicación del restaurante.
- djamel (9/5): Un endroit paisible - Superbe Emplacement, tres bon accueil, la très jolie piscine, les repas de qualité, les animaux à proximité, le beau safari.... Les coupures électriques, le manque d'eau chaude
- Jörg (9/5): -
- Arek S. (10/5): - Everything except .... ....for the unpleasant smell in the room caused by the wood paint/impregnate.
- Maria de Fatima (8/5): I would live to return - Open to the wild Long trip to access
- Heike (10/5): Perfekter Aufenthalt, ideale Lagen zwischen Moremi und Chobe - Hervorragend organisiert. Die Besitzerin kümmert sich um alles. Die Zimmer, Bad alles sauber, Betten sind bequem. Wir hatten Elefanten bis vor unserer Terrasse und auch nachts ein grasendes Hippo direkt vor uns. Was ein Erlebnis! Es werden Gamedrives zu Savuti / Khwai (Moremi / Chobe) organisiert. Wir hatten viele tolle Erlebnisse. Auch ein Hubschrauberflug über das Okavangodelta kann alles organisiert werden. Landeplatz direkt vor der Unterkunft. Wir waren 4 Nächte vor Ort und kann man rund um nur weiter empfehlen!!! - nichts - Nur eins vielleicht: Wir hätten uns etwas mehr vom Guide gewünscht, das er uns mehr zu den Tieren oder auch Pflanzen erklärt.
- Bulent Dilaveroglu (9/5): - Doğanın ve yaban hayatın ortasında son derece konforlu bir tesis. Yemekler çok lezzetli İnternet çok kötü hatta yok. Yabani hayvandan korkuyorsanız burası size göre bir yer değil
- Betina (10/5): - Einmalige Lage
- Nicolaas (10/5): Mooie stop als je door Chobe NP reist - Prachtig gelegen tussen Kasane en Maun. 's avonds wild kijken voor je kamer. Prima en vriendelijke service --
- Yossi (9/5): -
- zalman (10/5): -
- Jenny (9/5): -
- Dr.Colescu (1/5): Sehr gute Lodges, aber für Gäste mit Bargeld nicht zu empfehlen! - Die Anlage ist schön, Essen frisch, Personal freundlich, Zimmer und Pool sauber.
Sehr gute Pirschfahrten mit professionellen Fahrer. ABER: Da es keinen Safe im Zimmer gibt, wurde uns das gesamte Bargeld von einem Mitarbeiter entwendet. Auf unsere Meldung reagierte das Management nur mit einer Entschuldigung und „es werde ermittelt“. Selbst nach mehrmaligen Schreiben und Kontakt mit dem Eigentümer gab es keinerlei Entschädigung.
Fazit: Tolle Lodges – aber fehlende Sicherheit und mangelnde Verantwortung machen den Aufenthalt für Gäste mit Bargeld untragbar.
- Teresa (10/5): -
- Peter (8/5): Viel Auswahl gibt es in dieser Gegend nicht, für ein oder zwei Nächte in Ordnung - Zunächst wirkt die gesamte Anlage beim Eintreffen enttäuschend, man sieht viel Beton. Dieses ist dann die Rezeption und die Rückseite der Zimmer. Die Zimmer selber sind recht kein, aber schön gestaltet. Sie verfügen über eine AC, Safe und einen kleinen Balkon. Von dort aus kann man viele Wildtiere beobachten.
Das Bad ist ausreichend groß, jedoch ist der Wasserdruck gering. Leider fehlt vor der Toilette eine Tür.
Frühstück wird im Restaurant serviert, es gibt ein kleines Buffet sowie die Möglichkeit Eier, Würstchen und Speck dazu zu bestellen. Abends wird ein schmackhaftes drei Gänge Menü serviert.
Es gibt einen kleinen Pool, dieser wird vermutlich nachts als Tränke für viele Tiere benutzt.
Die Anlage ist nicht eingezäunt, so das Elefanten Hyänen und andere Tiere nachts da durch laufen. Das Personal ist zwar freundlich, konnte aber viele Fragen zum Straßenzustand, zu Entfernungen oder Richtungen nicht beantworten. Fragen nach dem Verhalten beim Antreffen von Hyänen wurden eher ins lächerliche gezogen.
Der Gestank des Abwassertanks im Bereich der Parkplätze war widerlich.
- Berit (10/5): We had an impeccable stay at Mababe River Lodge. Christine and her team made sure we had the most memorable stay. Would - The property exceeded our expectations and we loved everything about it /
- Molly (10/5): -
- vanEmmenis (4/5): - Main restaurant, pool and bar is great and food was good Room smelt of smoke. Rubbish and rubble strewn around the property and you cannot use the lights and aircon simultaneously.
- Kathrin (10/5): -
- Teresa (10/5): -
- piana (10/5): - Meraviglioso essere in mezzo alla natura più selvaggia
- T.Böttcher (10/5): Erschwinglicher Luxus - Alles - wie: Sauberkeit, Freundlichkeit des Personals, Pool, cocktails, Preis-Leistung, Hilfestellungen jeglicher Art, sehr liebevolles und niveauvolle Essen ... 11 von 10 Punkten Nichts
- WMI77 (8/5): Prachtige locatie - Mooie uitvalbasis naar 3 parken of als verbinding hub. Je kunt van hier naar Khwai en Moremi. En zit zelf in de uiterste punt van Chobe vanuit hier kun je langs Savuti door naar Chobe river front. Echter hier heb je wel een 4x4 met veel bodem vrijheid voor nodig (zie commentaar bij valt tegen). Als ik ooit nog eens zou gaan dan zou ik hier weer langs gaan (kans is klein niemand wil meer mee over de extreem slechte wegen) Eigenlijk niks wat van toepassing is op de lodge.
Alleen de toegangswegen om er te komen zijn wel dingen waar je rekening mee moet houden. Botswana zou best wat vaker een grader (wegenschaaf) in mogen zetten om de zandpaden weer wat te effenen. Heb je een 4x4 met reserve wiel onder de auto? zoek er een betere plek hier voor! Zet hem vast in het voertuig of elders een Fortuner is niet echt geschikt als het reserve wiel niet elders is op te bergen en de vering niet is verhoogd. De vele Hiluxen, Fortuners e.d. met reserve wiel er onder zijn de oorzaak van de hobbelpaden telkens als het reserve wiel aan de grond loopt graven ze de kuilen dieper en maken de bulten hoger. (geld ook voor Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan en weg naar Savuti)
- Colin (10/5): very comfortable all round - Excellent facilities, really pleasant communal area, friendly and efficient staff, truly excellent evening meal. The roads up from Maun are sand roads so need a bit of patience. close access to Chobe, very convenient. Would highly recommend Nothing
- Nicolas (4/5): À éviter sauf si vous n’avez pas le choix… - La localisation et le bon dîner L’accueil odieux, le personnel désagréable et les chambres sans intérêt et au design bizarre sans porte au toilette et à la salle de bain …
Électricité qui saute et wifi qui ne fonctionne quasiment pas
- Christian (10/5): Great Lodge in the middle of nature - Great located in the middle of nature, close to Moremi. No fences, animals cross the camp - for us a fantastic experience.
The rooms a nice, clean and comfortable. -
- Barak (8/5): מקום מצויין עם פוטנציאל אדיר - מיקום נהדר , צוות מעל ומעבר היה חול במיטה
- Simone (9/5): - La stanza molto bella pulita e accogliente, curata nei dettagli. Davvero bella. Non eravamo stati informati che la cena fosse obbligatoria in struttura quindi ci sono stati addebitati dei soldi che non sapevamo. Dovrebbero scrivere che la cena è obbligatoria.
Tra i servizi, il wifi non è da considerare, non c'è internet e questo è un gran problema perche non c'è servizio nè contatto con il mondo e lo staff lo sa. Dovrebbero spiegare bene le cose su internet
- Susana (10/5): Maravilhosa - Maravilhoso para quem pretende ter um encontro real com o habitat dos animais selvagens. O espaço era fantástico,
- Ulrike Stern (10/5): Safari Luxus Lodge - Die wunderschönen Räume waren ein Traum, jeder hatte eine große Terasse, die abgeschlossen war, so dass man wunderbar Tiere (Tags u.a. Zebras, nachts Hyänen) beobachten konnte.
Abendessen konnte vor Ort für 20€/Person dazu gebucht werden. Unsere Wäsche wurde gewaschen und sogar (ohne, dass wir darum gebeten hatten) unsere Autos.
Wir haben einen ganzen Tag vor Ort verbracht, einfach weil es so schön und entspannend war.
- Daniel (9/5): Superb - Great Location, very nice staff , great rooms. Multiple animals seen from the porch.
- Zeelie (10/5): Exceptional -
- Maarten (10/5): Exceptional -
- Marc (9/5): Exceptional Hospitality and Comfort - The staff were super helpful and welcoming
Room was comfortable (lodge)
Food was yummy First impression outside, it looks a bit messy.
- Linda (10/5): Exceptional - Stunning units with lovely view… Loved everything about it! Superb staff!!
- Lesley (8/5): You can view game from the decks. - Helpful staff.
Animals are able to be viewed from the deck.
Comfortable bed.
Laundry service. The accommodation buildings are out of place and keeping with the bush.
The headboards are not attached to the wall.
No toilet door.
The shower wet the bathroom floor.
No signal in the room.
I needed more drinking water during the night.
- Piotr (6/5): Disappointing - Close to nature and that's all Our stay was unfortunately not what we expected. From the moment we arrived, there were countless rules and restrictions – even a big sign at the entrance listing them all, which was quite unwelcoming. What’s more frustrating is that none of these rules were mentioned during the booking process on Booking.com.
One of the most inconvenient rules was the complete ban on eating or drinking in the rooms. We traveled with our camper, bringing our own food and even a small kitchen setup, thinking we could at least prepare our own meals since the listing mentioned an available kitchen. However, we were told this was not allowed unless we booked a camping spot, not a room. This critical detail wasn’t disclosed during the booking process.
Adding to the frustration, the prices at the on-site restaurant were shockingly high. A small can of cola cost $8, and a simple meal of chicken, grains, salad, and pudding was $23. Thankfully, we found a picnic site just 300 meters from the entrance where we could finally prepare our own meals.
Overall, we felt disappointed and a bit misled, and we wouldn’t recommend this place to travelers who value flexibility and transparent information.
- Jan (9/5): Good place to stay if you enjoy a bit of comfort - Very well run lodge. Rooms are really nice. Staff are friendly, and helpfull. The owners engage in conversations with their customers and sharing good advice.
Restaurant has really good food. Also nicely decorated. Very good 3 course dinner at night. It is a fixed menu, so no a la carte option. But they do consider allergies and probably also other diets. Breakfast and lunch packages are very good, and plenty. Apparently lunch and dinner except drinks were included if you book a room. Nice surprise.
Room was nice, clean, and well equiped.
Also our vehicle was cleaned. Very nice. Laundry is returned the same day. Very good.
Be aware, wild animals do walk at the premises, we were greeted by a hyena on our way back from the restaurant to our room. Just some minor things
It would have be nice to be able to have breakfast before sunrise instead of a packed breakfast when going on a game drive, or receive the packed breakfast the evening before so you can go on a game drive early. The packed breakfast was good though!
And we would have preferred a door to close the room's toilet.
- Sean (10/5): Absolutely amazing. What a find, we could not fault the place. We spent 2 nights in the camp and 2 in the lodge. We did - Great location, friendly staff, excellent and clean facilities, lovely pool. Food was excellent. Very close to nature. Excellent value. Low key and very peaceful.
Lodge room was exceptional. Nothing. It was perfect.
- Marina (10/5): Lovely place, so glad we stayed there! - Such a beautiful place! Secluded with the abundance of wildlife alongside comfort and a great service! We saw leopard not far from the lodge and hippo just in front of our balcony. Also, great meals in the restaurant!
- Marina (10/5): Exceptional -
- Vvagabert (9/5): We had a really lovely stay at Mababe and our absolute highlights were the 2 game drives we did and the mokoro experienc - We liked the facilities and how the property was positioned in relation to local activities. The food was lovely and we felt very welcomed. Although food was nice, both nights we had to wait a while for for the dinner.
- Jessica (10/5): Exceptional -
- Nicolaas (10/5): Magnificent place with excellent food and game viewing - We expected something fairly basic, but it is not basic at all! What a magnificent place. Superb location, massive and very luxurious rooms with full view of the bush and a stunning restaurant and bar area. We also expected to struggle for food. But Mababe River lodge has a wonderful chef, and our meals were delicious and very plentiful. The staff is also very welcoming and professional. We had tons of wildlife around our rooms, including hyena and lion. We will most definitely be back! Absolutely nothing negative. The only bad thing was that we only booked for one night..
- Julia (7/5): Overpriced for the experience. - Beautiful rooms, nice main area with bar, pool and viewing area Staff were mainly absent except for meal times - although the waiting staff were lovely. Unstaffed honesty bar so it lacks any vibe or ambience. No-one around eg at sunset to point out animals or answer questions. Rather military timing for meals. Manager pointedly looking at watch when we arrived at 7.12 for our 7pm slot. Red signs everywhere telling you what to do. Not very welcoming overall. Also very unpleasant experience at dinner and in the room with insects.
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