Chobe National Park — Mababe Depression Southern Flats Dispersed Camp

The Mababe Depression is a fossil lake floor — flat, open, and brutally exposed in the dry season heat. Overlanders running the Savute Channel Road from Mababe Gate southward pass through this terrain before the track climbs toward Gubatsa Hills. Bush camping on the depression’s edge is the only option here — no facilities, no fences, no rangers close by. The pan holds water after good rains, drawing enormous concentrations of elephant and buffalo. Pick a spot on higher ground away from any game trail and sleep light — this is genuine big five country.

Access is via the sand track from Mababe Gate (Chobe National Park). A 4WD with low range and sand tyres is non-negotiable — soft Kalahari sand can bury a vehicle in seconds if you stop in the wrong spot. You must hold a valid Chobe National Park entry permit. No open fires; dead wood collection is prohibited inside the park. May through October is the driveable window; after November the depression floods and the tracks close.

Ancient lakebed, big five, zero comfort.