A multi-sectional swellable packer for a wellbore has a mandrel and multiple packer elements mounted on the mandrel. The packer elements are formed of swellable materials that swell when contacted with a swelling fluid. In various embodiments, the outer diameter of the central element is larger than that of the end elements with or without gap between elements. In other embodiments, a multi-sectional swellable packer for a wellbore has multiple mandrels with multiple packer elements which are interconnected by flexible joints/connections. The outer diameter of the central element can be different from that of the end elements. The swellable rubber of the central element can be different from that of the end elements. The packer increases flexibility of operation and reduces the risk of run-in-hole.