Savuti

About Savuti

The Savuti area is found at the Western end of the Chobe Game Reserve, covering nearly 5,000km2, including the Savuti Marsh, Savute Channel and Mababe Depression. The Savute channel is one of the regions most interesting features as it was dry for many years before it started flowing again in 2008. The result has been the migration of large herds of the game back to the region, making it one of the best areas to see a huge diversity of game in Botswana. The wide, open plains around the Savute Marsh also supports a wide variety of game and the skeletal trees also make for some stunning photographs, especially in the dry season.

The area is renowned for its sightings of lion and hyena, as well as supporting a large population of bull elephants. Cheetah can often be seen on the plains around the marshes and the many rocky outcrops mean that leopard is common, as are the agile little klipspringer antelope. The real drawcard of the area is the zebra and wildebeest migration, less well known than that of East Africa, but no less spectacular. The timings are not predictable, however, they tend to follow the rains, arriving into the Savute Marsh around November time to give birth to their young.

The area offers a wonderful diversity of accommodation, with many operators offering mobile camping safaris whilst there is an abundance of fixed accommodation as well. Savute Under Canvas is always a popular option and Savute Elephant Camp is one of the most luxurious camps in all of Botswana, but can still offer good value for money in the wet season. Ghoha Hills is a real hit with clients as well, offering excellent game viewing and superb service when in camp.

Although a small area, Savuti real packs a punch in terms of what it offers and should always being considered as one of the areas for your Botswana safari.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• November to April - The Green Season is a lovely time to be here, with many camps offering reduced rates and the variety of water sources making this a paradise for bird watchers
• May to October - The dry season safaris here are truly superb. The lack of water means game congregates around the Savute Channel and it is a brilliant time of year for photography

Wildlife

Lions spend 16-20 hours of the day sleeping or resting

Leopards can see seven times better in the dark than humans

Hyenas live in large clans that can consist of up to 80 members

The fastest land animal in the world, a cheetah can reach 70 miles per hour in 3 seconds

African elephants can currently be found in 37 African countries

The pattern of a zebra's stripes are unique to each individual zebra

The wildebeest weighs between 300 and 600 pounds

Klipspringers weigh just 22 to 40 pounds and stand 20 inches tall at the shoulder

In The Know

• The Savuti Channel has been running again since 2008 and helps the area to retain an exceptionally large population of bull elephant
• A great destination for families - lodges are set up with larger family tents and dedicated guides help to make the family experience as magical as possible
• Savuti is a great area for those looking to see the large herds of game associated with Chobe, but with more of a feeling of privacy as it is much less crowded here
• As Savuti is mainly game drives, we would suggest combining with somewhere offering water-based activities in the Delta to give you an all-around Botswana experience