Savute
Savute stretches from the Chobe National Park’s most remote northern boundary to the Linyanti River
Discover the iconic Savute
Savute (also known as Savuti) is famous for its mysterious and fascinating channel. It runs a distance of 100 km (62 mi) from the Chobe River, through a gap in the sand ridge, to the Mababe Depression, which flows and dries up seemingly unrelated to the rainfall. Dry and arid for almost 30 years, animals in the area were sustained by artificial waterholes. With the Savute Channel flowing again in recent years, the region has undergone a startling transformation, reverting to its natural lush and marshy state. Large numbers of wildlife have been attracted to this rejuvenated wilderness haven.
Sizable numbers of elephant bulls are invariably present. During the dry years, when prey was hard to find, many of Savute’s lion became notorious for hunting elephant. With the recent transformation of the region, prey has become more abundant and the large lion prides have split up into smaller family groups, allowing a greater variety of predators to flourish in the area. Savute is also a famous battleground for lion and spotted hyena. With grazing now plentiful, the area is also popular with zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, tsessebe and kudu.
The birds of Savute are an attraction all by themselves. Africa’s heaviest flying bird, the kori bustards prey on snakes and rodents found amongst the grass. Other birding attractions include the endangered ground hornbill, which can be seen meandering through the grasslands. Raptors are ever-present, including the iconic Bateleur eagle. Pin tailed whydahs glide across the grass in awkward swoops. Korhans give out their mating cries while flipping themselves into the air to attract attention from a potential mate.
Why we love it
Thrilling game drives
Celebrated for its rich wildlife, especially its resident lion and spotted hyena populations, Savuti has long been the destination of choice for safari-goers. A remote area of the Chobe National Park, it has earned its international reputation for raw, dramatic game viewing thanks to its open landscapes, abundant wildlife and full cast of predators.
The great zebra migration
During the rainy season, Savute hosts an annual zebra migration, which peaks in January and February, when the dazzling zebra congregate to graze on the sweet grasses brought on by the rains. Their movement entices predators to travel too, and game viewing here quite often offers onlookers a great mix of excitement and happenings.
Unforgettable landscapes
Mainly characterised by Camelthorn sandveld, scrub savanna, and mopane veld, Savuti’s almost desert-like landscape is a wildlife experience not easily forgotten. Think scorching sun, loose, hot sand, animals escaping the heat by clumping together in the limited available shade, and elephants lining up to get to the water supply.
Unlimited adventures await
Beyond the wildlife, Savuti is also home to ancient Baobab trees and one-of-a-kind cave paintings, drawn by Africa’s first ancestors. Take a short walk off the beaten track in search of these remarkable findings. This area in Southern Africa is truly one of the most varied and complex safari spots, offering travellers plenty to discover and explore with every step.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Savute
From charming under-canvas extravagance to elegant safari tents to magnificent nature-inspired lodges, Botswana offers travellers, from all corners of the globe, a wide variety of accommodation options well-suited to the unique safari experience they are after.
Savute Camping
While exploring Savute, enhance your experience by staying at one of these exclusive safari camps, designed to keep you close to nature, with all your luxury-comforts.
Savute Safari Lodge
Be part of an immersive safari experience while staying at this beautiful safari lodge. The epitome of intimate luxury – enjoy an exclusive stay situated along the Savute Channel.
Frequently asked questions
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