Savuti Camp in the Savuti Channel

Savuti Camp is situated in an isolated part of the Linyanti Concession along the Savute Channel in northern Botswana. The site is about 17 kilometres ‘downstream’ from the Zibadianja Lagoon – the source of the Savute Channel. The Channel stopped flowing between 1980 and 2008; during this time it was an unusual and productive ribbon of grassland that served as a corridor and feeding ground in the surrounding woodland for a wide variety of herbivores.

In 2008, the Savute Channel once more became a deep, clear waterway harbouring hippo and aquatic life with myriad varieties of waterbirds. Wildlife, from plains game to a plethora of predators, has had to adapt to a new source of water and all the opportunities and menaces it has brought with it. For different species the Savute Channel has become a place of refuge, an obstacle, an unrivalled food source, a navigational aid, a larder, a playground, and a graveyard. It is impossible to say yet whether the waters will persist or begin to recede in earnest as much of this will depend on the next summer rains – but while it lasts, at Savuti Camp there are front-row seats for each drama that is played out.

With two-thirds of the Savute Channel located in the concession, Wilderness guests have private and exclusive access to the abundant game and the natural and geological changes that are occurring on a daily and seasonal basis.

This intimate camp’s en-suite accommodation is in seven large walk-in tents that are raised off the ground and face onto the Savute Channel. From the camp’s thatched dining area, a plunge pool and large viewing area with fire pit extend outwards on raised wooden decks, providing a wonderful view of the Savute Channel and its wildlife.

Explore the Savute Channel and its environs through day and night game drives, nature walks with a guide (on request), and several well-positioned hides for safe, up-close animal viewing. Savuti Camp’s former ‘wood-pile hide’ in front of camp is now part of the flowing Savute and famous for spectacular elephant viewing in the drier winter months.

Savuti Camp Game Viewing

Game concentrations here are high, particularly in the winter dry season, and apart from abundant plains game, species such as roan and sable antelope, southern giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyaena, black-backed jackal and wild dog may also be encountered. In winter, this area can also be excellent for the sought-after aardvark and aardwolf, which are big ticks on anyone’s mammal lists!

Facts: 100% Land activities

• Wildlife viewing drives in 2 x 10-seater vehicles
• Elevated hide overlooking Savute Channel and one sunken hide at waterhole
• Superb night drives
• Game walks
• Canoeing, water level permitting and subject to elephant concentration
• Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment is on offer seasonally – catch and release basis
• Water activities: It is possible to use boats at DumaTau on request only, provided the group has booked out the entire camp.