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OVERVIEW ON SAVUTI CAMP IN LINYANTI
Savuti Camp is located on the Savute Channel, which for many years was a dry, wide-open ribbon of grassland snaking through the adjoining woodland. In 2008, the waters returned, and Savuti Camp now has front-row seats to view the abundant game that has congregated and adapted in its wake. The site of the camp is about 17 kilometers ‘downstream’ from the Zibadianja Lagoon – the source of the Channel. Accommodation comprises seven large en-suite canvas-and-thatch rooms that are raised off the ground and face onto the Savute Channel. From the thatched dining area, a plunge pool and large viewing area with fire pit extend outwards on raised wooden decks towards the new waters that flow past the camp. Activities on offer are day and night game drives and nature walks with a guide (on request). Several elevated hides can also be visited in the area.
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Location Of Savuti Camp
The 125 000-hectare Linyanti Concession neighboring Chobe National Park’s western boundary is an enormous wildlife-rich area with an unrivaled ecosystem of remoteness and space. The majority of the concession is comprised of different mopane woodland associations but along the Linyanti River exists a strip of riparian forest and floodplain. The concession is split by an ancient watercourse – the now flowing Savute Channel – which provides a year-round water source to complement the Linyanti. The area is famed for its herds of elephant that reach the world’s highest densities in the dry winter months. Other species are also abundant – zebra, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, lechwe, reedbuck, kudu – and in addition to species like lion, spotted hyena and leopard, the area also plays host to healthy populations of cheetah and wild dog. Rarer species such as sable and roan emerge from the woodlands during the dry season. Birding is outstanding in Linyanti ranging from the Okavango specials, such as Slaty Egret, Hartlaub’s Babbler, African Skimmer, Allen’s Gallinule and Wattled Crane, to the drier mopane woodland species like Racket-tailed Roller, Bradfield’s Hornbill, White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater and Arnott’s Chat. This area is also excellent for Kori Bustard, Ostrich, Secretarybird, and Ground Hornbill with Southern Carmine Bee-eaters in summer. The Savute Channel is famous as an area with a high concentration of eagles and raptors and this area is internationally recognized as an IBA (Important Bird Area), particularly for birds of prey like Dickinson’s Kestrel and waterbirds. There are also various owl species to be seen here such as Verreaux’s (Giant) Eagle-Owl and African Scops-Owl.
Safari Experience At Savuti Camp
Predator sightings of lion, cheetah, leopard and wild dogs are good. Elephant viewing is amongst the best anywhere especially in winter. Plains game viewing is good – zebra, buffalo, giraffe and excellent hippo. Roan sightings are possible. Excellent birding.
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Activities At Savuti Camp
- Drives in 4 x 10-seater vehicles (maximum 7 accommodated per vehicle to allow an outside seat for each guest)
- Camp has a supply of bean bags for guests to use to steady their camera while on game drive.
- A raised hide overlooking a waterhole
- Sleep outs can be arranged at the elevated hide with a minimum 3 night stay.
- Night drives.
- Game walks (on request).
- 4 x canoes that seat two guests in each (water level permitting and subject to elephant concentration). Guests can choose to help paddle their canoes and enjoy some exercise whilst taking in the views along the channel.
- It is possible to use the boats at DumaTau Camp on request if the party have booked out the entire camp.
- 2 x boats each taking a maximum of 8 guests. Boat rides can be taken in the morning, during the midday, or as an afternoon activity.
- Fishing on a catch and release basis (fishing is prohibited in Botswana in January and February for fish breeding purposes). The camp has a small stock of basic rods and reels but fly fishing equipment is to be supplied by guest if required. Savuti is not billed as a tigerfish destination and the species typically caught here are bream and barbel.
- Sleep outs are possible at the Savuti hide in two variations. If guests have NOT booked and paid for a private vehicle, then they go to the hide after dinner on the shared activity vehicle, and return early next morning for continental breakfast and morning activity with other guests. If they do book and pay for the Savuti private vehicle, then there is more flexibility re: times of departure and return. The Savuti hide is an elevated platform equipped with bed rolls, mosquito nets and long drop toilet. Minimum age requirement is 12 years and older.
Summary For Savuti Camp
ACCOMMODATION
Number of tents:
- 6 ¾ twin bedded tents (3 of which can be converted into king-size beds on request)
- 1 family tent (2 inter-leading bedrooms each with its own bathroom and entrance)
- 1 twin-bedded guide tent (not the same standard as a guest tent)
- The camp can accommodate 14 guests plus a tour leader/guide/escort
Tent details:
- All tents with private en-suite bathroom facilities with double basin, shower and flush toilet.
- Tents on decks with a view over the Savute Channel.
- Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each tent.
- Ceiling fan inside each tent.
- Safe in each tent.
CAMP DESCRIPTION
- Dining room and bar under thatch overlooking the Savute Channel.
- Extended deck for starlit dinners next to the fire.
- Evening fire sides in traditional kgotla/boma.
- Plunge pool.
- Small library
- Small curio shop.
- Digital projector available
Other Notes On Savuti Camp In Linyanti, Botswana
- Children of 6 years and older are accommodated, however, private activities need to be booked and paid for. The minimum age for canoeing and walking activities is 12 years.
- Chobe 1 airstrip is located 35 minutes’ drive from camp.
