Savute
The Savute area of Northern Botswana is regarded as a one of Botswana’s most diverse habitats and fertile environments. The Savute marsh is the source of life here and this is fed by the Savute channel which runs in from the Selinda spillway, just west of the Linyanti reserve, which borders Savute. Although Savute is in the Chobe National Park, it is considered its own area but not officially so.
The area has been through the wars in recent years, having turned from an oasis-like delta to a semi-arid desert for 25 years, it has pulled through the other side to be the most spoken event in Botswana tourism to date. The Savute channel dried up in 1984 as the flood water from the Okavango Delta and Linyanti suffered low volumes thus totally altering the way of life in Savute.
The animals had to immediately adapt to surviving in a dry, aggressive and raw environment that turned even the most delicate predators into blood thirsty creatures and even forced a few to hunt each other for food. The channel has since been flowing again since 2008 and has re-created one of the most fertile environments in Botswana. Herds of buffalo and elephant are moving back into the area from hundreds of kilometres away to enjoy life as it was a quarter of a century ago. Researchers and documentary makers believe it to be the next big thing; don't just take our word for it! Savute: Accommodation choices
What really sets Savute apart from the Linyanti is that it is in a National Park, thus limiting your experience to a slightly more restricted stay, whereas the Linyati area is split into private concessions allowing flexibility with activities and exclusivity. There are three main camps in Savute that one would consider when looking to visit the area, Savute Safari Lodge, Savute Elephant Camp and Savute Under Canvas. The main property of these is Desert and Delta’s Savute Safari Lodge, which has the best location of them all. It sits on the edge of the Savute Marsh and you are never out of sight from elephant when in camp. Now with the return of the water and fertility in the area, this is definitely the camp to be looking at, whereas Savute Elephant Camp, even though it is in a good area, is not great value. The Savute Safari Lodge is a 12 chalet lodge with a library, lounge, unbeatable views and excellent value. Savute Under Canvas, on the other hand, is a great economical option as well and provides more of a rustic, adventurous product being a mobile tented camp. The camp moves every 5 days to different areas and it is by no means a 'camping' experience; the tents are six by four metre tents with bathrooms at the back and flushing lavatories. But, best of all, you have the superb and experienced &Beyond guides.
When to Travel to Savute :
It is best to visit Savute in the dry months when the floods have begun to fill the Selinda spillway and Savute channel. This happens from about the beginning of June and the water remains in the channel and marsh up to November. However, now with the return of the water, the game viewing is excellent throughout the year as the water levels are topped by rainfall and it is always worth a visit especially for keen birders. During the green season the grass gets a bit high and the bush quite thick, therefore making game viewing slightly more challenging.
Activities: Being a National Park, there are no walking safaris or night drives, but with the quality of game viewing to be had during the day from game drives, it makes up for it. Boating trip are permitted and this is obviously subject to water levels.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Savute
This is an identical camp to Chobe Under Canvas, but this camp operates in the Savute area of Chobe National Park. These under canvas camps are a brilliant option for the more adventurous travelle.
Chobe
The unbeatable aspect of this camp is its location. You can’t get any better. It is within view of the Savute marsh, the heart of the area and offers an awesome game experience.
Chobe
The unbeatable aspect of this camp is its location. You can’t get any better. It is within view of the Savute marsh, the heart of the area and offers an awesome game experience.
|
|
