SAVUTI CAMP

Savuti Camp: Our View

Now that the Savuti channel is flowing again, having been dry for a quarter of a century, the camp is a ‘must’ and is currently one of the best places to stay in Botswana. Although the camp is a classic Wilderness Camp, it is up there with the best. The rooms could easily qualify as premiere level and the camp location and design as well. The joy of all this is that it is very well priced for the sheer quality of your surroundings.

Recommended by most guides in the Delta that you have to visit this camp on a trip to Botswana is probably the best thumbs up you can get. It is not flashy and not over the top and sets the perfect African scene. Without doubt a 5 paw rating.

Savuti Camp: The Detail

Savuti camp sits right on the banks of the Savuti Channel that is fed by the Selinda spillway which in turn is fed by a run-off channel from the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti River. When the spillway is full, the excess water fills the Savuti Channel that leads to the famous Savuti Marsh. This water system was the most spoken about and fertile area of Northern Botswana with the best game. In 1980 the river dried up and never flowed until 2007. The area sprung back to life and herds of buffalo and elephant are charging from many points of southern Africa to reach the fertile environment that is predicted to be the next hotspot for a good few years.
 
The camp hangs over the Savuti Channel and looks out onto a tiny grassy plain which almost always has game on it or at least on the fringes. The main area is mezzanine style build out of wood. The top area consists of two small lounges on one side and the other has a large dining area. Down some stairs towards the river is the bar that sits above the water and to one side is fire pit and boma area. Separate to that is a swimming pool and relaxing section, right on the water’s edge.
 
The rooms are all located on the edge of the Savuti Channel high up on its banks with most incredible views. Almost always in sight of elephant wallowing. Each room has a wooden decking with armchairs and a table and a sliding door leads to the room. An enormous bed is in the middle area with a desk and chairs and towards the back you find a bathroom with two sinks and a shower.
 
Even before the rejuvenation of the Savuti Channel the game in the area was excellent, some of the best, but the landscape was arid, dusty and unappealing to the first timer. However, Savuti is now back to being one the best game areas in Southern Africa, with large concentrations of predators, especially good for Cheetah and Wild Dog. In the dry season huge herds of elephant and buffalo come from all over to take advantage of the floods and green grassland that they create. From the camp you can canoe, walk, night drive and game drive.