Savuti Camp
Linyanti | Botswana
Savuti Camp stands in an isolated section of the the private Linyanti Reserve, along the Savute Channel in northern Botswana. The site of the camp is some 17km downstream from the Zibadianja Lagoon - the source of the channel. The environment here is not unlike that of the Chobe river front; open floodplains beside water, riverine forest, and dominant (mopane) forests stretching away to the south.
Visitors are transferred from Maun or Kasane by light aircraft and if required an inter-camp transfers onto either Duma Tau or Kings Pool can be arranged. (By light aircraft, road, boat or mekoro).
The main lodgeat Savuti is a large wooden and thatch structure, with a sizeable and impressive viewing deck that overlooks a permanent waterhole (breakfast is usually served here). There is also a fire bowl where fires are lit most mornings and evenings. Wildlife can often be seen coming down to the waterhole to drink, and right next to it is a log-pile hide, which guests can use at certain times of year. Sitting on the deck watching hippos, herons and fish eagles in action is both memorable and hugely enjoyable!
Inside the lodge there is a large lounge area, furnished with comfortable chairs and sofas, complemented by a decent library. Beyond the lounge is a deck that also overlooks the waterhole, with a small shaded swimming pool and sun-loungers.
On the other side of Savuti Camp is the bar and a covered, but open-sided dining area, allowing splendid views over the waterhole. The entire building has been carefully decorated with traditional Botswana basketwork and other local artefacts.
Electricity is supplied through a 220v generator that in turn charges a battery system to power lights and fans throughout the night.
Many guests comment on the 'very good standard' of meals. Mealtimes follow the safari-camp format; a light breakfast is served at 06h00 before the morning game drive; brunch is served at around 11h00 on your return; tea at 16h00 before the evening activity; followed by 3-course dinner at around 20h00.
Breakfast is a selection of cereals, fruit, yoghurt, and muffins. Brunch is also served buffet-style, with soup, various salads, cold meats, fresh bread and dishes such as quiche. There are delicious snacks such as millionaire's shortbread and home made sausage rolls for your afternoon tea, with iced tea/coffee, freshly made lemonade as well as hot drinks available.
Dinner is a more sociable affair as everyone eats together. For a typical meal, you could expect soup for starters, fillet of beef, served with perfectly cooked vegetables, followed by baked custard pudding to finish (you) off. The camp's chefs can cater for vegetarians and other special dietary requirements on request and with prior notice.
Accommodation at Savuti Camp is in 7 large luxury walk-in tents that are raised off the ground and these beautiful room look right out onto the channel. Marvel at elephant crashing by at night and wading out midstream in the moonlight. Facilities included a safe, mosquito nets and laundry is included.
Game concentrations in this area are particularly high, especially in the drier winter season. Expect to see plenty of plains game, and species such as roan and sable antelope, southern giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyaena, black-backed jackal. The African wild dog may also be encountered and the much sought-after aardvark and aardwolf, can also be seen in the winter months!
Revolve around seasonal wildlife behaviour and migration patterns. They are diverse and have been especially designed to allow travellers time to explore on water, land and occasionally by foot. All game activities are lead by a professional guide this allows you to explore the Savute Channel and its environs through:
- Day and night game drives
- Traditional early morning and afternoon game drives are complimented with superb night drives.
- Nature walks
- Guided nature walks (on request) are a great way to get up close and personal to a wide variety of plains game, with the occasional lions roar in the background.
- Hides
- There are 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. Sleep out options are also available in some of the hides.
- Birding:
- A guided birded walk is and excellent way to feel the ground beneath your feet and experience Botswana from a lion's eye perspective. The Savute Channel is famous for its high concentration of eagles and raptors, and this area is internationally recognised as an IBA (Important Bird Area), particularly for birds of prey such as Dickinson's kestrel and water-birds. There are also various owl species to be spotted here, such as Verreaux's giant eagle-owl and the African scops-owl.
The King of Sweden once had his honeymoon near here - if it is good enough for him it is good enough for us!
A small, intimate camp situated on the Savuti Channel in northern Botswana. Excellent game viewing is on offer
Please note: Children who are 8 years old and above are welcome at Savuti, although families bringing children who are between the ages of 8 and 12 must hire a private vehicle. Note that parents/guardians must keep all children under close and constant supervision – this is a camp which dangerous game can wander through at any time.
