Read 1 traveller review of Savuti Camp

Away from any flowing rivers, Savuti Camp overlooks the sandy bed of the Savuti Channel, about 30km due east of Savuti Marsh, and the famous Savuti area of Chobe National Park.

There is a waterhole immediately in front of camp, which is one of very few permanent waterholes around; it attracts first-class big game, and the channel has a good reputation for sightings of lion and, unusually, serval – although sightings can be highly seasonal. Savuti Camp is small, with just seven en-suite tents. Activities focus on day and night drives through this wild and isolated area.

Savuti Camp stands in the private Linyanti Reserve, which covers 1,250km² and has within it three private camps. In the north, beside the Linyanti River, the environment is like the Chobe riverfront: open floodplains beside the water, an adjacent band of riverine forest, and then dense (mostly mopane) forests stretching away south.

Guests spending three nights at either Savuti or its sister-camp, DumaTau, have the exciting option of pre-arranging a night sleeping out in one of the game-hides, if they so choose.

Savuti Camp was completely rebuilt at the start of 2007, and has been redesigned to place more emphasis on the spectacular Savuti Channel. We were very impressed by the new layout of the camp, and the swimming pool, camp when we visited in May 2007. The dining area has been turned around so that each guest has a view of the Channel while they eat. The main lodge is now a large, open-sided structure crowned by a beautiful high thatched ceiling; the lounge and nearby pool area overlook the waterhole.

All seven tents (including the family room) now face onto the Savuti Channel, providing more privacy and better views than before. Each tent has a deck to the front allowing comfortable viewing of the goings-on at the camp waterhole.

Note that Savuti Camp is in a private reserve, and so it conducts night drives, its vehicles are allowed to drive off the road, and qualified guides are allowed to lead walking safaris with clients. Do not confuse this area with the the area around Savuti Marsh, within Chobe National Park– which operates very differently.

Around the camp you can expect a fairly steady stream of elephant herds, throughout the day and night, coming to the waterhole – and can often be viewed from the camp's innovativelogpile hide. (Note that the camp doesn't always let people use this hide.)

Game-viewing activities at Savuti Camp revolve around 4WD drives up and down the narrow Savuti Channel, as the surrounding mopane woodlands are usually very unproductive for game-viewing. The game in the channel can be good, with herds of plains game attracting predators – cheetah and lion especially – although on our last few visits (May 2007 and before that in March 2006) the game was pretty disappointing.

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Standard Tent at Savuti Camp

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 7 tents

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: 2 nights

Central facilities: The main lodge is a large wooden and thatch structure, and has a sizeable viewing deck overlooking the 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 there is also a log-pile hide right next to the waterhole, which guests can use at certain times of year. There is a large lounge area in the lodge, with comfortable chairs and sofas, and a good library. Beyond the lounge is a deck, also overlooking the waterhole, with a small shaded swimming pool and sun-loungers. On the other side of the lodge is the bar, and the dining area which is covered but open-sided, allowing nice views over the waterhole. The building is interestingly decorated with traditional Botswana basketwork and other local artifacts.

Geographics

Location: Kwando-Linyanti area, Botswana

Directions: Fly in to Savuti Airstrip, which its towards the north end of the Savuti Channel. It is then about a 30 minute road transfer, depending upon what you see on the way…

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Wilderness Safaris

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: On our last visit in April 2007, we found that the meals were of a very good standard. Mealtimes follow the usual safari-camp format, with a light breakfast served at around 6am before your morning game drive, brunch served at around 11am on your return, tea at 4pm before your evening activity, and then a three-course meal at dinner time, usually at about 8pm. You can pick and choose your breakfast – 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 on offer. At tea time you will be tempted by delicious snacks such as millionaire's shortbread and homemade sausage rolls. Iced tea or coffee and freshly made lemonade are also on offer, as well as hot drinks. Dinner is a very sociable three-course affair as everyone eats together. On our last visit we were treated to soup for starters, a particularly lovely fillet of beef, served with perfectly cooked vegetables for the main, and a comforting baked custard pudding to finish off. The camp can cater to vegetarians and any other special dietary requirements if notice is given.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Yes, drinks are included, except for champagne and premium brands.

Special interests

Wildlife: This area is particularly good for elephants, especially in the dry season when they come to the waterhole next to the camp to drink. Guests are able to use the log-pile hide at certain times of year from where they can watch the elephants and any other wildlife that may appear at close quarters, and in safety. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for wildlife in Botswana

Children

Attitude towards children: Children who are 8 years old and above are welcome, although families bringing children who are between the ages of 8 and 12 must hire a private vehicle.

Activities: None.

Equipment: No special equipment is provided.

Notes: Special meals can be prepared for children. Note that parents must keep all children under close and constant supervision – as this is a camp through which dangerous game can wander at any time.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: Consider yourself out of contact here, although the main office can be contacted via radio in an emergency.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Camp managers are first-aid trained, and a comprehensive medical kit is kept on site. Guests can be flown out to the nearest doctor in Maun in the event of an emergency. Wilderness Safaris also have their own nurse in Maun, who is on call to give advice if a guest falls ill.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: Alarms are provided in the rooms for sounding in the event of an emergency. Guests are also escorted to and from their rooms after dark.

Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are kept on the balconies of all rooms and in the main areas.

Extras

Laundry facilities: Included.

Money: All rooms are equipped with electronic safes.

Accepted payment: You can pay for any curios with Visa or Mastercard. There is no additional charge made for this. US$, GB£, Rands, Euros and Botswana Pula are all accepted on location.

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