Reviews of Savute Under Canvas

"By coincidence we have been to the exact same location before but at the end of July 2018 when the experience was really just a bit too cold, especially in the morning and overnight. No need of 'Bush Babies' (hot water bottles) to keep us warm this time. We enjoyed our 3 days here and had an excellent guide to take us to the remains of the lion-kill on several occasions (a small elephant unfortunately), initially just a male Lion (North Pride) feeding but eventually the complete pride of lioness's and cubs.

Good sightings of Elephant, Giraffe, Kudu, Tsessebe, Warthog as well as glimpses of Scrub Hare, Black Backed Jackal and African Wild Cat. We also had a visit to the Bushmen paintings on a rock face and walked up fairly close to them.

The crew at the camp were very efficient and very friendly, being welcomed back after each game-drive with traditional singing, etc. As usual, the chef produced great food and fresh cake from his simple wood fire." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana

"Savute Under Canvas was absolutely fantastic in every way!

We expected a fairly basic camp since it’s in the national park and has to move every 5 days, but our tent was lovely and comfortable and full of small details that elevated the whole experience. The bed was super comfortable and warm, we had robes and foot soaking tubs waiting for us after morning game drives, we were provided a pair of binoculars and flashlight to use the entire time we were there (which no other camp we went to provided), hot water bottles were placed under our covers while we ate dinner so we came back to a nice warm bed, etc. etc. Simple, but very thoughtfully set up.

Chef Simon went above and beyond and everything we ate was truly delicious. I am a vegetarian and he made amazing vegetarian dishes just for me for every meal. In addition to multiple dishes at every meal, he also baked fantastic breads and cakes multiple times a day. We were truly blown away by his food, and left camp very full and satisfied. The bar was also fully stocked and always open, and OP made us some tasty drinks.

We were the only people at camp the two nights we stayed there so we ended up with a private guide—TT— the entire time, and had a fantastic time with him. TT asked us what we were hoping to see and did a great job accommodating our priorities; was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions; communicated well about what he was looking for while tracking and what our plans were for each game drive; and helped us see a ton of amazing animals! He was also fun to hang out with and we just had a great time.

With TT’s help, we were able to see tons of lions (including adorable cubs) from both prides in the area, big herds of elephants, and even a pack of wild dogs with their pups (in addition to plenty of other general game). While we didn’t see as much diversity of game as at the other camps we went to (no cheetahs, leopards, or buffalo), the density of animals and plenty of close encounters left us very satisfied. We were also a little worried about the park being crowded, but we almost never had more than one or two other cars with us at an animal sighting, and didn’t encounter other vehicles on the road all that often. It was obviously more crowded than in a private concession, but not bad at all.

All of the camp staff were fantastic, and because we were the only guests at camp, we got to chat more with the manager, Matthews, and other staff during meals and learned a lot about Botswana and their lives. It was a really nice, personal experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana

"Amazing facilities for a mobile camp. Even our own private flushing toilet!" See all these reviews: 16n in Botswana

"The Savute part of Chobe was very dry. What a difference compared to 10 years ago, when water was flowing through the Savute channel. Not much wildlife around and not very interesting sightings. The stay at Under Canvas was very pleasant though. For me staying at a (simple because mobile) camp like that adds to the emotion. we had a good spot next to the (dry) Savute channel in between mopani trees. Amazing what the staff of 10 persons are able to do under difficult circumstances and amazing what food they are able to offer you ! And the hot shower after your afternoon drive is the best shower ever !

We were in a car of 5 of which one couple wanted to see a leopard. And apparently the guide really wanted to please them so he insisted a bit too much on finding that leopard. Which had us driving around and around for practically 2 whole days. Without seeing it." See all these reviews: 20n in Botswana; 1n in South Africa

"Less animals than Chobe under Canvas." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 4n in Zimbabwe

"Loved this campsite and the abundance of animals we got to see. A number of elephants passed our campsite whilst having breakfast. Staff couldn't do enough for us.
we were very lucky as we had the jeep to ourselves and I think this makes all the difference as we learned so much from our guide and had a one to one experience ,also we were able to take the time to sit and just watch the animals behaviour which we loved.
couldn't fault the food - amazing!" See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 4n in South Africa; 2n in Zambia

"Amazing experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana

"Very hospitable personnel and a good guide made this a perfect start to our 11-day safari Two days were enough because the nights (and 5.30am wake up time) were very cold and we didn't have quite enough layers of clothing although we had been fore-warned. Much warmer during the day of course.
Conditions were comfortable enough but we looked forward to having a proper hot shower in the next camps - since showering was very basic here (but we knew it would be). Food was very good despite the primitive cooking conditions.
We had a cloudless view of the 'Blood' moon during the eclipse.
We had good viewings of Elephants at a waterhole (2 separate family groups), Cheetah, Leopard and Lions (including a mating pair) as well as many groups of Wildebeest, plus Jackal, Tsessebe, Giraffe, Hyena and Dwarf Mongoose." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana

"A warm, friendly welcome greeted us on arrival and after every game drive. The all male choir added an extra dimension with their local songs.

Daniel, the camp manager, leads a cheery, friendly team for whom nothing was too much trouble. The guides joined us for meals and shared stories.

Morunga was a superb guide with great knowledge of both birds and animals. We tracked a pride of lions, invading the resident pride's territory. Leopard was spotted. A rock python coming to drink and then swimming a across a pan excited our guide as much us. 8 mongoose chasing a jackal, and the log with 3 different species of mongoose at one time is equally unforgettable: likewise the cheetah. Zebra were in abundance as they were gathering for the imminent migration. The pack of wild dogs alas eluded us by minutes.

Regrettably no night drives are allowed in the National Park but the animals did wander through the camp in the dark!

Nights under clear starry skies are cool but daytime temperatures are very pleasantly warm.

We loved the checklist booklet of birds and animals.

An excellent camp and location. We loved it." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"We were looked after very well for the first two nights but the very poorly on the third when we were the only ones in camp.

As the camp was being relocated the next day, everything had disappeared when we returned from the evening game drive and we got the distinct impression that they wished we weren't there.

However, the game drives with Moronga were enjoyable and informative." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana