Porcupine Safari: Day-by-day

Perched on the banks of the Savuti Channel within Chobe National Park, Savute Safari Lodge offers a good location from which to explore the nearby Savuti Marshes. Comfortable without being luxurious, the camp enjoys views over the Savute Channel and its two pumped waterholes, which – especially during the dry season – attract vast numbers of elephant to drink in the afternoons and evenings.

Savute Safari Lodge has a down-to-earth feel and attracts an eclectic mix of guests who enjoy great hospitality, friendly staff and some excellent guiding, all in a top game-viewing region, particularly during the dry season. The lodge itself may not suit those wanting a more bushcamp feel, but the dining area overlooking the channel and nearby waterhole is a big plus. The region also offers a good contrast to the Okavango Delta, although a greater number of visitors than in the private reserves can make it feel less exclusive.

"Every game drive provided fresh delight with large variety of mammals and birds"

LDBfromVancouver

Arrived 26 May 2022, 3 nights

STOP PRESS: Savute Safari Lodge temporarily closed for refurbishment on the 15th October 2023 and will re-open on the 1st of June 2024. See our full report on Savute Safari Lodge

Elephants peacefully grazing the Khwai floodplains in front of Machaba conjure up something of a safari idyll. The permanent water, fringing Moremi Game Reserve, is key to the year-round appeal of this classic tented camp, whose setting – backed by a narrow tract of woodland – attracts wildlife aplenty.

Guests, too, are very much at home here. The tents are substantial, but still very much tents, their shallow porches opening straight out on to the sandy soil, with the river just beyond. This is no place for fancy decking.

Instead, rush mats and oriental-style rugs are spread across the floors, topped with comfy chairs and sofas and a mix of wooden furniture to create a decidedly homely feel.

While folding directors’ chairs and metal-framed beds add an authentic stamp, creature comforts are by no means lacking. The beds are huge – and supremely comfortable. Big round mirrors hang above his and hers basins in the bathrooms. White tablecloths rule in the dining area. And there’s a lovely circular pool with a view (and just a bit of decking).

"Enjoyed the mokoro journey on the river"

Mr H.fromBy Lairg

Arrived 9 Jun 2022, 4 nights

To wander along the sandy paths – lit at night by storm lanterns – is to accentuate the feel of the bush. That sustainability is taken seriously here is a big plus. See our full report on Machaba Camp

Overlooking a significant waterhole within a private reserve of the Okavango Delta, Splash puts the "luxury" into safari. Within the treeline in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Splash Camp arises like a crescent-shaped oasis in the wilderness.

Right in front of this substantial camp, and visible from almost every angle – tented chalets, lounge, plunge pool, firepit – is an extensive waterhole that is a magnet for animals big and small, especially as the dry season progresses.

It’s an alluring prospect, a haven of luxury that retains an outdoors feel. Largely constructed of wood, with stretched canvas walls, the airy buildings are mellowed by thatched roofs. Their wide frontage makes the most of the aspect, while admitting plenty of light.

Bedrooms are smart and well appointed, with views from veranda and bed alike. Light-coloured sofas invite relaxation in the contemporary lounge. And in the open-sided dining area, ceiling fans rotate lazily above the long table while you tuck into substantial yet interesting meals.

It's all about the wildlife here – "digital detox" is not just a slogan, it's camp policy – so your experience of the wildlife and wilderness won't be marred by any pesky emails or other digital disturbance from the outside world.

"informative guide and excellent tracking.. cheetah, leopard, lions and wild dogs"

Mr & Mrs W fromCroydon

Arrived 28 Sep 2023, 3 nights

You’ll explore this exclusive area by 4x4 – no more than six guests to a vehicle – with guides who are particularly experienced in tracking predators. In season, slip into a mokoro and glide almost silently along the shallow waterways or – towards the end of the year – take a motorboat to a nearby heronry: a particular bonus for birdwatchers and photographers. See our full report on Splash Camp

The first permanent camp to open inside the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) – and still one of only two within the reserve – Tau Pan sits on a low sand ridge with commanding views over the surrounding plains to Tau Pan itself, and beyond.

"Great location. very helpful staff. Food was amazing. "

ClarefromLondon

Arrived 18 Feb 2024, 3 nights

On our last visit in June 2017 we popped in for a drink and relaxed by the pool. Tau Pan camp has comfortable accommodation in an area that offers some of Botswana's best summer game viewing (December–May), with some species such as springbok and gemsbok not found in the Okavango or Kwando–Linyanti areas. We were impressed by the enthusiastic young team and really liked the layout of the camp, which has fabulous views over the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, the birding here is unforgettable! See our full report on Tau Pan Camp