Linyanti
Savuti Camp
Savuti Camp is situated on the Savute channel in an isolated part of the private Linyanti Concession, ‘downstream’ from the Zibadjanja Lagoon, the source of the Savute. The channel is very much dependant on yearly flood levels and rainfall. When in flow, it becomes a deep waterway with lots of splashing hippos and water birds, turning into a productive ribbon of grassland that, when not in flow, attracts a wide variety of herbivores.
This intimate camp’s accommodation is in seven large walk-in tents with en-suite facilities; each tent is raised off the ground and faces across the Savute Channel. From the camp’s thatched dining area and bar, a plunge pool and large viewing area extend outwards on raised wooden decks towards the channel.
Activities are day and night open game drives, nature walks with an armed guide (on request/within safety restrictions), and several well-positioned hides for safe, up-close animal viewing.
Game concentrations in the area are high, particularly in the winter dry season, and apart from abundant plains game, species such as roan and sable antelope, southern giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal and wild dog may also be encountered. The birding is awesome at any time of year but best in summer.
Activities are focused on game drives. During periods of high water levels, water activities may be possible but are not guaranteed.
Facilities
Large walk-in tents with en-suite facilities, thatched dining area, pub, plunge pool and large viewing area on raised wooden decks.
Local Wildlife
Game viewing varies according to whether the channel is wet or dry. When dry you may see abundant plains game including both roan and sable antelopes, southern giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal and wild dogs. When wet, you can see hippo, elephant and many waterbirds. The birding is generally good throughout the year.
Optional Activities
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris and boat safaris included on a shared basis
Jonathan Morris
Area Specialist
There are two hides giving great up close encounters with the wildlife. The birdwatching is fantastic all round.
If you have any questions regarding our Botswana tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
On behalf of my wife and myself, I would like to thank all at Reef and Rainforest for arranging so superbly yet another exceptional wildlife experience. As you are aware our ‘expeditions’ tend to be species led and this year’s brief was to observe and photograph the ‘Three Big Cats of Africa’ in a truly wild setting (i.e. no fences). Your recommended destination, Botswana, did not let us down, in fact the whole trip proved an outstanding success in all aspects.
We stayed in three camps (three nights in each) across the Okavango Delta and surrounding area, each provided a different environment which ensured our aims were met. Each camp was run to a very high standard, was extremely comfortable and provided excellent meals. The quality of guiding and tracking in all our camps was of the highest standard. As Botswana manages its natural resources so well all the camps were small (no more than 18 guests) ensuring a very intimate safari experience in pristine wild African habitat.
I am delighted to report our big cat objectives were realised. All observations were lengthy and offered excellent photographic opportunities. However, unexpectedly, the highlight of our spectacular trip turned out to be sightings of two separate packs of African Painted Dogs. We visited two dens, the first had a very healthy number of adult dogs, approximately fifteen and eighteen pups. The second had seven adult dogs and sixteen pups. At Lebala we had the privilege of spending a prolonged period of time following the pack of dogs as they hunted, an experience we will never forget.
When one also considers the significant mammal and bird species we observed, Botswana is truly a must visit destination for the wildlife enthusiast. Incidentally we also observed three serval and two African wild cats. We also thoroughly enjoyed our few days at Victoria Falls, possibly the most spectacular waterfall in the world, the hotel in Zimbabwe was excellent. Viewing the falls from the Zambian side and also the helicopter flight are both well worth doing.
This was our third consecutive trip with Reef and Rainforest, and I would be very surprised if there is not a fourth being planned very soon. Thank you all once again.