Wilderness Savuti

Highlights

• Depending on subtle shifts in the underlying tectonic plates, the waters of the Savuti Channel either flow strongly – a magnet for thirsty wildlife – or recede to leave behind a rich grassland for herbivores and their predators.
• The ultimate romantic Star Bed experience in Botswana, superbly positioned at the famed Zibadianja Lagoon – the source of the Savuti Channel. 
• Thrilling day and night game drives, guided walks, helicopter rides*, seasonal boating and catch-and-release fishing.

[* at additional cost]

Destination: Wilderness Savuti is perfectly positioned for an exceptional safari experience with impressive opportunities for land- and water-based game viewing. It is situated in the private Linyanti Wildlife Reserve on the Savuti Channel, which is famous as a sporadic and unusual watercourse. Depending on imperceptible shifts in plate tectonics, the waters of the Savuti either flow strongly – attracting thirsty wildlife – or ebb, revealing grassy plains where antelope and other game gather, attracting predators. Plains game and predators thrive here, and exploring the length of this channel and woodlands is a highlight.

Experience: Wilderness Savuti has a charming home-away-from-home atmosphere; the wildlife is plentiful and varied, the natural history of the area fascinating, and our professional and friendly guides and exuberant hospitality ensure the perfect guest experience.

When the water is high enough, water safaris reveal pods of hippos, sunbathing crocodiles and wading elephants. Birders will delight in spotting over 400 bird species. Get closer to thrilling wildlife interactions on morning and afternoon game drives, while night drives deliver entirely new nocturnal delights. Go on guided nature walks, tracking animals and learning more about the area***. 

Set away from camp is one of Savuti’s prime attractions – the stylish Star Bed. This two-storey sleep-out deck, (complete with ablutions) overlooks the source of the mystical channel, the Zibadianja Lagoon, to the west. It’s the perfect spot to end a magical day on safari and delivers an unforgettable safari experience to take home.

[*** seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide]

Purpose: Wilderness Savuti provides support to various research projects and initiatives in the Linyanti, with a focus on the enormous elephant herds and their impact on the environment. Every guest who stays with us directly contributes towards our efforts to conserve, expand and protect this pristine tract of wild land. 

Wildlife: The Savuti Channel is a fascinating natural phenomenon, and a refuge for a variety of wildlife. When dry, it is a rich feeding ground and corridor between the mopane woodlands for both plains game and predators. When the waters flow, game congregates around it in numbers.

The Linyanti is most famous for its very large elephant populations, which can reach enormous densities during the dry winter months. Overall game concentrations are high too, and apart from abundant plains game, guests can look out for roan, rare sable, giraffe, and iconic African predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena, and African wild dog. The area is also excellent for the otherwise rarely seen aardvark and aardwolf.

Wilderness Savuti: The camp promises an authentic and intimate safari offering. Just six suites (including a family room) all have front-row views of the geological marvel that is the Savuti Channel. From the camp’s expansive thatched main lounge, dining and bar areas, elevated wooden decks extend out over the channel bed. A small pool invites a refreshing dip, and a fire deck beckons for evening stories – being largely open to the bush, it serves to amplify the remarkable wildlife sightings.