SAVUTI
Technically part of Chobe National Park, Savuti (a.k.a. Savute) has a very different open landscape and vibe, being mainly dry and arid during prime game-viewing season, and with very few permanent camps or lodges.
Famed for its large lion prides, known for hunting elephant, Savuti is a beautiful and rapidly-changing environment. The area relies for its water on the enigmatic Savute Channel, which has been known to mysteriously dry up and then start running again, seemingly unrelated to rainfall.
While the area was dry and arid for almost 30 years, the channel has recently begun running again, flooding the Savuti Marsh and attracting scores of wildlife. Predator interaction in the area has been particularly fascinating as the carnivores adjust to this sudden influx of prey species.
Avoid the crowds
The Savuti area can become rather congested in the dry season, with self-drivers, mobile camping safaris, and three lodges all based in the main Savuti area. 30 Kms north lies Ghoha Hills Lodge, the only camp in the country with an elevated viewpoint, and what a view it has. Essentially it also has its own game drive routes and three water holes, two of which are more like lakes. In the dry season these are packed with wildlife, with large herds of elephants and buffalo, numerous antelope species, giraffes and the resident pride of lions all making the most of the water.
where to stay
From our many visits to Savuti, we have first-hand knowledge of the lodges and below you can find the ones we most commonly use. Those lodges include mainly our favourites sorted from low-key to deluxe, which are usually smaller lodges with very personalised service, but also some bigger places, if they are the best or only option available. Open, close, then open each tab again to display the images fully.
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