Wilderness Savuti

AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife

The Linyanti concession is run by Wilderness Safaris and is home to three camps – Duma Tau and Kings Pool overlooking the Linyanti wetlands in the north and Savuti overlooking the Savuti Channel in the south/central region. The concession covers a huge area – some 300 000 acres.

The habitat along the Linyanti River is one of lush riverine woodland, giving way to the drier, mopane dominated woodlands of the interior, through which the Savuti Channel snakes it way to eventually feed the Savuti Marsh. The Savuti Channel is a seasonal waterway which extends south-eastwards from the Linyanti/Kwando river systems. In years of good rains, the channel holds water throughout the year but it is a delicate system easily affected by drought and tectonic plate movement. After several years of holding water, the channel is in a cycle of drying out again.

Once the dry season commences, the Savuti area attracts large herds of buffalo, zebra and elephant and the predator species which follow them, particularly lion. Other animals likely to be seen include hippo, kudu, impala, zebra, tsessebe, red lechwe, eland, sable antelope, giraffe, and wild dog. On night drives, you’ll have the opportunity to view nocturnally-active species such as bat- eared fox, spring hare, leopard, spotted hyaena, aardwolf, porcupine, aardvark, honey badger, bushbaby, civet, genet, serval and wild cat.

The birdlife is prolific, attracting both water and dry country species such as slaty egret, Allen’s gallinule, wattled crane, and African skimmer, as well as, Bradfield’s hornbill, white-breasted cuckoo-shrike, Bennett’s woodpecker, Arnott’s chat, Kori bustard and secretary bird. The area is even better when the summer migrants return and swallow-tailed and carmine bee eaters, racket-tailed rollers, and high concentrations of raptors, including Dickinson’s kestrel, are commonly seen.

Activities

Game viewing takes place by open four-wheel drive vehicles (by day and night), whilst walking is also possible. For several years boat cruises and fishing were available when water levels permitted, but it is no longer possible for the camp to offer these activities (this could change in the future). There is also a sleep out deck where guests can spend the night under the stars.

Seasons

Wilderness Savuti is open all year round, though game viewing is best from June to early November. However, birding is best from November to April.

Families

Wilderness Savuti accepts children 6 years and older though it is naturally a destination for families with slightly older children. The family unit is perfect for staying ‘under one roof’ whilst having separate bedrooms, and the pool is an added attraction during the hotter months. The hide provides something extra to do during the heat of the day, with some exciting close-up encounters with elephants during the dry season. Children must be 13 years or older to join walks. For a family with teenagers looking to enjoy an upmarket family trip around Botswana, Savuti is a great option.