Reviews of Savuti Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
25 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Savuti Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Wild Dogs in Savuti"
The management were very helpful indeed and eager to ensure we got the most out of our holiday. I must thank Grant Atkinson for all his tips on photography even though he was not our guide." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana
"Great accommodation and best game viewing"
This guide is highly regarded by management and by previous guests judging by comments in the visitors book, so we obviously struck him on an off day.
Game viewing was excellent, and included wild dog, cheetah, leopard and a small herd of sable" See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
"An amazing transformation"
There are still vast numbers of elephant in the area with lots of young. A new phenomenon is the large number of hippos now basking in the river. Some of the best hippo viewing we have ever had.
However, compared with our previous visit we felt that the game viewing was not as good. Whether this was just bad luck for the days we were there, a one-off result of the game being more dispersed as the result of the number of waterholes resulting from good, and late, rains or a longer term effect of the flowing channel. it is difficult to say. Also it is possible that herds of other types of animal will increase over time as a result of the flowing channel (e.g. lechwe, roan antelope, reed and water buck, buffalo etc.).
Dinner in the bush was quite a highlight, something we have never done before in 5 visits to Botswana." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 5n in Namibia; 2n in South Africa
“Thanks very much for passing on this feedback; it’s quite likely that the game has dispersed due to the amount of water in the area. However this should have some great positives! Previously, during the dry season, the game used to concentrate around the water hole in front of camp as this was the only water hole for miles. Whilst this provided for tremendous game viewing, it did mean there was a level of stress amongst the game as well as resulting in limited grazing in the surrounding area. However, now that the Savuti Channel has water (after more than 20 years of it being dry), the game no longer needs to concentrate in the one small area - the result being the game is less stressed and the surrounding vegetation is getting an opportunity to recover.
To clarify though, on average we think that the game viewing out of Savuti Camp is as good as it always has been (much of the game has still followed its normal migratory patterns) but its more a matter of the game not being concentrated in the one small area. The elephants are back in the Linyanti in good numbers and, as is the case elsewhere, the predators have retained their territories. Further, as a result of the increased water and less concentrated grazing, the herbivore populations have also benefited.
We’re really pleased that guests now have the added experience of seeing the Savuti Channel with water as well as great game viewing.”
"Manager"
"Savuti Channel is back!"
Our guide, Goodman, grew up in Kasane, the closest town, and brought extensive local knowledge of the area. In addition, his superior understanding of animal behaviour added a new dimension to our safari experience. This was demonstrated in particular when we became surrounded by a herd of thirsty elephants, and when we tracked a male and female leopard enjoying the fruits of a kill.
Also, Goodman has a great sense of humour - but, if he builds in steak tartare and the faint hope clause into his repertoire, Canada is to be thanked.
Welcoming staff, and good ambience in the camp." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
"A walk on the wild side"
The beautiful room looked right out onto the channel and had elephant crashing by at night and wading out midstream in the moonlight - not captured on film but indelibly printed in the memory bank!
Another friendly and highly professional team made our last few days in Botswana a real pleasure. Each drive was a treat : Ant took as much delight in showing us the 'small things' as he did in pointing out the big game and gentle Goodman showed a heartwarming love and respect for the animals.
As with each camp, we noticed the general lack of interest in birds, although Goodman and Ant were quick to stop for us when we asked, but they did have to consider the interests of the others in the vehicle. Perhaps it could be possble to ask each new arrival what their wishes are and match up teams in the vehicles a little better?
Our last morning was the best bit because Ant kindly took the two of us out for a birding walk. it was good to feel the ground beneath our feet and experience Botswana from a lion's eye perspective: he is great company and although the lions were roaring in the distance we had every faith in his considerable expertise. He helped us to run some of the LBJs to ground at long last. Thanks for that, Ant, hope it didn't spoil your morning off!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 1n in Zambia
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Kwando-Linyanti area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Lagoon Camp
Within the vast Kwando Reserve, renowned for its wild dogs, Lagoon Camp offers excellent game viewing that focuses on predators.
Lebala Camp
With enthusiastic guides and trackers, Lebala – in a vast private reserve – is particularly well-placed for seeking wild dogs.
Selinda Camp
In an attractive area that is particularly rich in game between June and November, the luxurious Selinda Camp caters particularly well for photographers.
DumaTau
DumaTau, in the private Linyanti Reserve, offers game drives, seasonal boat cruises and walks. Wildlife safaris here are quite seasonal, and are at their best during the height of the dry season, between June and October.
Linyanti Bush Camp
An increasingly rare find in Botswana, Linyanti Bush Camp blends relative simplicity with numerous activities and very good guiding.
Selinda Explorers Camp
The luxurious, traditional tented Selinda Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by really top notch guides in a game-rich area.
Zarafa Camp
Zarafa is an exclusive camp overlooking the scenic Zibadianja Lagoon within the Selinda Reserve, a particularly game-rich area between June and early November.
Kings Pool
King’s Pool is a top-end luxury safari camp with a price tag to match; the game viewing can be very good during the dry season.
Linyanti Ebony
Independently owned and run, the small Linyanti Ebony sits on the same site as Linyanti Bush Camp, with similarly high standards of guiding, and a strong emphasis on the wildlife experience.
Linyanti Expeditions
Tip-top guiding. In tune with the habitat. Down-to-earth, authentic camp comfort. A place of wilderness safari harmony.
Little DumaTau
Small and sophisticated, Little DumaTau lies adjacent to its larger sibling in the private Linyanti Reserve, overlooking a beautiful lagoon.
