Savuti, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve Travel Guide

Explore Savuti: Botswana's remote wilderness, famed for dramatic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the mystery of the Savuti Channel.

Savuti, a remote and wild corner of Chobe National Park, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and exceptional big game viewing. The area's unpredictable Savuti Channel, which mysteriously flows and dries up, shapes its unique ecosystem, attracting diverse wildlife, including the famous elephant-hunting lions.

A brief summary to Savuti

Savuti, BW

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Savuti.

Visit during the dry season (May to October) for exceptional game viewing as animals congregate around remaining water sources.
Book accommodations and campsites well in advance, especially during peak season, as they are limited and highly sought after.
Be prepared for challenging driving conditions if self-driving, as roads can be sandy and require a 4x4 vehicle.
Consider flying into Savuti by light aircraft to save time and enjoy aerial views of the stunning landscape.
Take necessary precautions against malaria, especially during the rainy season.

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Explore Savuti on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Savuti, mapped for you.

Getting There

Air Travel

The most convenient way to reach Savuti is by flying into Savuti Airstrip (likely from Maun or Kasane). Several safari operators offer light aircraft transfers to the airstrip. From the airstrip, lodges typically provide a 20-40 minute game drive transfer to the accommodation. This transfer is usually included in the lodge price.
Self-Drive

Reaching Savuti by self-drive requires a 4x4 vehicle and experience driving in deep sand. From Kasane, take the road towards the Namibian border and turn off towards Kavimba and Kathikau. The drive to the park gate can take 3-4 hours. Park fees for international visitors with their own vehicle are approximately BWP 270 (around €20) per person per day and BWP 115 (around €8) per vehicle per day. From the gate, it's another 3-4 hours to the Savuti Marsh area. Be sure to check road conditions with park officials before departure.

Discover more about Savuti

Savuti, also spelled Savute, is a captivating area within Botswana's Chobe National Park, bordering the Okavango Delta to the west and the Chobe River to the east. This remote wilderness is famed for its dramatic and ever-changing landscapes, ranging from vast savannahs and mopane woodlands to the unique Savuti Marsh.The area's defining feature is the enigmatic Savuti Channel, which has a fascinating history of unpredictable flow. For long periods, the channel dries up completely, transforming the marsh into arid grasslands. Then, inexplicably, it flows again, breathing life back into the region and attracting a wealth of wildlife. This phenomenon is believed to be caused by tectonic activity deep beneath the Kalahari sands.Savuti is a haven for wildlife, boasting one of the highest concentrations of animals in Southern Africa. It is particularly renowned for its predators, including large lion prides, spotted hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. The lions of Savuti are famous for their unique behavior of hunting elephants, especially during the driest months. Visitors can also witness massive herds of buffalo, zebra, and elephants roaming the area. Birdlife is abundant, with species like secretary birds, kori bustards, carmine bee-eaters, and fish eagles.Beyond its wildlife, Savuti offers a sense of extreme isolation and a chance to connect with the untamed African bush. The landscape is dotted with rocky outcrops, such as the Gubatsa Hills, which contain ancient San rock art. These hills provide panoramic views of the surrounding plains and offer a glimpse into the area's rich history.