Camp Savuti

OVERVIEW:

A good-value authentic camp in a superb wildlife location, Camp Savuti is ideally placed to explore Botswana’s remote Savuti Marsh area in the western part of Chobe National Park. This area is one of the best places in Africa to encounter packs of African wild dog, and of course the vast elephant herds for which it’s best known and loved. Camp Savuti is part of the Sun Destinations portfolio, which operates camps in Botswana and South Africa’s Kruger National Park and is geared towards the more adventurous traveller. Accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, all game activities, laundry, and park fees. The camp is open all year round.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Camp Savuti occupies a remote location in the Savuti corner of Chobe National Park. Access is by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane to Savuti airstrip (approximately 40 minutes’ flight time from either), followed by a game drive to the camp, which usually takes 20–40 minutes, depending on wildlife sightings.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT CAMP SAVUTI:

Guest accommodation at Camp Savuti consists of five tents, spaced well apart from each other for privacy and raised above ground level, with steps leading up to wooden decking. The tents are Meru-style, meaning an exterior layer of canvas extends over the inner structure to form a shady veranda – this is ideal for whiling away the time between safari activities immersed in the sounds of nature. Entering through sliding mesh-panelled doors, you’ll find a classic, carpeted interior with a king or twin beds, bedside tables and reading lights, a writing desk, shelves, and hanging space with a safe to store valuables. Unusually for this type of tent, aircon units are provided to keep the rooms cool during the warmer times of day. Separated by a canvas curtain, each en-suite bathroom has a flush toilet, a bathtub, and an outdoor shower. It’s possible to add an extra bed for families travelling with children, and there’s a dedicated honeymoon tent, slightly larger than the others.

Camp Savuti’s thatch-roofed communal lodge is also elevated off the ground, with an open-sided lounge, bar, and dining areas. The rustic, comfortable lounge features wood floors decorated with cattle-skin rugs, well-worn leather armchairs, tables made from wood and natural weave, and storm lanterns providing ambient lighting by night. Adjacent, there’s a dining area with a long table where communal meals are enjoyed, a bar area with stools, and a small reference library. Outside, you’ll find the camp’s viewing deck with its stunning views towards the Savuti Channel, a boma for fun al fresco dining under the stars, and a welcoming fire-pit where guests gather for pre-dinner drinks and shared safari stories.

ACTIVITIES AT CAMP SAVUTI:

The Savuti region is a wild and remote part of Chobe National Park, renowned for its incredible depth of wildlife and activities that focus predominantly on game viewing.

• Game drives

  – Morning and afternoon game drives allow guests to explore the wildlife-dense terrain around the Savuti Marsh in the remote western part of Chobe National Park. This is one of the best places on the continent to see packs of African wild dog, amongst hyena, cheetah, leopard, and some truly remarkable elephant herds.

• Birding

  – The Savuti is home to more than 450 types of bird species, both permanent and migratory. Keen birders will be amazed by the variety, which includes vibrantly coloured carmine bee-eaters, secretary birds with long legs, huge kori bustards, red-billed queleas, and noisy francolins. Head out from the camp with a knowledgeable guide, and seek out some of the many highlights!

• Stargazing

  – Minimal light pollution makes this region ideal for observing the night skies. As darkness falls over the Savuti, marvel at the myriad stars and their mysterious galaxies with an unforgettable moonlight stargazing experience.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.