Savute under Canvas

Savute, a remote and wild corner of the Chobe National Park, is situated south of the Chobe River. This is an area of open savanna grassland through which a seasonal river used to spill out into a marsh. It last flowed in the 1980s. Today, the channel and marsh are usually dry except after heavy rains, but several artificial waterholes offer breathtaking wildlife viewing.

The landscape of Savute, with its almost desert-like feeling, is strikingly different from the lush Chobe riverfront. Sizable numbers of elephant bulls are invariably present at Savute and close encounters with these great pachyderms are commonplace. In the wet season, large herds of zebra and tsessebe feed on the Savute plains.

During the summer rains, the pans of Savute fill with water, which sustains wildlife long into the dry season. Zebra and wildebeest congregate and it is not uncommon to catch sight of leopard, cheetah and African wild dog.

Savute also supports the greatest concentration of the king of all beasts - the lion. Savute is also a famous battleground for lion and spotted hyena whose ongoing fight for dominance has been captured in the brilliant National Geographic documentary film Eternal Enemies filmed by Deryck and Beverly Joubert.

Savute under Canvas Accommodation

Spend nights under canvas close to nature in the wilderness of the African night.

Secluded campsites near the watering holes of Savute provide a base for up close and personal adventure and discovery.

Carefully positioned as close as possible to the resident game, enjoy the simplicity of camping in one of the top wilderness areas in the world.

Camps move to a different site every five or six days, ensuring that game drives always explore a new area. This is a true African experience, with campsites in remote areas where guests can expect to see few other people or vehicles.

Savute under Canvas Activities

At Savute Under Canvas, it is our passion to share our knowledge and understanding of the bush and its inhabitants with our guests. Our highly trained guides and trackers will do their utmost to delight guests.

Twice daily game drives - explore the mopane forests and acacia savanna of Savute on early morning and late afternoon game drives in an open air safari vehicle accompanied by an armed guide. In the wet season, game drives traverse the open plains, where large herds of zebra and tsessebe can be spotted. Birdwatchers can marvel at the flocks of birds drawn to the pools of water that remain after heavy rains. In the drier season, game viewing is particularly good around watering holes, which attract large numbers of elephant.