&Beyond Savute Under Canvas

DESCRIPTION:

&Beyond Savute Under Canvas is a secluded, wild haven nestled in the heart of Chobe National Park, Botswana, stretching from the northern park boundaries to the Linyanti River. The camp gets its name from the mysterious Savute Channel, which flows unpredictably, defying the traditional patterns of rainfall. The channel flowed in 2009 and again in 2013, but no one can predict when it will flow next, adding to the intrigue of this ancient waterway.

Set in a remote and rugged landscape, Savute Under Canvas offers a unique mobile safari experience. The camp is perfectly positioned to immerse guests in the beauty and wildness of Savute. The communal guest area, housed in open-sided tents, serves as a relaxed space for dining, pre-dinner drinks, or simply enjoying the serenity of the surroundings. Share delicious meals prepared over the fire while gazing at the stars above.

The camp features five spacious canvas tents, each with a comfortable double or twin bed, an en-suite bathroom, a flush WC, and an outdoor bucket shower with hot water available on request. A private butler is on hand to provide personalized service, ensuring all your needs are met throughout your stay.

Savute is famous for its dramatic wildlife interactions, especially the intense battles between lions and hyenas. With abundant grazing, the region is now home to large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, and kudu, along with the iconic predators of the area. &Beyond’s expert guides will tailor your safari to your preferences, whether you’re keen to track a specific species or enjoy a more relaxed exploration of animal behaviors. The guides will share fascinating insights into the region’s vegetation, wildlife habits, and may even introduce you to the personalities of individual animals.

Aside from thrilling game drives, guests can explore the region’s cultural heritage, including the ancient San rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills. A short distance away, the towering baobab trees and the breathtaking open plains offer spectacular photographic opportunities, especially during sunset, when the colors of the landscape are truly magical.

Savute, also known as Savuti, is renowned for its captivating and unpredictable water system—the Savute Channel. Stretching 100 km (62 miles) from the Chobe River through a gap in the sand ridge to the Mababe Depression, this enigmatic waterway has puzzled many due to its irregular flow patterns. For almost three decades, the channel lay dry, with wildlife in the region relying on artificial waterholes for survival. However, in recent years, the Savute Channel has come to life once again, rejuvenating the surrounding ecosystem and transforming the area into a lush and marshy wilderness teeming with life. The revival of the channel has attracted a remarkable array of wildlife, creating a flourishing haven for nature enthusiasts.

Savute is home to large numbers of elephant bulls, which are a frequent presence in the area. Historically, during the dry periods when prey was scarce, the region’s lions gained notoriety for hunting elephants, showcasing the harsh realities of life in this wilderness. With the return of the channel’s waters, the predator dynamics have shifted—prey populations have rebounded, and the once-massive lion prides have broken into smaller family groups. This has led to a surge in other predators, enriching the region’s wildlife diversity. Savute remains a notorious battleground for lions and spotted hyenas, both of which hunt in the region’s vast, open spaces.

The abundant grazing now attracts large herds of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe, tsessebe, and kudu, adding to the incredible game viewing opportunities in the area. Savute has become a dynamic landscape where predators and prey coexist, offering exceptional safari experiences for visitors.

Savute is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Among its avian inhabitants is Africa’s heaviest flying bird, the kori bustard, known for its striking hunting habits, as it preys on snakes and rodents in the tall grasses. The endangered ground hornbill can often be spotted strolling through the grasslands, while raptors like the majestic Bateleur eagle soar overhead. The lively pin-tailed whydah can be seen darting through the air, while korhans perform their spectacular aerial displays as part of their mating rituals. With more than 400 species of birds recorded in the region, Savute is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Savute Under Canvas offers a truly immersive experience where the absence of Wi-Fi and electricity allows you to fully disconnect from the distractions of everyday life. This rare opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature and those around you is the essence of a true safari adventure. Embrace the simplicity of the wilderness, where each moment is an adventure, whether you’re tracking wildlife, sharing stories around a crackling fire, or simply soaking in the breathtaking landscapes.

This off-the-grid experience offers a chance to bond with your loved ones or meet fellow travelers while creating lasting memories. Whether it’s the thrill of a close encounter with a predator or the peaceful serenity of watching the sunset, the memories you make here will stay with you long after you leave.

For those seeking an authentic escape, Savute provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the wild and leave behind the noise of modern life.