When it comes to Botswana safaris, you have plenty of exciting options to choose from. No matter which region you decide to visit, you can look forward to marvellous views and a diverse range of wildlife.
However, the Savute Channel offers something wholly unique and different from anywhere else in the world! This geographical wonder, located within the Chobe National Park, is filled with fascinating plant and animal species thanks to its fluctuating water levels.
In this article, we’ll tell you more about Savute Under Canvas (a mobile camp that allows you to experience everything the region has to offer) so you can determine whether or not this is the ideal Botswana safari experience for you.
The Mobile Safari Experience
Mobile safari experiences offer a unique allure that attracts travellers from all over the world. Savute Under Canvas provides a wide range of benefits, including:
Explore Multiple Locations
The entire camp is moved every few days, allowing you to explore multiple locations within the Savute Channel. The best part is that you don’t have to do any heavy lifting as everything is taken care of by the experienced team. Each site you visit is entirely private and secure.
Incredible Cuisine
Despite the limited mobile kitchen facilities, you’ll enjoy delicious meals while staying with Savute Under Canvas. A few of the meals you can look forward to include things like kudu steaks, couscous, and banana cake. Just make sure to communicate any dietary requirements ahead of time.
Minimal Environmental Impact
If you’re someone who wants to minimise their carbon footprint, then Savute Under Canvas may be perfect for you. As the sites move every few days, it gives the landscape a chance to recover. The camp also makes use of renewable energy sources, ensuring a minimised environmental impact.
Amenities
Each mobile tent is kitted out with either two single beds or a double bed. There are five tents in total, meaning Savute Under Canvas can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests at a time. Even without running water, there are still gravity-flushing toilets and warm water for showering.
Some of the other amenities you can look forward to include:
- Battery-powered hurricane lamps
- Canvas flysheet
- Camping chairs
- Bedside tables
- Luggage trunk
- Towels, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion
Savute Under Canvas is the perfect choice for travellers seeking an authentic safari experience, with all the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Personalised Service
Savute Under Canvas is designed to offer a personalised service where all your needs are catered for by a professional and friendly team. The limited number of guests ensures a custom experience for all.
Exceptional Wildlife
Let’s highlight the exceptional wildlife that can be found in the area and their unique behaviours.
Elephants
You have a 100% chance of seeing elephants during your time with Savute Under Canvas. These gentle giants can be seen drinking from the banks of the channel and resting in the shade of baobab trees. Their silly antics and big personalities are sure to put a smile on your face.
Grazing Animals
Depending on what time of year you go, you’re sure to see herds of zebra, wildebeest, and a diverse range of different antelope. During the dry season (May to October), you’ll even get to see the incredible zebra migration.
Predators
This part of Botswana is known for its wealth of predators, including cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and spotted wild dogs. They typically follow the migrating grazing animals in search of food. Remember to be very cautious if you ever come across a predator in the wild.
Rare Animals
Some of the rare animals that you should keep an eye out for during your time with Savute Under Canvas include pangolins, aardvarks, and hippos. While there is no guarantee of seeing these fascinating creatures, your guides will present you with every opportunity to do so.
Geological History of the Savute Channel
Located within Chobe National Park, the Savute Channel has a fascinating geological history. The channel tends to dry up and begin flowing at extended intervals and this has an impact on the surrounding landscape.
The channel dried up in 1981 and began flowing again between 2007 and 2010. The mystery behind the channel has intrigued geologists for decades. Today, the channel is home to a lush wetland that offers an oasis amidst the surrounding dry plains.
Unique Flora and Fauna
The Savute Channel offers a variety of interesting plant and animal species, both of which fluctuate as the channel flows and dries up. One of the most prominent features is the dead camelthorn trees located in the Savute Marsh.
These dramatic-looking trees drowned in floods at least four decades ago, but their skeletons have stood the test of time. Other prominent tree species include mopane trees and baobab trees.
The Gubatsa Hills
You can’t talk about Savute without talking about the Gubatsa Hills. These hills, which reach up to 90 metres, stand out in the otherwise flat landscape and were formed because of volcanic movement millions of years ago.
Seasonal Variations
The Savute channel undergoes noticeable seasonal variations. Most tourists prefer to visit during the dry season (May to October), as this is when you’ll experience moderate weather conditions.
This time of year also offers the best chance of seeing game, as the animals gather around the channel and other water sources to quench their thirst. The channel also lies along the route of the Great Zebra Migration, which is truly a sight to behold.
Activities Offered by Savute Under Canvas
Savute Under Canvas ensures that you’re never bored by offering various activities, including:
4WD Safari
4WD safaris are one of the most popular activities in Botswana. When staying with Savute Under Canvas, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to go on game drives with a professional guide. You’re bound to see dozens of animals, as the guides know where different species like to hang out.
Birdwatching
Did you know that the Savute Channel is home to roughly 450 different bird species? This region of Botswana is truly a birdwatcher’s paradise! So pack in your binoculars and turn your eyes towards the skies. Some of the species you can look out for include bustards, hornbills, bee-eaters, and raptors.
Helicopter Rides
If you want to see the natural beauty of Chobe National Park from a unique perspective, spoil yourself with an exciting helicopter ride! Take this opportunity to make long-lasting memories of your time in Botswana and enjoy the magnificent views of the Okavango Delta and African bush.
Watching the Sunset
Is there anything better than appreciating the incredible natural beauty of Botswana while watching the sun go down with your travel companions? The Savute Channel is known for its incredible sunsets, and since you’ll be on the move, you’ll get to witness the sun go down from multiple locations.
When it comes to Botswana safaris, there are so many exciting options to choose from. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the choices, why not get Tailormade Africa to come up with a custom itinerary? Contact Tailormade Africa to begin planning your African adventure today!