Key highlights...

• Annual Zebra and Wildebeest migration
• Particularly large bull elephants
• Best during spring and late summer
• Breeding herds of elephants
• Large predator concentration

Because water is limited, the areas near the one or two sources of water away from the Chobe River are often the scene for dramatic events involving predator and prey.  Large numbers of hyena are resident in the Savute area. When the first spring rains arrive, the renowned Savute channel area, and in particular, the Savute Marsh, come alive with huge herds many thousands of Zebra and fewer Wildebeest, on their annual migration south. At the end of summer the migration is repeated northwards. 

The Savute channel last flowed in 1979 when it used to flood into the Savute marsh. Savute is an excellent area for very big bull elephant, large prides of lions, hyena, wild dog, buffalo and a wide variety of other game.

The summer rains herald good times for Lion, Hyena and Cheetah as thousands of migrating Zebra and Wildebeest assemble in on the marshes.

Savute pulses to a timeless rhythm, with its alternating wet and dry cycles that mould its landscape and determine its inhabitants. At the moment Savute is dry. No one knows when the channel will flow again. A miniscule seismic tilt may cause it to flow now; in five years time - or never again. This is the mystery of “The Stolen River” - title of an award winning documentary by Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

One thing is inarguable; Savute is never boring – anything can happen at any time. I have witnessed a pack of wild dog chase an Impala, pass within five metres of us and make the kill seconds later. 

When you think of a Botswana holiday, remember to build in a Savute safari experience.

Ask us for some suggestions now!