The Savuti Marsh area constitutes the western stretch of the Chobe National Park, and is recognised as one of the Park’s primary ecosystems, reputed for the sporadically-flowing Savuti Channel. This area, once quenched by a large inland lake, was deserted after tectonic movements cut off its water supply, and has since been fostered by the temperamental Savuti Channel. This channel has occasionally replenished its beds; however, the marshland was left dry for 28 years before the waters made their comeback in January 2010. The return of the floodplains nourished the green growth of vegetation, inviting the plethora of wildlife the Chobe is so well known for. The Savuti Marshland enchants with skeletal remnants of the trees whose growth has been taunted by the erratic channel, depicting a landscape that epitomises this area of Botswana’s first National Park. The sweet grass in the Savuti area attracts grazers and browsers of every description, who in turn, attract their carnivorous counterparts; creating what we know as one of the world’s premier predator viewing areas.
In recognition of this unmissable safari destination, Camp Savuti has been added to other camps dotted in areas of Botswana’s finest splendour. This small, intimate camp accommodates ten guests in canvas comfort, yet retains an air of luxury to reassure the lavish traveler. Meru tents are exclusively positioned on platforms that pour generous views over the mysterious Savuti landscape. Openly spacious interiors encourage safari summers and warm evenings spent on private decks, admiring the glorious marshland winding intermittently before you. A comfortable lounge, bar and dining area await in the separately constructed guest area of this charming camp. This iconic marshland dared not be missed, and raised communal areas provide those sprawling views of the Savuti Channel and the abounding activity that is attracted to its banks. The rolling grasslands that are so acquainted with the Chobe’s dry season bring the grazing, ambling plains game. Kudu in elegance, impala in abundance and warthog in characteristic comedy intermingle below, as if only for viewing pleasure. Zebra and wildebeest bring their faithful companionship to the sweet grass of the Savute, while the Chobe giants come, in numbers matching their size, to remind those passing through on an ancient migration, that this is permanent elephant territory.
Of equal magnificence and grand reputation is Chobe National Park’s Linyanti Marsh region; located to the north of Savuti and adjacent to the Linyanti River. Riverine woodlands and lagoons surround the saturated areas close to the water, creating characteristic marshland, where the likelihood of spotting rarities, such as the red lechwe and sitatunga antelope, will sugarcoat your safari. The Linyanti swamp is favoured by predators whose prowess guarantees their dominance in the area. The presence of lions, leopards and wild dogs amplify the offer making this unexplored, remote region of Botswana the perfect place for Camp Linyanti.
The floodplains of this swamp land seep through the area approaching Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, adding to the ingenuity of this particular camp’s position. Unruly, unspoilt, and undiscovered, Camp Linyanti nestles discreetly within the waterways and lagoons of the Linyanti floodplains and commands the pictorial representation of wilderness. Five elevated canvas rondavels stand defencelessly before breathtaking views, eliciting a sense of marvel in the onlooker. Riverine forests and huge trees surround this intimate camp, which provides for its guests open-air showers and private balconies, which capture Botswana’s glory as it stretches toward the Caprivi Strip.
An abundance of animals congregate here; whether it is in the rich greenery born of the rains, or the golden grasslands that become of the land once the sun has scorched the surface. Botswana, being reputed for some of the best wildlife sightings in Africa, and Linyanti taking that title for Botswana, little else need be mentioned on this destination. Where Kalahari giants roam in a higher concentration than anywhere else in the world, and Africa’s rarest predators follow the mature migration routes of the most popular prey; the prolific region of the north western Chobe is a destination of dreams. These two new camps have upped the ante; what lies on offer at Camp Linyanti and Camp Savuti is nothing more and nothing less than a flawless safari.
