Savute – a part of Chobe National Park in Botswana

Savute is a prime game viewing area in Botswana. It lies in the Mababe Depression in the south west corner of Chobe National Park. The western edge is encircled by Magwikhwe, a sand ridge which actually is an ancient shoreline, and the Gocha Hills in the north. Savute is named after the Savute Channel that flows out of the Linyati area. The channel feed the marshes that until recently was dry, but now has flooded again. Wooded areas with mainly Mopane, Camel Thorn and Silver Terminalia flank the marshes.

Savute marshes, photo taken in October 2011

It is a varied habitat with marshes, waterways, riverine forests, dry woodlands and grasslands. This spectacular scenary together with the diverse wildlife makes this an area you shouldn´t miss if you visit Botswana.

A haven for predators

You find a healthy population of predators in the National Park. The star of the show for some time where the Lion pride that actively hunted elephants. This seems to have stopped due to the fact that the pride has split into smaller “normal sized” prides. You still find a large concentration of Lions and Spotted Hyenas and the hills are good for Leopards. You also have the endangered African Wild Dog here and sometimes even the odd Cheetah or two.

Marabou Stork, Savute Botswana 2011

The area has mainly two different seasons. The dry season is between May and October and the wet season between November and April. The dry season is the normal time to visit Savute as it is easier to spot animals as well as better driving conditions. The wet season is no less dramatic with all the migratory birds as well as the resident antelopes giving birth during. You also have a Zebra migration from Linyati thru Savuti and the grasslands of the Mababe Depression. This can be seen twice each year and during the return to Linyati the Zebra calves here.

Savute is home to Savage Kingdom, a TV show by National Geographic.

Photo Album: Savute 2011