Savute Overview
Recognised as one of Botswana’s prime game viewing areas, the Savute covers an area of almost 5000 square kilometers in the south west of Chobe National Park, stretching from the park’s northern boundary to the Linyanti River. The main feature, and for which it has become renowned for, is the mysterious yet life-giving sustenance of Savute Channel – a channel which seemingly and unpredictably flows and dries up according to its own course and unrelated rainfall or flooding elsewhere in the country.
With the Savute Channel flowing again in recent years, the region has undergone a startling transformation, reverting to its natural lush and marshy state in some areas with large numbers of wildlife attracted to the rejuvenated wilderness haven. There are areas of the Savute which are characterized by forests of dead trees, killed off during one of the periods when the Savute Channel flooded in the last century. Today, parts of the Savute remain almost desert-like with hot sand under the scorching sun, whilst others contain vast grass plains full of game, and certain areas, contain a number of pans that hold water for months after the rains, enabling animals to remain in the area long into the dry season.
Another strikingly different terrain found in Savute, are the Gubatsa Hills. Formed an estimated 980 million years ago during volcanic movements, these dolomite rock outcrops appear out of nowhere rising to an astonishing 290 feet (90 meters) high series of seven hills, out of a completely flat landscape.
All of these features tell the geological story of this dynamic area, and if you know what you are looking for you can read about the past events in the signs left across the landscape.
When To Travel
Chobe generally has a warm to hot climate year round but the winter months can get cold in the evening and early mornings and it is therefore advisable to carry warm clothes with you during the period of April through to August. The rains generally fall between November and April which is when animals make their way down to the Savute grasslands. From May through to October, as the area dries out, wildlife is attracted to the artificial and natural waterholes.
April & May
These months mark the beginning of the dry season. The vegetation is still green, and it is mostly dry and sunny. It is hot in the middle of the day, with temperatures climbing up to 29°C.
June to August
Temperatures during this time of year are cooler with afternoon temperatures climbing up to about 27°C and evenings / early mornings dropping to around 08°C.
September & October
October is very hot with average afternoon temperatures of 35°C.
November to March
Days are generally hot and sunny during November and December with temperatures tending to build up before the rains. Early mornings are pleasant with temperatures averaging about 19°C. January and February tend to be the wettest months and heavy storms for a few hours a day are a regular occurance. March the rains slowly start to lessen and morning temperatures average around 17°C.
Getting There
Generally access for those staying at lodges is via a light aircraft transfer into the bush airstrips. The Savute region is accessible by road but is only recommended to self-drive if you are an experienced 4 x 4 driver due to the thick sand ridges. The drive is arduous and slow in some areas but is well worth the effort.
Species
Wildlife
Savute has a healthy population of wildlife species but some of its specialties include the rare and endangered Painted Dog, large clans of Hyenas (often seen at their den sites), the extensive herds of Zebra filtering through during the migration, and with that large concentrations of lion follow with occasional sightings of leopard and cheetah. The entire area is superb for elephant but they are possibly at their most spectacular to watch when drinking at the waterholes. Huge breeding herds numbering hundreds can be seen walking with a side to side head gate as they pick up the pace when approaching the waterholes to drink.
Birdlife
The Chobe National Park as a whole boasts over 450 species of birds, both resident and migratory species, and most of these are well represented within the Savute Marsh area. Large secretary birds and kori bustards are often seen strutting around the Savute marsh and colourful flocks of carmine bee-eaters celebrate the rainy season and fly about in large numbers as game vehicles trundle through the long grass. Ground birds like francolins and guinea fowls chirp noisily as they scuttle along, while water birds like storks, herons, lapwings and kingfishers keep watchful eyes on the rivers and waterways. Interesting summer migrants and water birds include Abdim’s storks and carmine bee-eaters, and every year around April, thousands of red-billed queleas gather casting shadows on the ground below them as they take off in unison. The iconic sound of the African fish eagle is heard throughout the day in the Savute and they are often seen soaring above the channels and marshlands.
Recognised as one of Botswana’s prime game viewing areas, the Savute covers an area of almost 5000 square kilometers in the south west of Chobe National Park, stretching from the park’s northern boundary to the Linyanti River. The main feature, and for which it has become renowned for, is the mysterious yet life-giving sustenance of Savute Channel – a channel which seemingly and unpredictably flows and dries up according to its own course and unrelated rainfall or flooding elsewhere in the country.
With the Savute Channel flowing again in recent years, the region has undergone a startling transformation, reverting to its natural lush and marshy state in some areas with large numbers of wildlife attracted to the rejuvenated wilderness haven. There are areas of the Savute which are characterized by forests of dead trees, killed off during one of the periods when the Savute Channel flooded in the last century. Today, parts of the Savute remain almost desert-like with hot sand under the scorching sun, whilst others contain vast grass plains full of game, and certain areas, contain a number of pans that hold water for months after the rains, enabling animals to remain in the area long into the dry season.
Another strikingly different terrain found in Savute, are the Gubatsa Hills. Formed an estimated 980 million years ago during volcanic movements, these dolomite rock outcrops appear out of nowhere rising to an astonishing 290 feet (90 meters) high series of seven hills, out of a completely flat landscape.
All of these features tell the geological story of this dynamic area, and if you know what you are looking for you can read about the past events in the signs left across the landscape.
Chobe generally has a warm to hot climate year round but the winter months can get cold in the evening and early mornings and it is therefore advisable to carry warm clothes with you during the period of April through to August. The rains generally fall between November and April which is when animals make their way down to the Savute grasslands. From May through to October, as the area dries out, wildlife is attracted to the artificial and natural waterholes.
April & May
These months mark the beginning of the dry season. The vegetation is still green, and it is mostly dry and sunny. It is hot in the middle of the day, with temperatures climbing up to 29°C.
June to August
Temperatures during this time of year are cooler with afternoon temperatures climbing up to about 27°C and evenings / early mornings dropping to around 08°C.
September & October
October is very hot with average afternoon temperatures of 35°C.
November to March
Days are generally hot and sunny during November and December with temperatures tending to build up before the rains. Early mornings are pleasant with temperatures averaging about 19°C. January and February tend to be the wettest months and heavy storms for a few hours a day are a regular occurance. March the rains slowly start to lessen and morning temperatures average around 17°C.
Generally access for those staying at lodges is via a light aircraft transfer into the bush airstrips. The Savute region is accessible by road but is only recommended to self-drive if you are an experienced 4 x 4 driver due to the thick sand ridges. The drive is arduous and slow in some areas but is well worth the effort.
Wildlife
Savute has a healthy population of wildlife species but some of its specialties include the rare and endangered Painted Dog, large clans of Hyenas (often seen at their den sites), the extensive herds of Zebra filtering through during the migration, and with that large concentrations of lion follow with occasional sightings of leopard and cheetah. The entire area is superb for elephant but they are possibly at their most spectacular to watch when drinking at the waterholes. Huge breeding herds numbering hundreds can be seen walking with a side to side head gate as they pick up the pace when approaching the waterholes to drink.
Birdlife
The Chobe National Park as a whole boasts over 450 species of birds, both resident and migratory species, and most of these are well represented within the Savute Marsh area. Large secretary birds and kori bustards are often seen strutting around the Savute marsh and colourful flocks of carmine bee-eaters celebrate the rainy season and fly about in large numbers as game vehicles trundle through the long grass. Ground birds like francolins and guinea fowls chirp noisily as they scuttle along, while water birds like storks, herons, lapwings and kingfishers keep watchful eyes on the rivers and waterways. Interesting summer migrants and water birds include Abdim’s storks and carmine bee-eaters, and every year around April, thousands of red-billed queleas gather casting shadows on the ground below them as they take off in unison. The iconic sound of the African fish eagle is heard throughout the day in the Savute and they are often seen soaring above the channels and marshlands.
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