Savute

The Savute region is known for its superb game viewing during both the wet and dry season. The wet season (November-March), sees thousands of zebras, young antelope and vast herds of elephants migrate south from the Linyanti area to feed on the abundant grazing. All the pans and waterholes fill with water, which remain wet long into the dry season, keeping animals in the area. In the dry season (May to October) most of the water pans dry up, but artificial waterholes at most camps sustain elephants and other animals during this time. Game viewing during winter is extremely rewarding if you do not venture far from the waterholes. During this time, prey is most vulnerable of being hunted by predators, making for dramatic game viewing experiences. Experience superb luxury and wildlife all year-round. 

Nowhere else in Africa will you witness such dramatic interactions between predators and prey as at the Savute Marsh. Also, the Savute Channel does not even have to be flowing for a memorable African safari wildlife experience. Large concentrations of game flourish in this area and large herds of antelope mean that predators will always be close by. Here, where every species must adapt to the harsh and ever-changing circumstances, the once-legendary Marsh lion pride had mastered the skill of hunting elephants under the cover of darkness. There are still many prides of lion that call this region home and the Savute is still one of the best areas to see Africa’s big cats (lion, leopard and cheetah) as well as spotted hyaena and birds of prey.

Unknown to most, the second largest annual zebra migration in Africa can be witnessed in Botswana. This spectacle is the highlight of the rainy season in Savute, and it reaches a peak in January and February, as thousands of zebras migrate from the north through the lush Savute area to graze on the sweet grasses brought on by the rains. From here these herds head further south towards the Makgadikgadi Pans area, their destination of choice where they spend the rest of the rainy season before returning north. These zebra herds are usually accompanied by large herds of other herbivores such as wildebeest, making this a wildlife spectacle not to be missed.