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Botswana's Savute region is well known for its high concentration of lion, elephant and African wild dog. So it's the perfect setting for a mobile tented camp such as Savute Under Canvas, which tucks itself into variety of different private sites throughout the area, moving every five days in accordance with the country's national park regulations. If you're looking for a true safari adventure at a price lower than that at many of Botswana's permanent camps, this is the place for you. The tents are comfortable, the food is good and the guiding is informed and entertaining.
From $590 person/night
Watching lions take down an elephant. Pachyderms are not normal prey for lion, but the big cats here are well known for their unique hunting behaviour. Visit in the dry season for good sightings of elephant and plains game, which visit the marsh area.
Exploring the sweet-shop attractions of the Savute region, which stretches from Chobe's northern boundary to the Linyanti River. Unless there's a drought (check before visiting), when artificial waterholes sustain the animals, the landscape is a patchwork of lush vegetation and marshes that throb with wildlife. See zebra migrating from the north, too many birds to list, the aforementioned lion and elephant, along with hyaena, buffalo and a host of antelope species, including the rare roan antelope. It's a real wildlife Eden.
The guides, who turn every safari drive into an adventure with their knowledge and expertise. They seem to know exactly where to find the animals.
The main area is a simple open-sided tent with dining tables and chairs, a tea and coffee station, a good selection of drinks and a table stacked with useful reference books and wildlife magazines. Dinner is usually served under the stars beside a campfire, unless it's too cold. Breakfast is hearty, lunch is lighter, afternoon tea is just right – all-in-all great cuisine. There's also a boma and a viewing deck.
Five canvas Meru-style tents sleep 10 guests in total. The tents are traditional, with mesh windows and an entrance you open and close with a zipper. All have comfortable twin or double beds, sisal mats and an en-suite bathroom with a gravity-flush toilet and al fresco bucket shower that a staff member will fill with hot water when you need it. Dressing gowns, insect repellent and toiletries are supplied. Outside is a sheltered veranda with camp chairs.
We loved our tent (even the bucket shower), the food (better than that at some fancy lodges) and the service. Also, we were lucky enough to watch a clan of wild dogs on a hunt. What an awe-inspiring sight! If you're visiting in winter, bring layers of clothing as mornings and evening can be really cold, although you'll be stripping off by mid afternoon.
The majority of safari lodges offer twice-daily game drives, but those at Savute are particularly rewarding as the location, in the heart of Chobe, is so remote and wild. We've mentioned a small number of species you're likely to see, but all game- and bird-viewing here is excellent. Birdwatchers should pay special attention when exploring the marshes – look out for southern carmine bee-eaters, storks, rollers, kestrels, plovers, sandgrouse and kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird.
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