Chobe National Park
The Savuti Marsh area covers 10,878 square kilometres (4,200 square miles) and constitutes the western expanse of the park, located 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Mababe Gate.
The Savuti Marsh is a relic of a once-vast inland lake, its water supply severed by tectonic shifts long ago. Currently, the marsh periodically receives nourishment from the unpredictable Savuti Channel. This channel experiences extended periods of drying up, followed by sudden flows due to tectonic activity nearby. Although not currently flowing, the last time it reached Savuti Marsh was in January 2010, marking the first occurrence since 1982. This fluctuating flow has resulted in numerous dead trees lining the channel’s banks. The area is characterised by extensive savannahs and undulating grasslands, infusing this part of the park with vibrant wildlife activity.
Campground
The Savuti Camping ground is undoubtedly one of the most iconic camping sites in Southern Africa, serving as a symbolic link between the Greater Okavango Delta and the Chobe for those exploring Botswana’s wilderness areas.
Advantage – Savuti , location, location , location.
The campground comprises:
14 well-spaced campsites, each equipped with a braai (BBQ) stand, a cold water tap, and a dustbin.
Additional amenities of the campsite include:
Wildlife:
Wildlife you are likely to encounter includes Giraffe, Elephant, Tsessebe, Impala, Kudu, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Zebra, Baboon, and Vervet Monkey. On the rarer side, Eland, Roan & Sable Antelope, Lion, Hyena, Wild Dogs, as well as the exceptional Leopard and Cheetah may also be spotted.
LOCATION
Savuti Marsh
CAMPSITES
FACILITIES
RATE BASIS
Per campsite
RATES
All year round – Camping |
Adult: USD $50 / ZAR 250 |
Children (8-17): USD $25 / ZAR 125 |
Children (5-7): USD $10 / ZAR 60 |
Inside the Chobe – Savuti Region |
ACCESS
4×4 vehicles only
The most direct route from Maun takes about 3 hours to Mababe Gate, although most self-drivers spend a few days in Moremi and Khwai before proceeding to Savuti.
From Maun – Beyond Mababe Village, do not take the first road, a straight cutline to Mababe Gate, but rather take the next road on the right. The turning is about 4 km northwest of the village and is signposted.
From Mababe Gate, it’s a 70 km journey to the park’s center and the campsite, taking between 3-5 hours depending on the road conditions, which can be quite sandy. Inquire at Mababe Gate about whether to take the Sand Ridge Road or the Marsh Road.
Under NO circumstances take the Marsh road without checking road conditions- enquire at the Park entrance and be very clear on the conditions you will expect. As a rule of thumb only attempt the Marsh road from April to November! Marsh road is very scenic and the first part along the Mababe can be very rewarding, the central piece of Marsh road can be something of a lottery, once you get near Marabou Pans game viewing significantly improves again.
Kachikau Village is 93 km along a tarred road from Kasane, and from there, it’s 40 sandy kilometers to Goha Gate, the northern entrance to Savuti. From the gate, it’s another 30 kilometers, still sandy, to the center of Savuti Park.
