Savuti Marsh

Savuti is fed by the Savuti channel, which behaves unlike any other water in the region: it has dried up completely for decades at a stretch and then started flowing again without an obvious trigger, most recently returning in 2008 after nearly thirty dry years. The marsh it feeds swings between grassland and wetland accordingly. What stays constant is the predator concentration, particularly lions, which here are known for hunting buffalo and, unusually, elephant. Dead camelthorn trees left standing from earlier flooding mark the old waterline.

The landscape

• The channel - a waterway that has stopped and restarted over decades without clear cause.
• The lions - prides known for taking buffalo and occasionally young elephant.
• The dead trees - drowned camelthorns standing from previous flood cycles.
• The zebra migration - herds crossing between here and the Makgadikgadi in the wet season.

When to go

May to October is the dry season, when animals concentrate at the remaining water and predator sightings are most reliable. December to March brings the zebra migration and the best birding. The rains make some tracks heavy.

Good to know

Deep sand between Savuti and both gates defeats inexperienced drivers regularly, and recovery is expensive. Camps and campsites must be booked months ahead. There is no fuel or supplies inside the park.

Nearby

Linyanti is west, and Chobe riverfront is north.