Spanning from the Linyanti river all the way to Savute Marsh, the snaking waterways of the Savute Channel have poured life into the western section of Chobe National Park for many thousands of generations. However, this fickle and unpredictable channel, which has a fascinating history of floods, droughts and everything in between, has mystified local inhabitants, geologists and others for many years.

When David Livingstone, the first European set foot on the Savute region in 1851, he noticed that the channel had already been flowing for some time - only to disappear thirty years later. The marshland that arose as a consequence remained that way for 80 years, until the 1950s when a fresh stream breathed new life into the channel which began flowing once again. This developed into an extended Hiatus’ over the years, giving the channel its renowned name as “the river that flows in both directions”.

Accomodation & the Lodge

For those expats understandably keen on maintaining their first-world comforts amidst plains of nature in all directions for miles, the Savute Safari Lodge offers just this. To ensure top-quality privacy and relaxation, the lodge accommodates twenty-four guests in eleven thatched chalets built of local timber, with one family room consisting of two double bedrooms. The chalets, which have been gracefully furnished in naturalistic tones to compliment the surrounding environment, feature expansive private decks, a combined bedroom and en suite facilities. Other amenities such as a lounging area, a library, a cocktail bar as well as a dining area and a pool, which can be found within the premises.

Activities

Activities are organised around game drives throughout the Savute area in open off-roading safari vehicles. Most trips usually incorporate a visit to the Savute Marsh to give onlookers a chance to see the historic, majestic presence of the river at the marshland together with a backdrop of teeming wildlife. To top it off, guests can also enjoy a visit to the ancient San Rock paintings at Gubatsa Hills – a small alpine outcrop which forms a prominent landmark in the otherwise flat landscape.

Savute boasts the second-largest summer Zebra migration in Africa; its timing is determined by the seasonal rains, usually occurring between November and December as well as between February and April - when Zebras migrate from rivers in the north in search of rain-filled grasslands and waterholes in the southwest of the park.

As nature would have it, the migration is closely followed by packs of predators – keenly waiting for the opportune moment to strike. That said, the park is perfectly safe, with contingency plans in place for any unlikely attempted attacks on humans.

Those in search of a wildlife, naturalistic experience should consider the Savute Lodge. They surely won’t be disappointed.

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