Savuti is located in the southwest corner of Chobe National Park. It is a harsh, desert–like landscape that, it is believed, was once submerged under and part of an enormous inland sea–the Makgadikgadi super–lake.
Geologically Savuti is characterized by the Magwikhwe Sand Ridge, the Mababe Depression, the Savuti Marsh with its dead trees, rocky outcroppings, and the Savuti Channel.
The Savuti Marsh is a vast expanse of grasslands dotted with dead acacia trees, creating an intriguing, almost ghost–like landscape.
Perhaps the strangest phenomenon of all about Savuti is the 100–kilometres Savuti Channel, which links the Savuti Marshes with the Linyanti Marshes and – via the Selinda Spillway – the Okavango Delta. Most perplexing about the channel, throughout history, is its mysterious patterns of flow that do not follow any laws known to man but flows only when it will. Thus at times it will stop flowing and remain dry for years at a stretch, probably due to underground tectonic plate movements.
When the Savuti Channel recommences its flow, it changes the entire ecosystem, transforming the Savuti Marsh and Mababe Depression into wetlands and thus creating an oasis that provides water for thirsty wildlife herds and acts as a magnet for a profusion of water birds.
However, Savuti Channel does not have to be flowing for wonderful wildlife experiences; for Savuti is a year–round wildlife destination. It is known for its predators, both big cats (lion, leopard and cheetah) and birds of prey–raptors, vultures and all manner of birds of prey that soar over Savuti’ landscape in search of food.
Spotted hyena and their chilly cries are a norm, and many big bull elephants live out largely solitary years here.
