Mashatu Lodge
- Tuli Block, BotswanaSituated in the centre of Mashatu Game Reserve and in close proximity to the Majale River, Main Camp is an oasis in this desert landscape.
Savuti Camp is situated in the private Linyanti Concession along the Savute Channel, famous as a sporadic and unusual watercourse. For many years the channel was dry, before the waters returned in 2008 and abundant game congregated around and adapted to their new surroundings. As part of a natural cycle, the channel is dry once more, resulting in a rich feeding ground and corridor between the surrounding mopane woodlands for both plains game and predators.
This intimate camp's en-suite accommodation is in seven large walk-in tents, including a family unit that is raised off the ground. From the camp's thatched dining area, a small pool and large viewing area with fire deck extend outwards on raised wooden decks, providing a wonderful view of the Channel and its wildlife.
Due to our location on the Savute Channel and in the Linyanti Concession, Savuti has spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. Game viewing tops the agenda here.
Morning and afternoon game drives reveal the rich wildlife of the area where predators and elephant are often the highlight. Plains game and the diverse birdlife also offer fantastic sightings. The open 4x4 Land Rovers each accommodating a maximum of seven people, allowing each guest a ‘window’ seat.
Night drives with spotlights allow you to find those nocturnal animals you wouldn’t see during the day. These often include the lesser bushbaby, spring hare, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet and, if you are extremely lucky, the elusive pangolin!
On request and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, nature walks with skilled, armed guides are wonderful ways of getting close to nature and observing the smaller details you miss when travelling by vehicle.
The Savuti hide is an elevated platform from which to view and photograph animals and birds. Sleep-outs are also possible here, as it is easily converted to a Star Bed with bed rolls, mosquito nets and a long-drop toilet.
Exploring the waters by boat can be undertaken in the morning, during midday, or as an afternoon activity. Note that boating is a seasonal activity, dependent on water levels.
Water-level dependent, fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment is on offer seasonally on a catch-and-release basis.
With the Linyanti Concession being an internationally recognised Important Bird Area (IBA), birding is understandably outstanding at Savuti Camp, from slaty egret in the water to kori bustard in the dry areas.
The Linyanti has diverse and prolific wildlife, but is most noted for its very large elephant population which can reach enormous densities during the dry winter months. Other game concentrations are also high, and apart from abundant plains game, species such as roan and sable antelope, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyaena, black-backed jackal and wild dog may also be encountered. This area can also be excellent for the rarely-seen aardvark and aardwolf. Birding is spectacular.