Savute is particularly well known for its high concentration of lion, as well as for its dramatic predator interactions. The Savute lions are famed for having adapted to hunting elephant, not generally considered common prey for they cats. A power struggle for the position of dominant predator has also been documented between the lions and the area's large clans of hyena. The African wild dog, one of the continent’s most endangered carnivores, also thrives in the area.

Like the remainder of the Chobe National Park, Savute has large numbers of elephant, which are attracted to the many artificial water sources. During the drier season, elephant bulls dominate the water holes, while breeding herds may move to areas where water is more readily found. Such herds rely upon their matriarch to lead them to the best feeding and water sites, with individuals seldom straying from each other and ready to come to the aid of a family member who is in trouble.

The region is also rich in antelope, with common species such as impala and kudu encountered alongside giants such as the eland. Waterbuck may be spotted in areas with thicker vegetation, and guests may be lucky enough to catch sight of the aristocratic line of the roan and the sable.

Recent Sightings from Wildwatch.com

Lions on the Marsh - 25 August 2009
Savute holds many surprises. Its flat and can sometime look incredibly stark. However there is one section of Savute that constantly keeps surprising you. On morning game drive we had driven around the outskirts of the Marsh looking at the bird parties...
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Elepant Mud Bath - 03 August 2009
Water holes that have been holding the rain water from past rains has started to dry up and with that congregations of elephants have started to become larger. Each waiting their turn in anticipation of getting to the waters edge to take a refreshing...
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Savute Under Canvas Saves Kudu .....Well Almost - 15 July 2008
Sitting having afternoon tea with guests at Savute Under Canvas explaining the wilderness of Botswana and just how wild it can be we hear the cry of a distressed animal. And its close by. Sage calls out "something's being killed lets go". The...
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