Savuti channel - SA 4x4 Community Forum - The only forum for the offroad and 4x4 enthusiast

andyrag · #1 20-10-09, 08:54 AM

A friend of mine was in Savuti last week and went to see how far the channel is progressing. It is just 3km from the campsite and the water is pushing on at a steady rate. It should be past the wildlife camp in a matter of days - cutting the north/south crossing (and the airstrip). Depending on how the water spills out across the marsh and the level of rainfall, it could be very interesting by next year... no way through Savuti!

Also the Boteti River is at Rakops.

Interesting times for Botswana...

Pierre77N · #2 20-10-09, 02:10 PM

Thanks for the info Andy!
I'm not sure of my understanding (I still don't know the place!).
Do you mean it could become impossible to drive between Kasane and Maun through Chobe and Moremi parks next year

Thanks for your explanations, I just bought the flights tickets today and will be in the area next July!

andyrag · #3 20-10-09, 05:25 PM

Its a possibility. The two lodges will definately have to make a plan (although at first they may do like Meno a Kwena and Leroo la Tau in the Boteti and ferry clients across by boat). There are so many operators that rely on this route that a bridge or a new route around the east of the marsh are the most likely solutions

Gene · #4 21-10-09, 08:37 AM

Hi Andyrag,
When I was first at Savuit in the early 80's they only had pools of water remaining, but I believe they also had some make shift bridges across the channel one in particular was at the old camp site. However, it will be interesting how one crosses. Hopefully the park will build some crossings.

Gene · #5 20-01-10, 10:15 AM

I picked up on anther forum that the channel reached Savute Safari Lodge last week. This means there is another 7 k's or so before reaching the marsh. I think the public campsite is less than a kilometer from the lodge.

HermanvdW · #6 21-01-10, 06:47 PM

This have slipped by without me knowing anything about a channel.
Please give some info regarding the channel. Where does it start/end? Where can I get more info regarding this?

Thanks

Gene · #7 22-01-10, 08:28 AM

HermanvdW,
Google "savuti channel" flowing and you will get plenty of information.

Spook · #8 22-01-10, 09:01 AM

Does anyone know what will be left of this water flowing by middel August?

andyrag · #9 22-01-10, 02:16 PM

impossible to predict. It could be spilling out into the marsh or it could have receded several km backwards. It is all dependent on local and regional rainfall amounts, tectonic plate movements etc...

Kalamazoo · #10 29-01-10, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andyrag

Depending on how the water spills out across the marsh and the level of rainfall, it could be very interesting by next year... no way through Savuti!

Also the Boteti River is at Rakops.

Interesting times for Botswana...

What is the latest news on the channel?

andyrag · #11 29-01-10, 01:32 PM

Apparently it is a few metres past the lodges at Savuti (Safari Lodge & Elephant Camp) - so not far to go until the campsite and the marsh

andyrag · #12 30-01-10, 10:49 AM

Mapula Lodge signature on their email states:

"Savuti channel is flooding afters years of being dry. Those who have booked sites CV1-CV4 will enjoy the river view"

So I guess its there!

Gene · #13 30-01-10, 05:41 PM

Andyrag,
I tried to book those camp sites for a Sept 2010 and they told me they are no longer available for self drive.

andyrag · #14 30-01-10, 06:19 PM

That's interesting. I have suspicions these sites have been reserved for mobile tour operator groups as they are the best located. I've heard rumours to this effect

mamasdriving · #15 30-01-10, 07:44 PM

Someone sent me this link with photos of the channel:http://www.gavinblairsafaris.com/new...0/jan2010.html

So I guess it's true...
looks amazing.

eduard4455 · #16 01-02-10, 01:04 PM

wow!