BOTSWANA'S ATTRACTIONS

Savuti (Chobe National Park)

Savuti is an area that includes the Mababe Depression, a remnant of the large “super-lake” that once covered much of northern Botswana; the Savuti Marshes, which dried up inexplicably in 1880 and then started flowing again between 1957-1982; and the Magwikhwe sand Ridge, which is 180m wide and over 100km long and may have once formed a barrier beach along the western shoreline of the “superlake”.

After years of erosion, the rocky Gubaatsa Hills have worn down to mere knobs. Along their north-eastern faces is evidence of constant wave action from when the Mababe Depression was under water. Gobabis Hills bear several sets of 4000-year-old rock paintings, which are probably of San origin. The wildlife in the area can seem overwhelming: the place teems with elephants and lions, and wild dogs and hyenas prowl through vast herds of buffaloes, zebras, impalas, wildebeests and other antelopes. Over 350 species of birds have been recorded in the area.