Savute Elephant Camp is dramatically different from Orient-Express Safaris' other camps (Khwai River Lodge and Eagle Island Camp). It is located on the now flowing Savute Channel in Chobe National Park, which is in the rugged, semi-arid wilderness region of far northern Botswana. The camp offers a spectacular birds eye view of elephant in their natural habitat. The Savute Channel, one of the greatest mysteries and fascinations of Northern Botswana, is flowing again after nearly 30 years of lying dormant.
The area is known for its exciting game viewing and birding. This area also presents you with the rare opportunity to view rock paintings drawn by the early Bushmen, who once inhabited the region. As this camp is situated in the Chobe National Park, park regulations prohibit night drives and walking.
Savute personifies the eternal contrast of Africa. Where Orient Express' other two camps celebrate water and lush vegetation, Savute is an objective lesson in aridity. Rain in this dry place is rare and water is precious. Situated on the Savute Channel, which is an eccentric waterway that fluctuates between being bone-dry or flooding, the whole ethos of Savute Elephant Camp is commiserate with its inhabitants and environment, although the camp has not seen water flowing in the channel since 1983.
You find yourself in harmony with a unique timeless place, removed from city life. In Savute, you realize that precious little has changed on these dry plains since time began. And the realization dawns that you are fortunate and privileged to be in one of the last corners of the planet governed by nature.
Savute Elephant Camp is owned and operated by Orient-Express Safaris.
Room
Savute offers 12 twin-bedded luxury canvas tents under thatch that are perfectly suited to the desert air and feature lavishly appointed en-suite bathrooms and dressing areas. The tents also have private viewing decks and comfortable outdoor lounges overlooking the Channel.
Luxury Tents
Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge offers an oasis type setting in complete luxury. All luxury tents are housed on raised wooden platforms, offering great views, and shaded by a traditional African thatch roof.
The large private decks are furnished with easy chairs and a hammock, ideal for viewing wildlife, or for enjoying a private dinner in complete privacy, except for some glowing wild eyes...
The tent interiors are luxuriously appointed with such comforts as an en suite bathroom, private fully stocked mini bar, four poster bed with mosquito netting, as well as discreet air conditioning.
The 12 twin-bedded luxury canvas tentsblend beautifully with their surrounding with well appointed ensuite bathrooms and dressing areas.
They also have private viewing decks and comfortable outdoor lounges overlooking the Channel.
Dining
Enjoy a relaxed meal overlooking the stunning Savute channel in the raised dining area. Gazing over the channel, which is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, you will be treated to delicious cuisine created by the skilled in-house chefs. Throughout the day you will be able to relax is in the quiet atmosphere of the lounge, sampling exotic treats or simply sitting back with a cup of tea taking in the remote landscape. The kitchen offers something for everyone all day and will also be glad to prepare picnics for you to take on a game drive. Game drives often start early. You will be woken with a light breakfast to enjoy in your tent before setting off on your drive. On your return the kitchen will be open for a light brunch to satisfy you until the next adventure begins...
Dining at Savute Elephant Lodge
Enjoy a relaxed meal overlooking the stunning Savute channel in our raised restaurant. Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to rela…
The Savute Boma
A dining experience second to none in a traditional Boma, best translated as a traditional meeting place, where senior tribe/community members would g…
Dining at Savute Elephant Lodge
Enjoy a relaxed meal overlooking the stunning Savute channel in our raised restaurant. Throughout the day you will have the opportunity to relax is in the quiet atmosphere of the lounge taking in the remote landscape. Restaurant times: Early breakfast (served around 6am) Light snacks, tea and coffee on morning activity Midday meal is served between 10h30-13h30 Afternoon tea (served around 4pm) Drinks and snacks on afternoon activity Dinner (served around 8pm)
View on mapThe Savute Boma
A dining experience second to none in a traditional Boma, best translated as a traditional meeting place, where senior tribe/community members would get together for the "Kgotla" or meeting. Typically traditional food dishes would be served during or after these get-togethers in the Boma. The Boma had two entrances, one more hidden than the other to ensure the safe passage of tribe elders or the chief should any threat arise. The Boma offers spectacular vistas of the African night skies, through the silhouettes of Camel Thorn trees and Acacia nigrescens, which have been incorporated into the design. Dining in the Savute Boma will, without a doubt, bring you closer to nature within the heart of a true bush environment.
View on map
Recreation
Savute Elephant Camp offers game viewing activities in the morning and late afternoons. These activities take place on a safari viewing vehicle, designed for your comfort and safety. Activities are restricted to set regulations as the camp is within a national park.
Game Drives
Savute Elephant Camp promises outstanding game viewing without having to leave the confines of the camp itself, so prevalent is the wildlife around th…
Bird Watching
It is a fascinating time to spot birds at Savute as the intermittent Savute Channel, dry for 30 years, is flowing past the camp again. With it has com…
Bushmen Paintings and Baobab Trees
Out in the bush, where rocks rear up among stony hills you will find a collection of paintings that take your breath away. These works by Bushmen are…
Star Gazing
The open skies around Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge make it the perfect place to experience the vast, dark dome of the African night sky. “A jew…
Game Drives
Savute Elephant Camp promises outstanding game viewing without having to leave the confines of the camp itself, so prevalent is the wildlife around the water hole. When you do venture out, in open 4x4 vehicles, the there are excellent opportunities to see wildlife on the Savute Marsh, which is also home to the Zebra migration during the months of February and October. In addition to the game drives, excursions can be arranged to see the historic San rock paintings in the hills or the ancient Gametrackers Baobabs. Our camp offers game viewing activities in the morning and late afternoons. These activities take place on our safari viewing vehicle, designed for your comfort and safety. Activities are restricted to set regulations as the camp is within a national park.
View on mapBird Watching
It is a fascinating time to spot birds at Savute as the intermittent Savute Channel, dry for 30 years, is flowing past the camp again. With it has come a host of new bird species. Dry land birds such as bustards and secretary birds have suddenly been joined by more aquatic varieties. Simply sit out on your terrace and watch the show, especially at dawn and sunset, as they come to splash and drink right in front of your eyes. Keen birders should also take note of the seasons. At certain times of year you may encounter annual migrations such as flocks of carmine bee-eaters on the move. Some ride on the backs of kori bustards—an amazing sight.
View on mapBushmen Paintings and Baobab Trees
Out in the bush, where rocks rear up among stony hills you will find a collection of paintings that take your breath away. These works by Bushmen are thought to be more than 1,500 years old—beautiful images of elephant, giraffe, sable and eland antelope. Normally these types of painting might be found hidden in caves, but here, unusually, they are out in the wide, open landscape. No-one knows what materials the bushmen used, but the paint is thought to be a mixture of snake venom, blood and plant juices. After viewing these paintings, continue to the amazing baobab grove—a cathedral-like cluster of 13 giant trees that rival the Bushmen’s paintings in age. Stand among these towering columns at sunset, as the evening light bathes them in a russet glow and wonder at this ancient land.
View on mapStar Gazing
The open skies around Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge make it the perfect place to experience the vast, dark dome of the African night sky. “A jewel box” is how one of our guides describes it, and certainly it is a wealth of riches from the Milky Way to Orion and Venus. Discover how Bushmen used the stars to locate the true south. And, using a powerful telescope, gaze on constellations that visitors from the northern hemisphere may never have seen before, including the Southern Cross.
View on mapPricing
Select a date on the calendar to view details about the itinerary. If a price is not displayed on any date, click CHECK RATES for the day your want to depart to load prices for your required dates
At Travel Concierge, we take pride in being able to negotiate the best holiday deals at Savute Elephant Camp. Our calendar search tool allows you to view holiday prices at Savute Elephant Camp for different days within each month so that you can find the cheapest price at Savute Elephant Camp for your requirements. Our calendar search displays Savute Elephant Camp holiday prices upto 11 months in advance. If you want to book Savute Elephant Camp further in advance, we can book Savute holidays at Savute Elephant Camp in 2026 and 2027. For all Savute 2026 holidays and Savute 2027 holidays you will have to call us for pricing.
At Travel Concierge, we take pride in being able to negotiate the best holiday deals at Savute Elephant Camp. Use the search form below to find holiday prices at Savute Elephant Camp. Our Savute Elephant Camp holiday search will provide prices up to 11 months in advance of departure. We can book Savute holidays at Savute Elephant Camp in 2026 and 2027. For all Savute Elephant Camp 2026 holidays and Savute Elephant Camp 2027 holidays you will have to call us for pricing.
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Reviews
If you are planning a Savute holiday at Savute Elephant Camp why not check reviews from other travellers who have recently returned from their holiday in Savute. Find hints and tips from real travellers who have experienced a Savute Elephant Camp holiday to ensure that your holiday in Savute Elephant Camp, Savute is as fulfilling as you want it to be. Many of the staff at Travel Concierge have visited Savute and will be able to give first hand information about Savute Elephant Camp. Call us now and get ideas and recommendations from our team of Savute experts.
Rating
205 Reviews
Average ratings
TripAdvisor Traveller reviews
Beluga4162
A first class winner!
I just reviewed The Eagle Lodge and mixed up the two properties. They are both unbelievable and should not be missed. The Eagle Island lodge had the very best massages that we ever experienced...
anguillatraveler123
A safari beyond expectations
Savute Elephant Lodge was one of two lodges that we visited when we were in Botswana. It was an exceptional experience. As frequent guests of one of Belmond's hotel, the staff at Savute had been in...
deborahp797
More than imagined
This is a wonderful Lodge, with a watering hole for 24 hour a day action, especially with elephants. For such a remote location, how they turn out the amazing, fresh pastries, is unbelievable...
