Savute Elephant Lodge – Savute – Botswana

Everything you would expect from the Belmond group of hotels, a luxury safari escape in one of the finest wildlife areas of Botswana. The lodge blends contemporary luxury with classic safari flair, located along the renowned Savute Channel in the southern Chobe National Park.

The lodge has recently reopened after a complete rebuild, following environmentally conscious building methods, delivering sumptuous comfort with minimal environmental impact. The focus of the main lodge is the view out onto the famous Savute Channel, a magnet for animals in this often arid area. Now including a viewing hide at ground level, letting you get up close to the game as it comes to drink in front of the lodge.

Savute Elephant Camp has two sister lodges in Botswana, Khwai River Lodge and Eagle Island Lodge, which together make up a great Botswana circuit for the discerning traveller – ask us for details and specials.

Modern Safari Style

Savute Elephant Lodge offer 12 stylish tented rooms. Each rooms offers king size four-poster beds draped in mosquito netting for that classic safari feel. Large opulent bathrooms complement the rooms, which extend beyond onto large viewing shaded viewing decks. The rooms have air-conditioning to keep cool in the hottest months. Stocked in-room mini-bars help you while away the time between safari activities in added comfort.

If you want to be more social, head to the wonderful main deck with swimming pool and sun loungers with a dramatic view out onto the wilderness beyond, or head to the ground-level hide for the chance of some close encounters with visiting animals!

Savute Elephant Lodge Room

Safaris

The Chobe National Park is home to arguably the largest population of elephants anywhere in Africa, and the Savute Channel is a magnet for these great beasts, which are often found in large herds both on safari and while at the lodge. The area is also famous for its predators, with healthy populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs.

The second largest zebra migration in Africa passes through the area at certain times of year and is a great sight for those lucky enough to catch it….and of course the predators that come with such a migration!

Guests at Savute Elephant Lodge enjoy twice daily safaris in open 4×4 safari vehicles with highly trained guides. The drives take place early morning and late afternoon when the game is at its most active.

Savute Elephant Lodge game drive

A little extra…

Animals are not the only attraction in the area. This part of Botswana is home to some of the country’s finest ancient rock art, painted by the San Bushman more than 1,500 years ago. Visits to the rock art site are included in your stay. At the same time your guide will take you to the nearby “baobab grove”, home to 13 of these iconic arboreal giants, which some estimate are nearly as old as the rock art itself!

Savute Elephant Lodge Rock Art

Prices:

Contact us for the best rates for Savute Elephant Lodge

What’s included:

  • Accommodation

  • All meals

  • Selection of local drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic

  • Twice daily safaris with a choice of 4×4, walking or mokoro (subject to water levels) available.

  • Return airstrip transfers

  • Laundry

  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance

What’s Excluded:

  • Travel to and from the camp/airstrip

  • Select premium beverages and champagnes

  • Gratuities for camp staff and guides

  • Items of personal expense – i.e. spa treatments, telephone calls, curios purchases etc.

Wildlife highlights:

  • Elephant

  • Lion

  • Leopard

  • Wild dogs

  • Cheetah

When to visit:

  • January – March: Summer, characterised by hot days with frequent afternoon showers, these are generally the wettest months of the year. Great for migratory birds and many young animals around. This is not peak game viewing time, but offset by lower prices and the scenery is beautiful in green.

  • April – July: The rain abates and drier weaether prevails. The temperatures start dropping, with June and July the 2 coldest months of the year (very pleasant during the day, but can be very cold at night). As water starts becoming more scarce, more game starts congregating around the remaining water sources.

  • August – October: This is the peak dry season, temperatures are on the rise, peaking in October when it is very hot. This is undoubtedly the best time of the year for game viewing, and as such accommodation is at its most expensive and availability is extremely limited.

  • November – December: Return of the summer rains. Temperatures generally hot, with increasing chances of rain. This time also sees the return of many migratory birds. This is also the time when you may be lucky to catch the second largest zebra migration in Africa as the herds move south following the rains.

  • Savute Elephant Lodge is in an area that experiences malaria – please consult your doctor regarding anti-malaria prophylactics.

Weather:

  • January – Average High 33ºC (91ºF) / Average Low 20ºC (68ºF) / Average days with rain 12

  • April – Average High 31ºC (88ºF) / Average Low 16ºC (61ºF) / Average days with rain 2

  • July – Average High 26ºC (79ºF) / Average Low 8ºC (46ºF) / Average days with rain 0

  • October – Average High 36ºC (97ºF) / Average Low 20ºC (68ºF) / Average days with rain 2