Savute Elephant Lodge: Our full report
One of the most luxurious lodges in northern Botswana, Savute Elephant Lodge (formerly known as Savute Elephant ...
... Camp) is situated within the Chobe National Park, on the banks of the now-flowing Savuti Channel – close to the north end of the Savuti Marsh. The camp is positioned to take advantage of great views across the channel as elephants come down to drink in the late afternoonTogether with its sister camps Eagle Island Lodge and Khwai River Lodge Savute Elephant Lodge has perhaps more modern comforts than any other lodge in this region. (Note that ‘Savute’ is often spelled ‘Savuti’, which – looking back at the history – we at Expert Africa view as probably more correct!)
The main area at Savute Elephant Lodge has a huge canvas roof with open sides. It includes a bar, a lounge, and a dining area. Evening meals are sometimes served in the ‘boma’, or traditional meeting place, where the chef will cook on an open fire. It is also possible to have private dining organised on your own private deck. On our last visit in October 2012 we were really impressed by the friendly staff and efficient service.
Savute Elephant Lodge also offers a reference library of books, videos and audio-visual material. There is WiFi throughout and there is also satellite TV available, although this is discretely hidden away when not in use. Additionally, there is a curio shop with local arts and crafts for sale.
In front of the central area a veranda surrounds the large swimming pool, which itself overlooks the Savuti Channel – a bonus in some ways, although when the Savuti Channel is low (particularly around October time) it’s hard not to feel guilty wallowing in the pool whilst stressed elephants argue over precious gulps of muddy water below.
Accommodation consists of 12 luxury tented rooms ('tents' is far too flimsy a word for the guest accommodation at Elephant Lodge!). These are built on large, raised wooden platforms about 18m long and 6m across, with great views over the Savuti Channel below. Large, private decks kitted out with sala beds, a couple of chairs and a table make a great spot for viewing wildlife.
Inside each tent, you’ll be met with polished wooden floors and solid, stylish furnishings, including comfortable chairs and a writing desk. The two adjacent three-quarter size beds are under a walk-in mosquito net, with plenty of space around. Over the bed an air-conditioning unit augments the large ceiling fan which, like the room’s lights, can be used day and night. There's even a radiator to help take the chill out of the enormous room on winter nights, when the temperature at Savuti will often drop below freezing!
Each tent also has a minibar, as well as an internal phone so that you can order drinks – or inform your guide that you are ready to be collected for dinner (guests walking to the main area from their tents at night must be accompanied by a guide or manager).
On the reverse side of the wooden headboard is a space for luggage, a wardrobe, and an in-room safe. Hardwood surrounds define the bathroom, which has twin basins, several large mirrors and – through polished hardwood doors – separate rooms for a large shower and a flush toilet. Outside there is also a vast outdoors shower.
Activities at Savuti Elephant Lodge concentrate on 4WD game drives during the day (though note that night drives, walking and driving off-road are not allowed in Chobe National Park). In addition, it is possible to organise a visit to see Bushman paintings, which we think is well worth considering.
Our view
With a friendly and helpful team, and substantial, luxurious rooms featuring air conditioning, satellite TV and WiFi, Savute Elephant Lodge can make a great choice for those who like their creature comforts. The nearby ‘Savuti Marsh’ area offers fantastic game viewing, albeit within the strict rules governing drives in the national park. However, safari purists are likely to feel that the camp’s construction and comforts detract from their connection with the surrounding natural environment, and hence their safari experience.
Country manager: Botswana
Geographics
- Location
- Chobe National Park, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- A stay of 2-3 nights would be typical, in combination with some of the other safari camps in northern Botswana.
- Directions
- Savute Elephant Lodge is normally reached by a short light-aircraft flight from either Maun or Kasane – or one of the other safari camps in northern Botswana.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- When we last visited Savute Elephant Lodge in October 2012 the food was delicious and of a very high quality, with plenty of variety.
Unusually for a safari lodge the options are presented on a menu.
For brunch these included:- a traditional cooked breakfast of eggs to order, bacon, pork sausage, baked beans and fried tomatoes with toast
- omelette with a choice of fillings including ham, cheese, tomato, onion, mushrooms or peppadews
- English muffins with smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and dill sauce
We were fortunate enough to be in camp for the traditional boma dinner, all cooked on an open fire and a barbecue. This included Botswanan dishes such as papa (maize meal – the local staple food), seswa (shredded beef) and morogo (similar to spinach), as well as more regional braai fare – steaks and boerewors (beef sausage). This was all accompanied by delicious salads. Eating in the boma was a really sociable experience too! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Dinner can be requested on your own private deck in front of your tent.
- Drinks included
- Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of 8 years and older are welcome at Savute Elephant Lodge. Younger children are not accommodated. Children aged 8–12 years are advised to share accommodation with an adult and take private game activities.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No children under 8 years of age.
- Special activities & services
- None
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- No children under 8 years of age.
- Notes
- All children will need to be constantly and closely supervised by their parents.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Savute Elephant Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Savute Elephant Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
- While there are phones in each of the rooms, these are for internal use only and there is no outside line. There is no cellphone reception, either, but free WiFi is available throughout the main area.
- TV & radio
- A TV kept discretely in the main area receives a number of satellite channels.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There are trained first-aiders on site and for serious incidents there’s a medical air-evacuation system in place. Please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to and from their rooms after dark as dangerous wildlife is known to wander through the camp. A thorough safety briefing is given on arrival. A telephone in each tent is available to summon help in case of a medical emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers around camp and fire assembly points are identified to guests on induction to the camp when they first arrive.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Helicopter
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included.
- Money
- No exchange facilities are offered at Savute Elephant Lodge. There are small safes in all the rooms, as well as a larger one in the office if required.
- Accepted payment on location
- MasterCard and Visa credit cards are accepted; Diners and Amex are not. Cash in the form of South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula is accepted.
Other lodges in Chobe National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Muchenje Safari Lodge
One of our favourites in the area, Muchenje is a small, welcoming lodge at the quieter, western end of the Chobe Riverfront.
Chobe River Lodge
Overlooking the Chobe River, the intimate Chobe River Lodge is a haven of tranquillity away from the bustle of Kasane.
Savute Safari Lodge
Savute Safari Lodge sits on the banks of the Savuti Channel within Chobe National Park, and offers access to excellent game viewing, especially during the dry season.
Savute Under Canvas
A mobile camp with the comforts of a semi-permanent tented camp, Savute Under Canvas offers guided game drives within the Savuti region of Chobe National Park.
Chobe Elephant Camp
Located in one of our favorite areas of Chobe National Park, Chobe Elephant Camp is a simple but well-appointed camp with a strong bush feel.
Chobe Under Canvas
This is a typical location for Chobe under Canvas, a small, semi-permanent camp in the Chobe Riverfront area that offers good value for money and high standards of care.
Chobe Safari Lodge
Chobe Safari Lodge is a good value, hotel-style lodge in the heart of Kasane offering game drives, boat cruises and fishing trips.
Chobe Game Lodge
Chobe Game Lodge occupies an enviable riverfront location within Chobe National Park and boasts well-earned 'eco' credentials, as well as an excellent all-female guiding team.
Ngoma Safari Lodge
With sweeping views across the floodplains of the Chobe River, Ngoma offers superb food and flexible safari activities.
Chobe Chilwero
On the periphery of Chobe National Park, Chobe Chilwero offers luxurious surroundings and excellent food, which complement superb game viewing on game drives and boat trips.
Camp Kuzuma
Camp Kuzuma sits in the Kazuma Forest Reserve and is an excellent place to see elephant in particular. Away from the busier riverfront area of Chobe National Park this camp offers a luxurious base form which to explore this less visited region of northern Botswana.
Elephant Valley Lodge
Elephant Valley Lodge is a lovely camp in a beautiful setting – sit in its hide and watch the wildlife come to drink at the waterhole. Activities focus on boating and drives in Chobe which - although very busy, and a long drive from the lodge – is very rich in wildlife.
