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Savute Elephant Camp


5 STAR LODGE IN BOTSWANA
SAVUTE ELEPHANT CAMP, BOTSWANA

Savute Elephant Camp is nestled within the very heart of Botswana's spectacular Chobe National Park. This area is fondly referred to as the elephant capital of the world, and truly represents the mosaic that is this beautiful country.

Chobe National Park offers 3 gorgeous camps, of which Savute Elephant Camp is one. While the other two camps boast lush, green vegetation and impressive waterways, Savute Elephant Camp displays the peculiar beauty of dry, barren wilderness. Water is a rarity and has come to be appreciated by the resident wildlife. This raw environment is a unique glimpse into the prehistoric world of yesteryear, where the essence of the wild pervades, and humans are guests.

Savute Elephant Camp is located on the banks of Savute Channel; a once-gushing waterway that has since dried up. Because water is scarce, the watering hole that lies just metres from the camp's main building is a popular oasis for herds of grand elephants, whose footsteps barely break the resounding silence of the African bush.
Along with elephants, prides of up to 40 lions strut among various other fascinating species like the endangered wild dog, leopard, cheetah and hyena. The impressive range of birdlife comes to life particularly during the summer months (which extend from December to March). Another popular feature of the area is the precious rock paintings, 'penned' by the San Bushmen who used to roam these plains in harmony with the wild animals.

Because Savute Elephant Camp is situated right within Chobe National Park, night drives and walking are prohibited, in line with the park's rules. Game drives are conducted in open safari vehicles in the morning and again in the late afternoons.

The spectacular water hole is visible from the all of the Savute tents, the guests' public areas and the crystal-blue swimming pool. This means that guests are able to observe the exquisite birds and animals from the comfort of each tent. Savute's "Boma" (which means "place of eating") offers a venue for guests to enjoy a traditional alfresco meal, while being entertained by our members of staff.

Accommodation

Experience luxurious accommodation at Savute Elephant Camp - a retreat in the midst of the arid wilderness. Each of the luxury tents is perched atop wooden platforms, and boasts thatch roofs, incredible views, en-suite bathrooms, mini bar (fully stocked), four poster bed with mosquito nets and comfortable air-conditioning. The 12 twin-bedded tents are equally luxurious. These lavish amenities combine to ensure that accommodation at Savute Elephant Camp is a real treat.

The deck is furnished with large comfy chairs and an indulgent hammock; the perfect venue for a romantic dinner, private game viewing, or simply enjoying cocktails while overlooking the Channel.

Additional convenient amenities include in-room safes, individual gas geysers, 'his and hers' vanity unit, electric heaters, and air-conditioning. The private outdoor shower is a treat for the hot, dusty traveller.

For guests who value the creature comforts, Savute Elephant Camp also provides hair dryers, electric overhead fan (24 hour use), 110v/220v plugs for electric razor, facilities for charging video cameras, 24-hour DC battery lighting in guest rooms and an intercom system to reception.

Facilities

Savute Elephant Camp has ensured that guests are able to relax within a serene and comfortable environment. A heated swimming pool has been dug into the riverbed for a real African swim. The Boma enables diners to enjoy their meals under cover right in the heart of the Botswana bushveld. The private outdoor leisure area ensures that guests - young or old - are able to relax in comfortable surrounds.

Additional facilities include:
  • Illuminated pathways
  • Slide projector and screen
  • Satellite phones on request
  • Telescopes
  • Laundry
  • Curio shops
  • Reference library
  • First aid kit
  • VHF radio communications plus 24 hour emergency facilities
  • Environmental flora and fauna check lists, talks and lectures
  • Emergency medical evacuation service
Savute Elephant Camp guests are met at Maun Airport by a Gametrackers' representative. From here, they are escorted onto light aircraft, which delivers them to the Savute Airstrip.

Airport transfers are available to guests in order to transport them to and from hotels, which is particularly convenient for guests overnighting in Maun. In addition, all flights via Air Botswana and Air Namibia are automatically reconfirmed by Savute Elephant Camp staff.

Savute Elephant Camp offers a choice of dining options. Guests are invited to relax in the comfortable covered dining room and lounge area, with a fully-stocked bar.

Alternatively, we invite you to enjoy the formal seating area around the camp fire and dine under the stars.

Meals available include:
  • Early breakfast (served at about 6am)
  • Light brunch (served at about 11am)
  • Light snacks, tea and coffee on morning activity
  • Afternoon tea (served at about 4pm)
  • Drinks and snacks on afternoon activity
  • Dinner (served at about 8pm)
Dinner Under the Stars - The Savute Boma

Enjoy a memorable meal in the African bushveld in a traditional Boma, which is a meeting place. A Boma is traditionally the venue for senior community members to meet and discuss important issues. Here, traditional meals were enjoyed while, at this particular venue, gorgeous views of the high African sky, Camel Thorn trees and Acacia nigrescens offer a welcome diversion from the important matters being discussed. The Boma has a main entrance, as well as a secret entrance for the safe entrance of the elders and chief. Being part of this compelling African experience lends an authenticity to your stay in Botswana.

While guests are welcome to drink the tap water at Savute Elephant Camp, the mini bar is fully stocked with cooldrinks, mineral waters, etc...and can be found in each tent.

Activities

Camp Activities

Enthralling game drives in open 4x4 vehicles are enjoyed right within the confines of Savute Elephant Camp and promises an abundance of our wild residents, particularly around the watering hole. The Savute March, which has dried up over the years, is another game-rich area and hosts the zebra migration during February and again in October each year.

Other daytime excursions include trips to the hills to see the historic San rock paintings, or to the ancient Gametrackers Baobabs.

Game is best viewed early in the mornings, or late in the afternoons (dusk). Conducted tours at these times are in our comfy safari vehicles. There are restrictions on the activities, based on the laws of the greater Chobe National Park.

Bird watching at Savute Elephant Camp

Savute Elephant Camp is the driest of the three camps in the area, and is perched on the banks of the dried-up Savute Marsh. As such, over 250 species of desert and savannah birds soar above the parched ground in an exquisite display. On the Marsh live extensive flocks of the largest flying birds - Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbills, Ostrich and Northern Black Orhaan.

In addition, Savute is home to LBJ's - Ayers, Desert Cisticolas, Pipits and Larks. The desert-bound Bradfield's Hornbill offers a rare sighting for the birding enthusiasts. Many of these birds are endemic to this area.

Summer is an ideal time to view the vast array of our bird residents as the summer migrants follow the Rift Valley south. Summer is also the greenest period for the area.

All the while, Savute's elephant and lion tenants roam freely and provide fantastic opportunities for a real wildlife experience.

The Area

Savute Elephant Camp is nestled within the greater Chobe National Park, where stark wilderness is juxtaposed by lush savannah greenery, overlooked by imposing rock. The Channel has dried up completely and is reminiscent of a long-ago time when a life-giving torrent gushed through the area.

The Savute area undergoes distinct wet and dry cycles, which determine the type of wildlife in the area at any time. The drying up of the Savute Channel has also had a key effect on the types of animals who now occupy these plains. The African wild dogs now hunt in the channel where, previously, crocodiles once waded. Leopard and Klipspringer find shelter in the Gubatsa Hills, where rock paintings of ancient mankind indicate the range of wildlife that once existed.

During the dry season, bull elephants, antelope, black-backed jackal, bat-eared foxes, tsessebe, kudu, impala and ostrich and lion amble around half-empty pans and permanent watering holes. In summer, the rains mean that vegetation is lush and abounding. Summer is also the migration period for thousands of zebra, who are joined by large herds of wildebeest and Cape Buffalo, who all congregate in the vicinity of the marsh. This, in turn, attracts the predators, including lion, cheetah and hyena. The existing bird population of over 250 species is exploded during these summer months, and sightings usually include Carmine Bee-eaters, Kori Bustards and Red-crested Korhaans.