The Savute Elephant Camp was the first of Gametracker's camps and it is situated close to the Savute Safari Lodge. (Note that 'Savute' is often spelled as 'Savuti' – and loking back at the history, we at Expert Africa view 'Savuti' as probably more correct!)
The main area at Savute Elephant Camp has a huge canvas roof with open sides. It includes a bar, a lounge, and a dining area. Apart from that, Savute offers a unique dining in a 'Boma', a traditional meeting place. But it is also possible to have private dining on your tent deck.
The Savute Elephant Camp also offers a reference library of books, videos and audio-visual facilities. Additionally, there is a curio shops with local art and craft objects
Around the central area of Savute Camp you will find a veranda overlooking the large swimming pool, which itself overlooks a pumped waterhole in the Savuti Channel. Visiting at the height of the dry season, it might give you an awkward feel, wallowing in the pool whilst stressed elephants argue over precious gulps of muddy water below you.
All the luxury tents are built on a large, raised platform of wooden decking about 18m long and 6m across offering great views. Although, 'tents' is really far too flimsy a word for the guest accommodation at the Elephant Camp.
Inside, the tents at Savute Elephant are fully furnished with polished wooden floor and proper, comfy chairs a writing desk, some solid stylish furnishing and a mini bar. The two adjacent three-quarter size beds are under a walk-in mosquito net, with plenty of walking space around. Outside are large private decks furnished with easy chairs and a hammock, ideal for viewing wildlife as you overlook the bottom of the Savuti Channel from quite a height.
Above the head of the bed, facing over it, are two air-conditioning units. These augment the large ceiling fan in the centre of the room, which can be used all day and night – as can the room's lights (which run on a 12V system). Savuti will often drop below freezing on winter nights, so if you get cold then there's a radiator to help take the chill off the enormous room!
Behind the reverse of the wooden headboard reveals a place for suitcases, a wardrobe with a clothes rail, and an in-room safe. The bathroom has twin basins, several large mirrors and acres of hardwood surrounds. Through polished hardwood doors you'll find separate rooms for a large shower and the flush toilet. Outside there is also an outdoor shower.
The lodge puts great emphasis the quality of the food and accommodation, which are both high, and it's very similar indeed to its sister-camp, the Khwai River Lodge. Activities at Savuti Elephant Camp concentrate on 4WD game drives during the day. (Note that night drives and driving off-road are not allowed in Chobe.) It also has a small hide nearby, and will arrange visits to local bushman paintings on request.
Lodge overview
Lodge type: Safari
No. of bedrooms: 12 luxury tents
Season: Open Year Round
Ideal length of stay: 2-3 days would be typical, in combination with some of the other safari camps in northern Botswana.
Directions: Savute Elephant Camp 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
Key personnel
Owner: Orient-Express Safaris
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Dining style: Inidividual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Children
Age restrictions: Children of 8 years and older are welcome at the camp
Notes: Children aged between 8-12 years are advised to share accommodation with an adult and take private game activities. All children will need to be constantly and closely supervised by their parents.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator - 110v/220v plugs and adaptors for electric razors, digital cameras and laptop computers are available for the tents, and usually on all the time.
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Extras
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included.
Savute Elephant Camp review
Incredible site (loved watching the elephants from our porch).
First guide - Phillip was unfriendly and rushed. They were accomodating to our request for a switch. Second guide - Axe was lovely. To...
We want you to understand more about Savute Elephant Camp. We're also confident that a trip there with us cost you the same or less than booking it any other way, even directly. So follow the links below.
