Savute Elephant Lodge

Savute Elephant Lodge, set in Botswana’s renowned Chobe National Park, lies at the heart of the Savute region — famous for its remarkable wildlife and dramatic scenery. The area hosts one of Africa’s largest elephant populations, with herds frequently visiting the lodge’s watering hole. Two dominant lion prides, along with leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, and wild dogs, make this one of Botswana’s most dynamic predator zones.

Between December and April, the region becomes the stage for Africa’s second-largest zebra migration, drawing thousands of zebras, and the predators that follow them. Beyond large mammals, Savute supports diverse herbivores like kudu and roan antelope, and more than 450 bird species, making it a paradise for photographers and birdwatchers.

The lodge offers twelve elevated luxury tented rooms with private decks, indoor and outdoor showers, and panoramic views. A unique wildlife hide overlooks the watering hole, while facilities include a swimming pool, open-air dining areas, a spa tent, curio shop, and library.

Guests can enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, birdwatching, visits to San Bushmen rock paintings, and stargazing under the African night sky. Family-friendly activities cater to children aged six and above.

Powered by solar energy and built with sustainable materials, Savute Elephant Lodge combines luxury with responsibility. It’s easily accessible by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane, offering a seamless gateway to one of Africa’s most wildlife-rich landscapes.

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Wildlife

Hosts the largest concentration of African elephants globally, frequently observed in large, social herds.
Supports significant lion populations, including the Marsh Pride and Northern Pride, noted for their size and territorial behaviour.
Predators such as leopards, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs inhabit the area.
The second-largest zebra migration in Africa passes through, with zebras calving and grazing on fresh grasses seasonally.
Diverse ungulates include buffalo, roan and sable antelope, kudu, and impala.
Over 450 bird species have been recorded, including raptors like bateleur and martial eagles, African fish eagles, herons, and large quelea flocks.
Rich nocturnal fauna includes civets, genets, and various owl species.

Game Drives

Morning and afternoon drives in open safari vehicles.
Game drives are led by experienced, knowledgeable guides with expert tracking skills.
Each game drive usually lasts around 3 to 4 hours.
To ensure maximum comfort for guests, game drive vehicle capacity is a 6-seater.

Activities & facilities

Morning and afternoon game drives
Visit to ancient San Bushmen rock paintings
Excursions to baobab tree groves
Birdwatching
Sundowners in Savute sand dunes
Stargazing sessions with telescopes
Guided spoor identification and bushcraft lessons
Dining tent, bar, and lounge
Swimming pool
Spa
Wildlife viewing hide
Curio shop
Library and TV lounge

Highlights

Located in Botswana’s Savute region within Chobe National Park, known for its rich wildlife.
Hosts one of Africa’s largest elephant populations.
Africa’s second-largest zebra migration passes through between December and April.
Permanent water sources like the Savute Channel and Chobe River floodplains create vital wildlife congregating points, ideal for observing predator-prey interactions.
Twelve luxury tented rooms with private decks, indoor/outdoor showers, and panoramic views.
Wildlife-viewing hide overlooks the watering hole for close-up encounters.
Outstanding game drives and unique San Bushmen painting visits.
Family-friendly with programmes for children aged six and above.

Location

Savute Elephant Lodge is located in the south-west region of Chobe National Park, Botswana, in the heart of the Savute area.
The lodge is situated on the banks of the Savute Channel.

Getting There

The best way to get to Savute Elephant Lodge is to fly from Johannesburg to Maun or Kasane, followed by a flight via light aircraft to the Savute Airstrip.
Flight time from Johannesburg to Maun/Kasane: 1 hour 50 minutes.
Flight time from Maun to Savute Airstrip: 90 minutes.
Flight time from Kasane to Savute Airstrip: 60 minutes.
Inter-camp air transfer options are also available.

Special Offers

Our ‘Pay 3 Stay 4’ offer is valid between 07 January – 31 March & 15 November – 15 December.
Our ‘Pay 5 Stay 5’ offer is valid between 01 April – 31 May & 01 October – 14 November.
Our ‘Pay 5 Stay 6’ offer is valid between 01 June 2026 – 30 September.
Honeymoon: One partner enjoys 50% off their stay, plus extras (min 4 night stay).
Honeymoon offer is valid between 07 January – 31 June & 01 September – 15 December.
Extended package offers are availbe with other Belmond properties including Eagle Island Lodge (Okavango Delta) and at the Mount Nelson Hotel (Cape Town).

Child Policy

Savute Elephant Lodge welcomes children from 6 years old.
Children under 6 may be accepted on special request only.
Children aged between 6 and 16 years must share a room with an adult.
Children 6-11 years pay 50% of the adult sharing rate for Green and Shoulder Seasons.
Children 6-11 years pay 75% of the adult sharing rate for High and Peak Seasons.
Triple suites can accommodate 2 adults sharing with 1 child.
Guests with children aged 6 to 12 years will be required to book a private vehicle.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included: Game drives, seasonal boating, fishing (catch and release), all meals, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and laundry services.
Excluded: Premium brand drinks and anything of personal nature.

Rates

The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
Rates are charged per person, per night.
Single supplement of 50% applicable.
There is no single supplement in low/green season.
Rates displayed are valid until 02 January 2027.

Seasons

Peak season: 24 December – 02 January
High season: 01 June – 30 September
Mid season: 01 April – 31 May & 01 October – 14 November
Low season: 07 January – 31 March & 15 November – 23 December

Your Safari, Expertly Curated

Our dedicated travel specialists craft seamless, tailor-made journeys – every detail designed around you.

Deluxe Tented Room

Twelve tented rooms are raised on wooden platforms beneath a traditional African thatch roof, allowing panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Read more Private decks include a large daybed and seating for wildlife observation or private dining. Interiors feature a four-poster bed, a lounging sofa, and en-suite bathroom with both an indoor space and a large outdoor shower. Read Less