Savute Elephant Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana

Savute Elephant Lodge offers more than a safari; it is a profound immersion into the soul of Africa. Here, you don't just observe the wild—you live within its pulse. Imagine waking to the distant, rumbling conversation of the very elephant herds that give this lodge its name, their massive, gentle forms congregating at the waterhole right below your private, thatched sanctuary.
This is a place of primal beauty and absolute luxury, where the boundary between your exquisite comfort and the raw wilderness dissolves. The legendary Savute Channel—a ghost river that unpredictably flows and fades—is your view, setting the stage for life’s grandest drama. From the soft linen of your bed to the edge of the infinity pool, the scene is always set: a lioness on the hunt, the vibrant rush of carmine bee-eaters, or a sky so dense with stars it feels close enough to touch. Surrender to this unique Belmond haven, and leave feeling fundamentally reconnected to the wild heart beating inside us all.
This is not just a safari; it is a pilgrimage to a land reborn. For decades, the Savute Channel was a ghost river—a ribbon of sand crossing the Last Great Thirstland, dictating life and death for the giants of Chobe. Then, inexplicably, miraculously, the waters returned.
From your intimate, luxurious haven at Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, you gain the privilege of witnessing this resurrection. Your suite’s deck becomes a front-row seat to one of nature’s most profound spectacles. Watch the water breathe life back into the parched earth as enormous elephant herds arrive—not just to drink, but to celebrate. Feel the emotional weight of this survival story, seeing predators and prey alike drawn to this life-giving flow.
The air hums with the energy of this renewal. To stay here is to be part of the mystery, cradled in exquisite comfort while surrounded by the raw, compelling beauty of nature's greatest miracle. It is an unforgettable connection to the resilience of the wild.
The Eye-Level Viewing Hide
A uniquely positioned, subterranean hide built at the water's edge in front of the lodge. It provides thrilling, intimate, eye-level views of elephants, lions, hyenas, and other game as they drink.
San Bushman Rock Paintings & Baobab Grove
Guided excursion to the nearby Gubatsa Hills to view ancient, well-preserved rock art by the San people (over 1,500 years old), followed by a visit to a magnificent, cathedral-like cluster of giant Baobab trees.
Boma Dinner Ritual
An unforgettable evening experience featuring a traditional, open-air Boma setting. Guests enjoy tender, barbecued African specialties and fine wine under the vast night sky, often accompanied by traditional song and dance.
Zebra Migration Safari (Seasonal)
Expertly guided full-day safaris to witness Southern Africa’s second-largest zebra migration as the herds move across the Savute Marsh and Mababe Depression.
Stargazing Mythology
With minimal light pollution, the guides use powerful telescopes to showcase the spectacular African night sky and share the celestial myths and navigation techniques of the local Bushmen.
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Luxury Tented Suites
12 elevated, air-conditioned luxury tents with thatched roofs. Each features a four-poster bed, indoor/outdoor shower, and a private deck with a daybed for personal game viewing.
The Infinity Pool
A spacious, 20-meter swimming pool on a raised deck, offering magnificent, uninterrupted views over the Savute Channel and the waterhole below.
The Spa Tent
A serene, individual spa tent at the edge of the lodge offering holistic treatments using organic, South African TheraNaka products, often with the sounds of the bush as a backdrop.
Waterhole Location
The lodge's position overlooking a permanent waterhole guarantees extraordinary and constant game viewing right from the main area, dining deck, and pool.
Sustainability Focus
An eco-conscious lodge with sustainable design features, including a solar grid system, demonstrating Belmond's commitment to the pristine environment.
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