Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge

Warm safari hideout

In the evening, the Savute wilderness turns bright orange. While you sit on your private deck with a chilled bottle of African sauvignon blanc, you grab your binoculars. Black silhouettes of wild dogs and elephants contrast against the orange light, and all you hear is wildlife preparing for the night to come. Welcome to Belmond Savute Elephant Camp. In the heart of Chobe National Park, this lodge lies on the edge of the Savute Channel, surrounded by expansive savanna wilderness. Here you will find rustic sophistication, completely in tune with its surrounds. On top of the high density of elephants, prides of lions, leopards, wild dogs, buffalo and zebras, comes the genuine hospitality from the incredible staff at Belmond Savute Elephant Camp. Managers Jeroen and Kaitryn and their team will pamper you from the minute you arrive: culinary delights from chef Martin, your guide pulling you out of bed at 5.30 a.m. to share the wonders of the bush (trust us: you will be thankful later), dinners around the campfire or on your private deck – you will go from one suprise to the next at this lodge.

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge forms a cluster of twelve rooms raised on wooden platforms, oozing African charm. Each has an outdoor lounge and is shaded by a traditional thatch roof. Sink in your soft lounge chair on your private deck to enjoy the superb views, or softly swing in your hammocks during siestas. Your luxurious room includes a comfy four-poster bed complete with mosquito netting, lavishly appointed bathroom and dressing room, a fully-stocked minibar - for supreme sunset cocktails - and discreet air conditioning. Don’t miss out on taking an outdoor shower in the morning or evening; there is nothing like taking a shower surrounded by sheer wilderness. After any safari activity, al fresco meals are served in the main area. The spacious swimming pool is a great opportunity to cool down and take a nap along with the animals in the bush. Occasionally peek at the waterhole in front of you, to see like-minded elephants. Or use the spotting scope to keep an eye out for animals from comfortable central spaces.