In the heart of the Chobe National Park, sometimes referred to as the elephant capital of the world, is the Savute – an area that personifies the eternal contrast of Africa.

Where our other two camps celebrate water and lush vegetation, Savute is an objective lesson in aridity. Rain is rare and water is precious. You will find yourself in harmony with a uniquely timeless place, removed from city life. In Savute, you realise that precious little has changed on these dry plains since time began. The realisation dawns that you are fortunate and privileged to be in one of the last corners of the planet governed by nature.

Perched on the former banks of the now dry Savute Channel, the camp offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the elephant in their natural habitat, with an adjacent water hole just metres away from the camps main building, the impressions created at Savute will last forever.

The Savute is a dramatic area to see high concentrations of elephant and lions. Prides up to 40 strong are not uncommon as are sightings of all the other major predators; the endangered wild dog, leopard, cheetah and the hyena. Savute is also renowned for its excellent birding during the summer months (December through March), as well as being home to some very rare rock paintings drawn by the early San Bushmen, who once inhabited the region.

As this camp is situated in the Chobe National Park, park regulations prohibit night drives and walking, however, game viewing activities are offered in the morning and late afternoons in our open safari game viewing vehicles. All the tents, public areas and swimming pool overlook the adjacent water hole so it is not uncommon to see a wide variety of birds and animals from the privacy of your own tent. Savute also offers a “Boma” or “place of eating” where guests can enjoy a traditional alfresco dining experience while being entertained by our members of staff.

Situated in the arid Savute area, Savute Elephant Camp offers an oasis type setting in complete luxury. All luxury tents are housed on raised wooden platforms, offering great views, and shaded by a traditional African thatch roof. The large private decks are furnished with easy chairs and a hammock, ideal for viewing wildlife, or for enjoying a private dinner in complete privacy. The tent interiors are luxuriously appointed with such comforts as an en suite bathroom, private fully stocked mini bar, four poster bed complete with mosquito netting, as well as a discreet air conditioning.

The 12 twin-bedded luxury canvas tents, recently placed under thatch, that are perfectly suited to the desert air feature lavishly appointed ensuite bathrooms and dressing areas.

They also have private viewing decks and comfortable outdoor lounges overlooking the Channel.

For your convenience, in-room safes are provided for the safekeeping of all cash, travel documents and other articles.

Facilities include:

• Individual gas geysers
• ‘His and hers’ vanity unit
• Private viewing deck
• Outside lounge, with hammock and ceiling fan
• Electric heaters
• Air conditioning
• Private outdoor showers
• Mini-bars
• In-room safes
• Hairdryers
• Electric overhead fan (24-hour use)
• 110v/220v plugs for an electric razor
• Facilities for charging video cameras
• 24 hour DC battery lighting in guest rooms
• Intercom system to reception

Savute Elephant Camp promises outstanding game viewing without having to leave the confines of the camp itself, so prevalent is the wildlife around the water hole. When you do venture out, in open 4×4 vehicles, then there are excellent opportunities to see wildlife on the now dry Savute Marsh, which is also home to the Zebra migration during the months of February and October. In addition to the game drives, excursions can be arranged to see the historic San rock paintings in the hills or the ancient Gametrackers Baobabs.

Our camp offers game viewing activities in the morning and late afternoons. These activities take place on our safari viewing vehicle, designed for your comfort and safety. Activities are restricted to set regulations as the camp is within a national park.

Bird watching at Savute Elephant Camp

Savute Elephant Camp is based on the edge of the Savute Marsh and of the three camps is the driest. Primarily a desert habitat this area abounds with desert and savannah birds. On the Marsh one can find the largest flying birds in great numbers – Kori Bustard, Ground Hornbills, Ostrich and Northern Black Orhaan

This area also abounds with LBJ’s – Ayers, Desert Cisticolas and a large number of Pipits and Larks. This is also one of the few places to view the Bradfield’s Hornbill which is also a true desert Species. More than 250 birds species are found at Savute and most of them are endemic to the area. Summer is a wonderful time to visit as it is lush and green and the area abounds with all the summer migrants as they follow the Rift Valley south. Savute is also well renowned for its elephant and lion populations and can often add to the experience and memories of a trip to this area.