Savute Elephant Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana5

Savute Elephant Lodge, part of the Belmond collection, offers guests a rare chance to immerse themselves in the heart of Botswana’s wilderness while enjoying an uncompromising level of luxury. The hotel’s standout feature is a permanent waterhole directly in front of the terraces, where hundreds of elephants, lions, hyenas and other savannah inhabitants gather daily. Guests unanimously praise the unparalleled warmth and professionalism of the staff, always ready to help even in unforeseen situations beyond the lodge. This place creates an atmosphere of seclusion and genuine care, turning a classic safari into an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.

Key Observations

Fantastic waterhole: Guests enthusiastically describe the chance to watch hundreds of elephants, buffalo and predators just a few metres from their own terraces and from a dedicated viewing hide.

Outstanding guides: The professionalism of the local guides — reviews single out Jay-Ara (JR), Obi, Richard, Robert and Goms — exceeds all expectations; their tracking skills make sightings of rare cats, including leopards and lions on the hunt, a regular occurrence.

Remarkable acts of kindness: Reviews from October 2026 and September 2019 recount how lodge staff selflessly rescued unrelated tourists stranded in the bush after vehicle breakdowns, surrounding them with care, food and warm blankets.

Eco-conscious design and modern technology: A powerful solar farm underscores the hotel’s commitment to protecting the Chobe ecosystem while maintaining all the comforts of civilisation.

Main Pros

• Unique location right on the banks of the Savuti Channel with round-the-clock wildlife viewing at the water’s edge.
• Spacious, elegant luxury tents raised on bamboo platforms, complete with air conditioning and lavish bathrooms.
• An all-inclusive concept covering premium dining, all drinks (including an excellent wine list and cocktails by barman Zaza) and daily laundry.
• A warm welcome with songs and dances from staff who instantly remember every guest by name.
• A high-end spa tent where therapist Kenny delivers genuine relaxation after action-packed game drives.

Main Cons

• A handful of past guest reviews noted inconsistency in the quality of a few dishes, though the vast majority of recent feedback calls the cuisine superb.
• The high price point makes the lodge accessible only to the premium segment of travellers.
• The lodge grounds are enclosed by a fence and electric barriers for safety, which may initially give a deceptive “zoo-like” impression that quickly dissolves upon closer encounters with wildlife.

Overall Grade: A+

Hotel Overview

Basic Information:

• Name – Savute Elephant Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana
• Address – Chobe National Park, Chobe District, Botswana
• Number of Rooms – 12 luxury tents
• Positioning & Category – Ultra-luxury eco-safari lodge

Description: The lodge is an exclusive collection of 12 luxury tented suites set on raised wooden platforms. The interiors harmoniously blend authentic African style with modern comfort: guests find canopy beds, air conditioning, minibars and spacious bathrooms. The overarching concept is an eco-sensitive fusion with nature without harming the ecosystem, which is why the hotel is entirely powered by its own solar farm. All core services, including twice-daily game drives, meals, drinks and laundry, are included in the rate.

Target Audience: Affluent wildlife enthusiasts, honeymooners seeking seclusion and romance, and anyone who values an authentic safari paired with flawless world-class service.

Location & Transport

Location: The hotel sits in a remote, wild corner of Chobe National Park in northern Botswana. It’s a secluded area famous for having one of the highest concentrations of predators and elephants in Africa.

Key Points of Interest: The lodge is positioned directly on the banks of the ancient Savuti Channel. Very close by are rock formations adorned with San Bushman paintings that are more than 2,000 years old.

Transport: Access to the lodge is mostly by light aircraft via its own dirt airstrip and helipad.

Walkability: Walking beyond the lodge perimeter is strictly prohibited due to the abundance of wildlife; all movement takes place in custom-built safari vehicles accompanied by armed guides.

Grade: A+

Rooms & Cleanliness

The 50 sq m tents are designed to give guests a sense of complete immersion in the wild bush. Inside, canopy beds take centre stage, efficient air conditioning operates (a rarity in such a remote location), and bathrooms come with all modern comforts, including a constant supply of hot water. Guests highlight immaculate cleanliness, regular housekeeping and quality linens. Windows and terraces face the waterhole, making it possible to fall asleep to the roar of lions and wake to the trumpeting of elephants.

Grade: A

Service

Belmond’s brand of hospitality is expressed in the smallest details, from a traditional musical welcome to the ability of the team to remember every guest’s name from day one. Service is warm, genuine and professional. Guides demonstrate phenomenal wildlife knowledge and tracking skills, ensuring both safety and a rich density of memorable animal encounters. Guests give special thanks to management for their attentiveness and for resolving any practical or logistical issue instantly.

Grade: A+

Dining

The culinary experience at the lodge meets the standards of the world’s finest restaurants. Lunches and dinners on the open terrace, with impala strolling past, turn into gastronomic theatre. Led by head chef Lapu, the kitchen creates refined dishes from fresh ingredients, while barman Zaza is renowned for his signature cocktails and excellent knowledge of the wine list. All food and drinks are included, and one evening guests are treated to an unforgettable campfire dinner with songs and dances from the staff.

Grade: A

Facilities & Amenities

Guests have access to a cosy shared lounge, a pool overlooking the waterhole — perfect for a midday cool-down while watching elephants bathe — and a spa tent staffed by professional therapists. An on-site laundry service is included in the stay. A hidden lookout hide near the waterhole deserves special mention, allowing safe photography of wildlife from the closest distances. Wi-Fi is available, though speeds are constrained by the remote location.

Grade: A

Important Notes

• The lodge lies in a truly wild part of Botswana, so there is no mobile phone signal here and internet access may be limited.
• The grounds are protected by electric fencing, yet guests must strictly follow safety rules and never leave the camp unaccompanied.
• Due to the climate and plentiful dust during game drives, it is advisable to pack light, neutral-coloured clothing that covers the skin, along with sun protection.

Practical Tips for Guests

• Book spa treatments with therapist Kenny well in advance, as the schedule fills quickly between game drives.
• Don’t miss the chance to spend time in the lookout hide early in the morning or during the pre-sunset hours — this is when the largest numbers of animals come to the water.
• Be sure to try barman Zaza’s signature gin and tonic during the evening campfire gatherings.
• Keep your camera and binoculars charged and ready on your tent’s terrace — sizeable animals can appear at the water at any moment, even during the midday rest.

Final Verdict

Savute Elephant Lodge delivers one of Africa’s finest safari experiences, blending Botswana’s wild romance with the unparalleled luxury of the Belmond brand. It is a meticulously orchestrated adventure that justifies every aspect of its premium status.

Overall Grade: A+

Breakdown: Location: A+ | Rooms: A | Service: A+ | Dining: A | Facilities: A | Value for Money: A-

Best for: devotees of luxury eco-tourism, honeymooners, wildlife photographers and travellers seeking deep safari immersion with the highest levels of comfort and safety.

Not for: budget tourists and those looking for bustling city breaks or a stable, high-speed internet connection for work.