contrast of Africa.Perched on the banks of the now flowing Savute Channel, the Savute Elephant Camp by Orient-Express offers a spectacular birds eye view of elephant in their natural habitat. The Savute Channel, one of the greatest mysteries and fascinations of Northern Botswana, is flowing again after nearly 30 years of lying dormant.
The Savute is a dramatic area which is home to high concentrations of elephant and lions. Prides up to 40 strong are not uncommon, as are sighting 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.
Accommodation
The luxury accommodation in Savute Elephant Camp safari camp is situated in the arid Savute area, offering an oasis amid the beautiful plain. All the 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.
Tents
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
* Hair dryers
* Electric overhead fan (24 hour use)
* 110v/220v plugs for electric razor
* Facilities for charging video cameras
* 24 hour DC battery lighting in guest rooms
* Intercom system to reception
Camp Facilities
Savute Elephant Camp is pleased to offer our guests a range of facilities including:
* Spectacular observation deck area, just 10 meters from the adjacent water hole
* 20 meter elevated Swimming pool area, overlooking the riverbed
* Private Outdoor dining area – the ‘Boma’ ideal for special events and entertainment
* Private outdoor leisure area internet access and satellite TV located discreetly away from the main lounge and dining areas.
* Satellite phones on request
* High powered telescopes for star gazing
* Same day laundry service
* Curio shops with essential toiletries, safari wear, local art and craft objects
* Reference library of books and videos, audio-visual facilities
* VHF radio communications plus 24 hour emergency facilities
* Environmental flora and fauna check lists, talks and lectures by our environmentalist (on request).
* Emergency medical evacuation service
* Registered Airstrip which is managed by the department of wildlife
Restaurant & Bar
Enjoy a relaxed meal overlooking the stunning Savute channel in the raised restaurant. Gazing over the channel which is home to one of Africa’s largest elephant population you will be treated to delicious cuisine created by the skilled in house chefs.
Through out the day you will be able to relax is in the quiet atmosphere of the lounge sampling exotic treats or simply sitting back with a cup of tea taking in the remote landscape.
Camp's skilled chefs are always on hand to prepare light meals or snacks for the game drives through the Chobe National park.
In the evenings hosts will prepare the camp fire and let you experience a sky un tainted by unnatural light. Of course hosts also have a full stocked bar that is available at your convenience.
The Savute Boma
A dining experience second to none in a traditional Boma, best translated as a traditional meeting place, where senior tribe/community members would get together for the "Kgotla" or meeting. Typically traditional food dishes would be served during or after these get-togethers in the Boma.
The Boma had two entrances, one more hidden than the other to ensure the safe passage of tribe elders or the chief should any threat arise. The Boma offers spectacular vistas of the African night skies, through the silhouettes of Camel Thorn trees and Acacia nigrescens, which have been incorporated into the design.
Dining in the Savute Boma will, without a doubt, bring you closer to nature within the heart of a true bush environment.
Activities - Game Drive
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 4x4 vehicles, the 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.
The camp offers game viewing activities in the morning and late afternoons. These activities take place on safari viewing vehicle, designed for your comfort and safety. Activities are restricted to set regulations as the camp is within a national park.
Chobe National Park
In the heart of Botswana's Chobe National Park lies a dynamic wilderness, a sweeping expanse of savannah brooded over by several rocky outcrops which guard a relic marsh and the dry channel that was once its lifeline.
Mysterious wet and dry cycles mould this landscape and dictate the nature of its wild inhabitants. This is Savute and for the moment the channel is dry. The world acclaimed game viewing of Savute is an experience not to be missed. Here wild dogs hunt in the channel where crocodiles swam only twenty years ago. The Gubatsa Hills shelter leopard and Klipspringer and rock paintings of early man's wildlife sightings.
Getting to the Camp
Savute Elephant Camp has its own private licensed airstrip, co-ordinates 18 34 12.78 S – 24 03 17.01 E. The best way to Savute is via Maun which is accessible by scheduled, daily flights from Johannesburg. Savute is also accessible from Livingstone, Zambia and Kasane, Northern Botswana.
Access from Maun, Livingstone and Kasane is all by shared charter aircraft operated by camp's air partner, Mack Air. All aircraft used by Mack Air are by single-engine. Private charters are available on request.
Savute can also be accessed by 4x4 vehicles, provided the driver has experience of driving in Botswana, as road conditions are treacherous and may vary depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
Flying Times
From Maun: 50 mins
From Kasane: 40 mins
From Livingstone: 60 mins
