Front-row wildlife viewing in one of Chobe’s most dramatic regions
Savute Safari Lodge occupies an exceptional position overlooking the Savute Channel in the western reaches of Chobe National Park.
This is a part of Botswana known for drama. The Savute landscape shifts between dry grassland, woodland and the mysterious channel itself, whose water has historically disappeared and returned independently of local rainfall. Elephants, lion and other wildlife move through this environment, and the lodge’s position beside a permanent waterhole can bring the action remarkably close.
The current Savute Safari Lodge has been extensively reimagined, creating a contemporary safari property that remains focused firmly on its surroundings.
The lodge
The lodge has been designed around views of the channel and waterhole.
Indoor and outdoor lounges flow onto multi-level decks, providing numerous places to watch wildlife without leaving the property. Elephants are regular visitors to the waterhole and it is entirely possible for some of the day’s most memorable sightings to happen while sitting at the lodge.
A raised viewing deck incorporates a telescope for wildlife observation and stargazing.
Perhaps the most interesting addition is the photographic hide positioned at the waterhole. It places photographers much closer to eye level with visiting animals and creates opportunities that would be difficult to replicate from a conventional safari vehicle.
Accommodation
Savute Safari Lodge is intentionally small, accommodating a maximum of 24 guests.
There are 11 en-suite chalets, including a family chalet comprising two interconnecting en-suite rooms.
The accommodation takes advantage of the expansive Savute views, with private decks and landscape-facing sitting areas allowing guests to continue watching the wilderness between activities.
The family chalet provides additional space and privacy for families travelling together while remaining part of the intimate lodge environment.
Safari experiences
Game drives explore the Savute region of Chobe National Park, an area particularly associated with elephant and predator sightings.
The landscape itself is a major part of the experience. Open plains, woodland, the Savute Marsh and the channel create a very different safari environment from the waterways of the Okavango Delta.
Wildlife movements vary with the seasons and prevailing conditions, which is precisely why Savute can be so compelling. It isn’t a manicured wildlife experience – it is a dynamic ecosystem.
The region is also known for its ancient baobabs and San rock art, adding another dimension to time spent away from the lodge.
Wildlife from the lodge
One of Savute Safari Lodge’s greatest advantages is that wildlife viewing does not necessarily stop when the game drive ends.
The waterhole immediately in front of the lodge attracts animals throughout the day, and the decks and photographic hide have been designed to exploit this position.
For photographers in particular, having a dedicated hide available at the lodge gives Savute an important point of difference.
Time between safaris
The lodge includes comfortable indoor and outdoor relaxation areas and a swimming pool, giving guests somewhere to retreat during the warmer middle part of the day.
As evening approaches, the emphasis shifts back towards the landscape – drinks overlooking the waterhole, dinner and the sounds of Savute after dark.
Good to know
Savute provides a contrasting experience to Botswana’s Delta camps.
Rather than reed-lined waterways and mokoro excursions, the emphasis here is terrestrial safari, predator country and the changing environment surrounding the Savute Channel.
Combining Savute with an Okavango Delta camp therefore makes considerable sense: the two areas reveal very different sides of Botswana within the same journey.
Families can be accommodated, with a dedicated family chalet available.
Highlights
- Exceptional position overlooking the Savute Channel
- Waterhole directly in front of the lodge
- 11 chalets including a family chalet
- Private decks and landscape-facing living spaces
- Dedicated photographic hide
- Excellent predator and elephant country
- Guided game drives in Chobe National Park
- Swimming pool
- Elevated wildlife and stargazing deck
- Ideal contrast to an Okavango Delta water camp
Why we like it
Savute Safari Lodge offers something increasingly valuable on safari: excellent wildlife can come to you.
Its waterhole, hide and extensive viewing decks make the lodge itself part of the safari experience, while the wider Savute region delivers a distinctly different landscape from the Okavango Delta.
Speak to Private Hideaway Escapes about combining Savute Safari Lodge with the Okavango Delta and other regions of Botswana.
