In the heart of Botswana's 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 our 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 our skilled in house chefs.

Throughout the day you will be able to relax in the quiet atmosphere of the lounge sampling exotic treats or simply sitting back with a cup of tea taking in the remote landscape. Our skilled chefs are always on hand to prepare light meals or snacks for the game drives through the Chobe National Park. In the evenings we will prepare the camp fire and let you experience a sky untainted by unnatural light. Of course we 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.

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. 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.

The Chobe National Park is best known for its high concentration of Elephant - with over 50,000 it is the largest elephant concentration in Africa. The Elephants belong to the species called Kalhari Elephants. These elephants are characterised by their larger than average size but comparatively weak tusks.

The Chobe National Park is home to some beautiful flowers and fauna; not lest the baobab tree. These wonderful trees are reputed to be thousands of years old and can reach heights of up to thirty meters (98ft). The trees are perfectly adapted to the environment using their large trunks to hold vast quantities of water which allow them to survive the harsh droughts that affect the area.

The Baobab is an integral part of the eco-system and is often home to a wide range of animals, from tiny creatures to the largest mammals.

Morning & Late Afternoon Game Drives: 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 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.

Bird Watching: Savute Elephant Camp is based on the edge of the Savute Marsh. 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. More than 250 birds species are found at Savute and most of them are endemic to the area.

NOTE: All accommodation rates above are inclusive of:
Accommodation, meals, all drinks including premium branded spirits and wines but excluding imported champagne, laundry services. At least 2 game viewing activities daily, emergency medical evacuation insurance and national park fees, VAT in Botswana AND NEW FOR 2010 all shared inter camp air transfers from / to Maun & Kasane airports or any other Orient-Express camp.

Rates are EXCLUSIVE OF:
Non house branded wines, spirits and imported champagne, gratuities, personal travel insurance and costs for obtaining visas.

CHILDREN: We accept children as young as 8 years of age. Children aged between 8 & 12 years will be charged 50% of the adult rates, and will be requested to share with parents in an extra bed which we will provide at no additional charge.