From the moment we got off the aircraft we were blown away by the place. Our tour guide Watch was AMAZING and made for the most unforgettable trip. All the staff are so friendly and happy to assist. The rooms leave you wanting for nothing and the wildlife at the front is just a bonus. All the food we had was also great. The game drives each day got better and better and we ticked every box we could have hoped for. I have no doubt we will be back.
A special spot for a traveler. Flying into the camp, there were elephants crossing the runway. exciting!!! What a welcome. Accommodations are amazingly perfect...really! Delicious food and wonderful beverages. Staff is friendly and helpful. Having a private lunch on our own deck was glorious, and napping with a thunderstorm and open windows was memorable. Not a lot of elephants due to recents rains but we saw everything else....leopards, lions, you name it! We saw it! Robert, our guide, was the most knowledgable of the guides of our 6 different safaris on this trip. We hated leaving Savute and will hopefully return.
We stayed in this camp for 4 days of a 2 week holiday. It is by far the best safari camp we have been to.
Arrival- We traveled by plane to Savute airstrip which is about a 10 minute drive from the camp. The pickup was quick and efficient despite the pouring rain. On arrival at the camp you are greeted by singing staff which is a very nice touch to the start of your stay. You then start your orientation of the camp with one of the three managers. You get given face wipes and a welcoming drink. You also get given a metal water bottle with your names on. All these are very nice welcoming touches and make you feel relaxed.
Setting- The location and views from the camp are incredible. It took my breath away. Every room has a balcony overlooking the river which often has elephants roaming around.
Day schedule-
5.30- wake up (with tea and coffee delivered to your room)
6.00- Light continental breakfast
6.30- Departure from camp for morning safari
10.45-Return to camp
11.00-14.00- Brunch is available
15.30- Afternoon tea
16.00-Start of afternoon game drive.
19.00-Return to camp
19.30-Dinner is served
The only thing I found a problem with on this timetable was the morning game drive felt very long.
After you have gone back to your tent after 19.00 you have to be escorted by a member of staff. There is a phone supplied in the room if you require to be escorted.
Rooms- Every room has got good quality a/c. You are supplied with 2 multi national travel plugs. The electricity supply stays on all night and day. The tents have good lighting and lots of storage space. There is a good laundry service which clothes are returned the same day. There are two showers one inside one outside and two sinks. The beds are surrounded by netting to stop flys. Insect repellant is also provided. The beds are surprisingly comfy. The rooms are high quality.
Security- The camps is fully enclosed in a big wooden fence which has electric fences attached to it. However smaller animals do make it into the camp and so this is why an escort is required at night.
The wifi service is very good there is an internet room available for all guests.
Food- The food was amazing a mix of local and international cuisine was well above normal standards.
All the staff are very friendly and always willing to help. This is one of the best camps I have been to and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Excellent camp in Botswana. Great accomodation and service, and excellent game viewing. Our guide, Mighty, was very competent and made the experience truly unique.Orient Express camps offer great quality and value.
A really nice camp! As with the other 2 we stayed in at the same time, the staff were fantastic. Same too for facilities, rooms and location. All our guides were excellent but I think Richard here was really exceptional. His knowledge and manner were both delightful. It was very nice to visit a camp that had Batswana managers rather than non-locals flown in from SA. This gave a very nice relaxed feel to the place but with the expected professionalism. As at the others, nothing was too much trouble - the kindness of everyone was really appreciated. Another plus here was that the camp is quite compact and very stylish - so not too much walking in the sweltering heat! They also had a pool that had shadow over it for at least part of the day so you really could cool off.
Fabulous game viewing. I would definitely go back here.
This was last part of a trip to Botswana which included the three Orient Express lodges in the order of Khwai River Lodge, Eagle Island Lodge and then Savute Elephant Lodge, staying three nights in each.
This was out last lodge. Mighty was our guide (see Alexander McCall Smith’s The Double Comfort Safari Club - The No 1 Ladies detective Agency - yes Mighty did work at Eagle Island before) and was again a great. All staff friendly and very helpful. Room was good, note no bath but decent shower. All rooms in the 3 lodges were similar We thought the food was probably best here.The laundry really is excellent - back same day service - out in the morning back that evening.
PS as two gay men there were no difficulties at all.
