Savute Elephant Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana

From the moment we landed at that Savute Airstrip we knew this was something special. We’ve had Richard as our guide and he led us to Cathy and Lorato who’s ready to welcome us with champagne and wine. Spoiled! The lodge is absolutely fantastic from the room, the view, staff’s enthusiasm, can’t stop raving! Everyone’s on site are fantastic Kenny the masseuse, my housekeeper Tshidi keeping my room clean and welcoming at all times; Naledi whom toured me the room to get myself familiarized; there’s also Chippee, Nadie, Walter sorry if I couldn’t remember you all. Highlight: sorry chef I forgot your name. Your ground beef is to die for!!! Back to the experience We went during the off season but still we managed to see elephants on site, we saw heeps of wild dogs fighting against a hyena what a sight! Richard our lovely ranger was fantastic during our safari game drive we saw a lion from afar and with his experience he could it would still be there in the afternoon and boy it was still there when we went back after lunch! I’m convinced there’s never a bad season in Botswana! Just find the expert aka go with Richard (we heard from another guest that Moses is amazing also) and just go experience it yourself! Lastly thanks to Dan the GM for getting everyone so organized. You should be so proud of your team!

I just reviewed The Eagle Lodge and mixed up the two properties. They are both unbelievable and should not be missed. The Eagle Island lodge had the very best massages that we ever experienced. Highly recommend Maggie. She is strong and very thoughtful. We did one every day and will miss her terribly! Both girls are fantastic. Maria did an amazing job cleaning our room twice a day. There is plenty of bottled water and soft drinks in the refrigerator. The terrace overlooks stunning scenery with hippos, lions, elephants and water buffalo all over the waterfront.We were served by Miss B and she was lovely. Izzy made us fabulous drinks each night! BK has the loveliest personality. Every single person who serves there is friendly and can’t do enough for everyone. Rachael helped us get our donations to the right place with our amazing game driver, DK. DK is extremely passionate, knowledgeable and just plain sweet. She found us every single animal that we always wanted to see. We really enjoyed getting to know her at sunset when she takes out a picnic basket with snacks and cold drinks. She spotted the most fantastic owl, eagles, cheetahs, lions and so much more! She is one of a kind. We loved the property and can’t recommend Belmond enough. It’s quiet, elegant and run well.

Savute Elephant Lodge was one of two lodges that we visited when we were in Botswana. It was an exceptional experience. As frequent guests of one of Belmond's hotel, the staff at Savute had been in touch with that staff to ensure that our known requests were provided. Even without that extra service, our stay here was exceptional. The lodge is very well appointed, we never lacked for anything . The staff was friendly and most attentive. Our safari guide was exceptional. making sure that our adventures were educational and very fun. Highly recommend this lodge.

This is a wonderful Lodge, with a watering hole for 24 hour a day action, especially with elephants. For such a remote location, how they turn out the amazing, fresh pastries, is unbelievable. Everything is thoughtful, from the hot water bottles and blankets in the early morning drives, to the happy hours in the Bush with full china and open bar. All the staff was amazing, and it's impossible to single out folks, as they work so well as a team - but I will single out the daily laundry service (they deserve the shout out!) and Gom, our guide. Thanks for the lifetime memories. A happy family from Maryland, USA.

If I could give this lodge more than 5 out of 5 I would. Located with a view of elephants in a waterhole the rooms were excellent with air con, private frig and plenty of drinking water. We were woken each morning with a flask of hot water to make tea. The meals were exquisite. I don’t know where the chef learnt to cook. Meal times were when you wanted them not a rigid time. Our guide, Moses, was knowledgeable, ,enthusiastic and imparted information with having to be asked. He taught us how to track and nothing was too much trouble . He even showed us a bushman’s painting two thousand years old because one of our companions asked. I could go on and one about Moses and this lodge. I will cherish my memories.