Savute Safari Lodge

Each chalet has a high, traditional thatched roof and is decorated and furnished in a modern style with elements inspired by nature, leading to a traditional African Safari atmosphere. The chalets are spacious and full of natural light, with outward facing beds draped with mosquito netting which overlook the chalets own private decking. En-suite bathrooms are clean and bright and include an indoor shower. Bathroom amenities include biodegradable soaps and shower gels. Guests have a choice of relaxing in comfy wicker chairs or out on the private decking, enjoying the stunning vista whilst unwinding with a cup of tea or coffee from the coffee making station.

The family chalet has a main room with a double bed and an ensuite, and a connected second room, complete with two single beds and an ensuite bathroom with all the same amenities as the standard thatched chalets.

The lodge offers indoor dining in the main area or outside, al fresco, dining. Guests can enjoy a candlelit dinner under the stars with the odd elephant wandering past; enjoying excellent quality food which can be catered for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. There is a large indoor bar where guests can wind down and order a cocktail or a fire pit, where guests can relax with a pre or post dinner drink, recalling the adventures of their day.

Game drives are an excellent way to get closer to nature, in an open 4×4, guides can follow animal tracks and it is more than likely that guests will see elephant and spotted hyena. The predators of this area are lions, chetah and leopard, with antelope and zebra sightings also being a possibility. Many of the game drives will visit the Savute Marsh to give guests a chance to see the changeable Savute Channel; its unpredictability leading to some fascinating animal behaviour.

Also available is visit to the ancient San rock paintings, thought to be 1,500 years old. They are located at Gubatsa Hills, which is a prominent hilly landmark in an area that otherwise is flat. This is a chance to immerse yourself in culture, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Birdwatching in the area of Chobe National Park is excellent. With over 250 species of local bird, guests can look out for eagles, vultures and falcons. Also local to the area are Rosy-throated Longclaw, Black-winged Pratincole and Magpie Mannikin. Stargazing is mesmerising here, look up to the wide, clear skies; unpolluted by light. Constellations will be visible which guests will be hard pushed to see anywhere else.

Desert & Delta Safaris and their lodges are all built on the CARES philosophy, which highlights their core values in building a sustainable tourism model and developing human potential.

Leaders For The Future is an initiate that Desert & Delta Safaris supports. This helps develop Botswana as a leading eco tourism destination. Bursaries are offered for tourism education, when students have finished their studies through this program they are “guaranteed work placements and career opportunities within the local travel industry.” They also have a Youth Trainee Development Program which creates opportunities in the workplace for youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Desert & Delta create career opportunities within their camps for members of the local communities, these are not just jobs as “staff members within our camps can expand their knowledge, forging a career within the Botswana travel industry.”

Due to the remote location of their lodges, Desert & Delta Safaris employ a full time company doctor who visits the properties, “ensuring that the best medical advice and mentoring for all our staff is freely available.” Medical and psychological support are available and all this is funded by Desert & Delta Safaris.

Further funding and raising awareness for the Botswana Rhino Relocation and Reintroduction Program is one of Desert & Delta Safaris main endeavours. With a commitment to sustainable tourism development Chobe Game Lodge has introduced the first electric powdered, emission free safari vehicles and boats. This not only offers a quieter safari experience, it lowers carbon emissions and usage of fuel. Solar power and grey water treatment plants are also in use at various Desert & Delta Safari lodges granting them recognition from Botswana Tourism for their sustainable tourism initiatives.

Desert & Delta Safaris have their own Citizen Development Program, which educates and mentors Botswana citizens “to help them acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to attain employment as camp managers.” Due to the success of this program, since 2014 Botswana citizens have exclusively managed all Desert & Delta Safari camps. Desert & Delta Safaris is also committed to empowering women in the workplace by addressing the existing gender divide within the travel sector. Subsequently, Africa’s first all-female safari guiding team currently reside at Chobe Game Lodge, another Desert & Delta Safari camp.

Desert & Delta Safaris understand the challenges, both culturally and spiritually, that their staff face from working in a remote location. To help create health and happiness there is a staff wellness team exclusively coordinate visits from a spiritual leader and the company Pastor. Desert & Delta Safaris believe “this support structure ensures a healthy, happy and welcoming soul.”

Savute Safari Lodge has 24-hour power supplied by solar panels to reduce their impact on the environment.