Africa's Eden Pre tour

This is a dug out canoe poled by an experienced poler in the shallower waters of the Okavango. It is a great way to see the waterways and is tranquil and quiet. These excursions take place in the mornings or longer day trips can be arranged. Explore the islands around camp and come back rested and rejuvenated.

Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each and are conducted along the river systems and flood plains around the camp. The wildlife in the area is prolific and chances are good to see some of the larger predators, herds of elephant and buffalo and all the plains animals that occur here. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights.

Walking safaris are also conducted generally in the morning with armed guides. The walks are leisurely and time is taken to observe the smaller things in the bush that one normally misses when driving. Walking is weather dependent, or dependent on the condition of the terrain.

It’s dark outside as a cup of steaming coffee and a freshly-baked pastry is brought to your tent. The first rays of sun are sneaking over the horizon as you set out with your guide. As the light intensifies, the scent of wild sage perfumes the air.

Early morning and late afternoon game drives take you out and among Africa’s largest populations of elephants. Big cats are on the prowl, from leopards to lions. Depending on the season you will also experience the great migrations such as zebra and antelope. Rare sightings might include the endangered wild dog, rock-climbing klipspringers and the elegant roan antelope.

Equally atmospheric and exciting are evening drives, as the shadows lengthen and the sky turns red. Animals and birds emerge from their siesta, and suddenly the bush is alive with sights and sounds.

Game viewing vehicles sit up to only 6 guests, allowing all on board to enjoy the wildlife from a window seat.

Head to our new viewing hide to enjoy a front-row seat of the action as elephants, hyenas and leopards gather at the watering hole for their daily drink.

It is a fascinating time to spot birds at Savute as the intermittent Savute Channel, dry for 30 years, is flowing past the camp again. With it has come a host of new bird species. Dry land birds such as bustards and secretary birds have suddenly been joined by more aquatic varieties. Simply sit out on your terrace and watch the show, especially at dawn and sunset, as they come to splash and drink right in front of your eyes.

Keen birders should also take note of the seasons. At certain times of year you may encounter annual migrations such as flocks of carmine bee-eaters on the move. Some ride on the backs of kori bustards—an amazing sight.

Out in the bush, where rocks rear up among stony hills you will find a collection of paintings that take your breath away. These works by Bushmen are thought to be more than 1,500 years old—beautiful images of elephant, giraffe, sable and eland antelope. Normally these types of painting might be found hidden in caves, but here, unusually, they are out in the wide, open landscape. No-one knows what materials the bushmen used, but the paint is thought to be a mixture of snake venom, blood and plant juices.

After viewing these paintings, continue to the amazing baobab grove—a cathedral-like cluster of 13 giant trees that rival the Bushmen’s paintings in age. Stand among these towering columns at sunset, as the evening light bathes them in a russet glow and wonder at this ancient land.

The open skies around Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge make it the perfect place to experience the vast, dark dome of the African night sky. “A jewel box” is how one of our guides describes it, and certainly it is a wealth of riches from the Milky Way to Orion and Venus. Discover how Bushmen used the stars to locate the true south. And, using a powerful telescope, gaze on constellations that visitors from the northern hemisphere may never have seen before, including the Southern Cross.

Gather around the campfire in this circular log hut and exchange your day’s adventures, much as local villagers do in similar buildings throughout Botswana. Flames flicker and lamps glow as drinks are served; a choir sings traditional songs and invites you to a buffet of African specialities.

Then take a comfortable seat and listen as camp guides recount tales of the bush. Musicians strike up traditional songs and the evening often ends with everyone on their feet, dancing to rhythms handed down through generations.

Discover our luxurious new spa tent, inspired by the elephants grazing on the nearby marula trees and traditional African healing practices. In a quiet spot at the edge of the lodge, surrounded by luxuriant bushveld, we invite you to put time on hold and lose yourself in a sense-soothing journey.

High Tea is served at 16h00 in the open-plan dining area, where you can continue to enjoy unparalleled views of the Savuti and activity around the waterhole below. You will meet your personal guide and fellow travellers while enjoying the decadent splendour of our home baked cakes and treats. Your guide will prepare your orders for refreshments during your afternoon Sundowner drive which departs around 16h30 traversing our private network of roads. We have a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle for your viewing comfort. Drinks of choice will be enjoyed either at our private hide overlooking our waterhole or at our special Baobab site with magnificent sunset views where photographers as well as nature lovers will experience an incredibly unique landscape.

Herds of elephants, buffalo, impala, kudu, giraffe, zebra, roan antelope, spotted & brown hyena, Ghoha pride of lions and leopard are some of the possible sightings around in the area. Not to mention the numerous different bird species and the spectacular Baobab trees that dot the landscape.

You will return to camp around 18h30 to freshen up before dinner. Your guide will meet you at a pre-arranged time at your room to accompany you the Main area for a pre-dinner drink around the bonfire in the Boma and catch up with the other guests and their stories. Dinner is served in the dining area from 19h30 onwards.

The Savuti Marsh Excursion (Minimum 2-night stay). This is a highlight game experience with seasonal activity taken into account on the exact sequence of the day with guest requirements and preferences.

Your day starts early morning, with wake-up at 5am. Your guide will collect you from your room at 5h30 for a superb continental breakfast and coffee and then departing around 6h00 on you day excursion. With various stretching points en-route to the Savuti Marsh, you will stop again for some Tea/Coffee and rusks.

Your professional guide will take you through magnificent ancient landscapes and wildlife areas - to name a few: Harvey’s Pan, where so many animals roam daily, Kudu Hills, Quarry hill and rock climbing to get a close view of the Bushmen Rock Paintings, the magnificent Theatre of Twelve Baobab’s seeing the Pimple Hills as well as Twin Hills.

The drive will then continue further showcasing the wonders of the Savuti Marsh with its magnificent herds of Buffalo and Elephant and the Savuti Pride of Lions, in addition to many other species of game and birdlife will be found.

You will return to Ghoha Hills for lunch which is served between 13h00 – 14h00.

After lunch you can relax in the lodge area, have a swim, or enjoy a workout in the gym or have a spa treatment. We also have Wi-Fi available, letting you connect to loved ones or just catch up on the news

High Tea and Sundowner Game drive will start again at 16h00 that afternoon between 13h00 – 14h00. After lunch you can relax in the lodge area, have a swim or enjoy a workout in the gym or have a spa treatment. We also have Wi-Fi available, letting you connect to loved ones or just catch up on the news High Tea and Sundowner Game drive will start again at 16h00 that afternoon.

You have a choice of sleeping late, having a hot breakfast and then departing to the airstrip depending on time of flight, a short game circuit en-route can be done to revisit sights and pans closer to the airstrip.

OR

Getting up early for a drive to the hide for Coffee & rusks and then returning for a hot breakfast and then departing to the airstrip – depending on flight time

You can pre-book a scenic helicopter flight (quote available on request).

Early morning/ or afternoon departure from Ghoha Hills to just outside the Ghoha gate where your helicopter adventure awaits you.

Our scenic/ photography flights are a not to miss opportunity. We take the doors off for an even better photographic experience while flying.

Moments after departing you will enjoy the breath-taking views seen only from a helicopter - flying in the direction of the Linyanti Swamps.

This is a 30 minute flight where you will then land and enjoy delights from a special picnic basket packed for you – 30 minutes later you will then return back to the Ghoha gate – total excursion time 90 minutes.

Our professionally trained therapists will ensure you walk away from your soothing spa
treatments feeling pampered and relaxed. Our therapists understand that this is YOUR
experience and will do their utmost to ensure a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Our treatments are done in a room with sweeping views of the wilderness below. While our therapists use their natural rhythm and specific techniques to ensure a calm mind and de-stressed body, the wilderness beyond will take care of the harmony between you and nature.

Feeling a bit stiif after spending a lot of time travelling and on safari - spend some time in the gym with a view.