&Beyond Savute Under Canvas

The main area is a simple open-sided tent with dining tables and chairs, a tea and coffee station, a good selection of drinks and a table stacked with useful reference books and wildlife magazines. Dinner is usually served under the stars beside a campfire, unless it's too cold. Breakfast is hearty, lunch is lighter, afternoon tea is just right – all-in-all great cuisine. There's also a boma and a viewing deck.

Five canvas Meru-style tents sleep 10 guests in total. The tents are traditional, with mesh windows and an entrance you open and close with a zipper. All have comfortable twin or double beds, sisal mats and an en-suite bathroom with a gravity-flush toilet and al fresco bucket shower that a staff member will fill with hot water when you need it. Dressing gowns, insect repellent and toiletries are supplied. Outside is a sheltered veranda with camp chairs.

The majority of safari lodges offer twice-daily game drives, but those at Savute are particularly rewarding as the location, in the heart of Chobe, is so remote and wild. We've mentioned a small number of species you're likely to see, but all game- and bird-viewing here is excellent. Birdwatchers should pay special attention when exploring the marshes – look out for southern carmine bee-eaters, storks, rollers, kestrels, plovers, sandgrouse and kori bustard, the world’s heaviest flying bird.